The Catholic Eparchy of Adigrat in Ethiopia has reiterated its urgent calls for dialogue and unhindered humanitarian access in Tigray, as the UN highlighted an opportunity for a peaceful settlement of the conflicts in the northern region. Father Abraha Hagos, director of the Adigrat Catholic Secretariat, said since December, the Church has been unable to…
The energy we have as restrictions end is a chance to call people back to Mass, Ruadhán Jones hears Some grim figures emerged during the pandemic, not least the fact that a good number of regular Mass-goers had not returned after the various lockdowns. However, the Government’s announcement Friday January 21 that the majority of…
Catholic politician rejects accusations in Islamophobia report A Catholic politician has objected to her inclusion in a report on Islamophobia in Europe, saying that it is based on “false accusations”. Marijana Petir, a member of the Croatian parliament, said that the reference to her and others in the European Islamophobia Report 2020, published on December 29,…
The Diocese of Down and Connor presented nine schools across the diocese with the annual ‘Spirit of Catholic Education Award’ to pay tribute to the “inspiring work” they have done. The ceremony was held in St Mary’s University College on Monday, January 24, during Catholic Schools Week, which runs from January 23-30. It was organised by the…
Bishop Donal McKeown encouraged students to “live life to the full”, as he celebrated Mass to launch Catholic schools’ week 2022. Jesus wants us “to be full of love and life”, the bishop of Derry said, adding that this “is the message that Catholic schools have always tried to communicate by word and by deed”.…
Afghanistan has unseated North Korea for the dubious distinction of the most dangerous country in the world for Christians, according to a group that reports on global Christian persecution. A takeover of the government by the Taliban has made it even harder — now, impossible— to live openly as a Christian, advocacy group Open Doors…
Bishop Leahy launches new religious education programme Bishop Brendan Leahy launched Credible Catholic, a new religious education programme for Catholic Voluntary Secondary School in Ireland, January 26. Credible Catholic is “a wonderful programme that quenches the thirst of the mind, expands the outreach of the heart and points in the direction of doing many good…
St Irenaeus declared ‘Doctor of Unity’ Pope Francis on Friday officially declared St Irenaeus of Lyon as the 37th Doctor of the Church, with the title Doctor Unitatis (‘Doctor of Unity’). “May the doctrine of such a great Master encourage more and more the path of all the Lord’s disciples towards full communion,” the Pope…
Pope Francis is set to open the 4 Corners Festival January 30, with a pre-recorded a personal video message.
God always offers people the help and courage they need to face life’s fears and difficulties, Pope Francis said
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady