Ruadhán Jones and Chai Brady Mass attendance down by two-thirds in some parishes The country’s largest diocese is preparing for what has been described as “radical change” and consolidation of parishes. It comes as statistics reveal a steep decline in Mass attendance – even before the pandemic – with some parishes seeing a drop of…
Minister Simon Coveney’s response to the arrest of Cardinal Joseph Zen in Hong Kong is “tame” and displays a diplomacy that is “terrified by its own shadow”, said TD Carol Nolan. In a response to a parliamentary question from Ms Nolan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs did not specify if he will raise the Catholic…
A new book on the Holy Land aimed at encouraging pilgrims to follow in the footsteps of Christ will be launched in Omagh, Co. Tyrone next week. An Irish Pilgrimage Guide to the Holy Land by Editor of The Irish Catholic Michael Kelly explores a variety of themes, from an in-depth look at the important sites…
The Irish Capuchins have said that Pope Francis’ ruling that religious brothers can now be superiors of orders is “a return to the original vision of St Francis of Assisi”. The day the Pope published the change was a “day of great rejoicing” within the Franciscan family, Bro. Richard Hendrick OFM Cap. told The Irish…
San Francisco’s archbishop declared May 20 that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is not “to be admitted” to Communion unless and until she publicly repudiates “support for abortion ‘rights’” and goes to confession and receives absolution “for her cooperation in this evil”. Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone said he decided to make this declaration “after numerous attempts to…
Staff reporter Social Justice Ireland have warned that “flaws” in the Government’s response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis could lead to problems, as the cost of living crisis hits Ireland. Fr Sean Healy SMA, head of SJI, told The Irish Catholic that while the Government have taken a good, human rights approach to the Ukraine…
Madrid launches holy year in honour of St Isidore the Farmer Madrid has kicked off a holy year in honour of the 400th anniversary of the canonisation of its patron saint, St Isidore the Farmer. During the jubilee year, which will last until May 15, 2023, pilgrims can receive a plenary indulgence by praying at…
People must change their lifestyles to combat climate change for the sake of future generations, Bishop Martin Hayes said ahead of Laudato Si’ Week, which is taking place this week from May 22-29. Laudato Si’ Week marks the seventh anniversary of the publication of the Pope’s encyclical on the environment and care for our common…
The Vatican hosted a virtual listening session with Catholics with disabilities May 19 as part of the Synod on Synodality process. People from more than 20 countries participated in the video call hosted by the Vatican Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life on May 19, with some expressing concerns about experiences of discrimination and exclusion. A participant…
A bill aimed at tackling legacy and reconciliation in the North of Ireland must be focused on victim groups rather than on British army veterans the bishop of Derry has said. Bishop Donal McKeown told The Irish Catholic the bill is “a huge step forward” as previously the British government was pushing for the ending…
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady