Laity and clergy in Armagh are preparing to gather for a historic archdiocesan congress on youth, family and faith this weekend, March 20-22. The congress, which invites people to reflect upon what it means to be “St Patrick’s people in Ireland today”, focuses on seven priorities identified in conversations with young adults, young families and…
A protest outside Belfast City Hall at the weekend has drawn attention to proposed city centre by-laws that campaigners say could restrict pro-life outreach, street preaching and public expression. Around 100 people gathered for the demonstration organised by Liberty NI, with speakers aiming to raise awareness of the proposals among the wider public. Speaking to…
On February 28, Israel and the US launched massive air strikes against Iran. The following day, Pope Leo XIV responded during the Angelus prayer with the words: “Stability and peace cannot be achieved through mutual threats or weapons that bring destruction, suffering and death, but only through reasonable, authentic and responsible dialogue.” He appealed to…
As Scotland nears a final vote by the Scottish Government’s Assisted Dying for Terminal Ill Adults Bill, the country’s bishops are expressing “deep concern” about the proposal. In a statement released on March 10, the bishops noted the Scottish Government’s response to an amendment which sought to introduce provisions allowing organisations – including hospices, care…
More than 10,000 Austrian university students have signed a petition demanding that the Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH, by its German acronym) abolish its so-called “Repro Fund,” a program that uses mandatory student fees to finance abortions. The petition, organised by ProLife Europe in partnership with CitizenGo, was formally submitted on March 11 to…
Pope Leo XIV has spent his first night in his new quarters in the Apostolic Palace. On Saturday evening, lights were visible in the small windows above the Pope’s official residence. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that Leo XIV would move into the premises – which had been available to his predecessors – on Saturday…
The dedication of a new altar at Mater Dei Church has marked a “new beginning” for a Co. Antrim parish, following a major restoration of the 1970s building. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Canon Colm McBride PP said the ceremony, led by Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, was “to dedicate the new altar but also an…
Ireland urged to recover the saint behind the Shamrock As Ireland prepares to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, Dominican priest Gregory Pine has called for what he described as an “authentic reappropriation” of the country’s patron saint. Speaking to The Irish Catholic during a visit to Dublin, Fr Pine – a popular Catholic speaker and member…
300 audience members in Donegal and Galway got the chance to reflect on happiness, joy and fulfillment during the Irish Dominicans’ Happiness Conference over the weekend. The conference took place in Donegal and Galway, with both locations drawing a crowd of over 150. “It was evident there were lots of young people,” said Fr Maurice…
A diocesan initiative aimed at reconnecting young adults with parish life drew around 40 participants to Our Lady of Victories parish in Ballymun for a HopeFest gathering last weekend. HopeFest events, organised through the Archdiocese of Dublin’s youth ministry team, are being held in parishes across the diocese with the aim of creating spaces where…