‘Church shouldn’t stay silent,’ says Russian Catholic official The secretary-general of the Russian bishops’ conference defended his Church’s right to speak out during police repression, as the country’s Catholic archbishop demanded “substantial, concrete answers” to societal problems that are the subject of current massive protests. “Young people have gone out in freezing temperatures and tried…
Category: News
Iona Institute NI welcomes Bill to tackle ‘chilling’ abortion disability discrimination
The Iona Institute NI has welcomed a Bill from the DUP which would outlaw abortions on babies with disabilities such as Down Syndrome
For Lent, ask if one’s life is centred on God or oneself, Pope says
Lent is a time to reconsider the path one is taking in life and to finally answer God’s invitation to return to him with one’s whole heart, Pope Francis said.
We must let politicians know that worship is ‘utterly essential’, says Bishop McGuckian
The Bishop of Raphoe said he “longs for churches to be open for Mass” and expressed his frustration that worship is not treated as an essential service in his pastoral message for Lent
Irish pilgrims invited to join virtual tour of the Holy Land
While we can’t go to the Holy Land in person this Lent and Easter, Irish would-be pilgrims are invited to join a free virtual pilgrimage which starts tomorrow (Monday). Pilgrims will experience a virtual tour of the Holy Land throughout Lent and Holy Week, and will conclude the pilgrimage with a broadcast of Easter Vigil…
Assisted suicide a ‘failure to care for the terminally-ill’ bishops warn in Oireachtas submission
Assisted suicide reflects a “failure of compassion on the part of society” the Catholic bishops have warned in their submission to the Oireachtas committee reviewing legislation that, if passed, would legalise euthanasia. Good palliative care not assisted suicide “offers terminally-ill people the best possibility of achieving ‘a dignified and peaceful end of life’,” the Church leaders…
Lent is a time to grow in hope and love Pope says in 2021 message
As Christians pray, fast and give alms during Lent, they also should consider giving a smile and offering a kind word to people feeling alone or frightened because of the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis said. “Love rejoices in seeing others grow. Hence it suffers when others are anguished, lonely, sick, homeless, despised or in need,”…
Another Easter Mass ban ‘difficult to justify’ – bishop
Parishes in North may open for Mass early next month Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan has said that it would be “difficult to justify” Catholics not being allowed to gather for Mass for Holy Week and Easter saying “Our churches are probably safer than shopping malls and supermarkets – there is less movement and more…
Moral theologian argues for vaccination
Distinguished moral theologian, Fr Vincent Twomey, has argued in favour of taking the Covid-19 vaccine, while warning that it shouldn’t be compelled by either governments or companies. Writing for the Iona Institute, Fr Twomey said that allowing oneself to be vaccinated, under certain conditions, constituted “a duty to the common good”, saying that this applies…
Gianna Care centre break-in a painful blow
A Gianna Care employee described her “shock” and “surprise” upon entering their Dublin office to find it had been ransacked during the night. Marta Nakonieczna said the non-profit, which helps women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, now finds its work “much more difficult” as a result of the break-in. Nuisance “Yeah, definitely it’s a nuisance, I…

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