The chairman of Germany’s Catholic bishops’ conference has responded to a strongly worded critique of the “Synodal Way” by his Polish counterpart. Bishop Georg Batzing said in a March 16 letter that he sought “a real theological exchange” with Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki over the direction of the controversial multi-year process bringing together Germany’s bishops and…
Pope Francis, in a video message recorded on their bishop’s phone, encouraged Catholics in Hong Kong and in mainland China to be strong in the face of challenges, to be good citizens and to pray for him as he prays for them. Bishop Stephen Chow Sau-yan of Hong Kong, a Jesuit who was ordained a…
Ireland must step up to meet escalating needs in Ukraine Irish charities have called on the Government to “step up” and meet the escalating humanitarian needs in Ukraine as millions are displaced by the war. Dóchas, the Irish Association of Non-Governmental Development Organisations, said “the humanitarian crisis within Ukraine is becoming more critical by the…
Bishop-elect of Rumbek receives heroic reception Father Christian Carlassare, the bishop-elect of Rumbek, returned to his see March 23 to jubilation, as he emphasised his intention to build unity in the diocese. The priest was shot in the legs shortly after his March 2021 nomination as Bishop of Rumbek. He was cared for at a…
Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland Eamon Martin has asked the Faithful of Ireland to join Pope Francis, the bishops and clergy of the world in prayer as they consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The consecration is due to take place this evening, March 25, when Pope Francis will…
Chai Brady and Ruadhán Jones Catholic schools across the country are already seeing “significant numbers” of children fleeing the Russian onslaught of Ukraine and have pledged to do whatever it takes to make places for them. Parish school leaders north and south say that the situation is moving very quickly with more than 200,000 refugees…
An association seeking the canonisation of famous Irish military chaplain killed in action during World War I, Fr Willie Doyle SJ, has recently been launched. The Father Willie Doyle Association is a private association of the Faithful that has now been formally recognised by Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan. Speaking on the occasion of the…
The Primate of All Ireland has criticised Patriarch Kirill of Moscow as being “blinded” by allegiances in Russia, and asked the religious leader to work towards peace. Patriarch Kirill, an influential Russian Orthodox leader, has vocally supported President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Archbishop Eamon Martin told The Irish Catholic that religious leaders are wondering:…
Bishop of Kilmore Martin Hayes said in a pastoral letter that initial synodal conversations have revealed a “crisis of faith” reflected in the level of participation in the liturgies. The diocese “must find new ways in which our faith can be expressed in life-giving liturgies that will engage people”, Dr Hayes said in his March…
An Irishwoman who advised Pope Francis on clerical abuse has warned that Vatican reforms could lead to the body losing independence. Marie Collins, who exposed abuse in Dublin Diocese and went on to serve the universal Church on the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, told The Irish Catholic she was concerned that the…
Chai Brady
Ruadhán Jones