Aid to the Church in Need’s (ACN) Week of Witness goes ahead this year, but online rather than in person. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, National Director of ACN, Dr Michael Kinsella said: “The week of witness is a dedication of a week in the life of the Church that, as part of the liturgical…
A Pakistani court has ordered the immediate recovery of a teenage Catholic girl who was abducted, forcibly converted to Islam and married to a 44-year-old Muslim man in the southern city of Karachi in a case which has shocked and angered the country’s beleaguered religious minorities. Sindh High Court on November 2 also ordered that…
A strong majority of New Zealand voters approved the legalisation of assisted suicide and euthanasia for the terminally ill on October 30. Foes of legalisation said many voters appeared confused about the measure’s far-reaching effects and warned that the move will have consequences for the vulnerable. The nationwide referendum passed with support from 65% of…
Pope Francis authorises decrees concerning nine causes for sainthood Pope Francis has authorised the promulgation of several decrees regarding nine people who are on the path toward canonisation. The news came following a meeting between the Pope and Cardinal-elect Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The Pope recognised three miracles,…
Black Nazarene procession in Philippines cancelled over coronavirus Due to the coronavirus pandemic, civil and ecclesial authorities in the Philippines have agreed to cancel the Black Nazarene celebration in 2021, which gathers millions of churchgoers in Manila each January. Known as the traslacion, the 19-hour procession through the streets of Manila takes place each year…
Bishops who want to establish a religious order in their dioceses must first obtain the written permission of the Holy See, Pope Francis said. Amending canon law, the Pope said it no longer is enough for a bishop to consult the Vatican before approving the creation of a new order in his diocese. “By its…
Pope Francis prayed for “the defenceless victims of terrorism” at his weekly general audience, following a number of attacks across Europe. An attack in Nice, France and one in Vienna “have provoked dismay and reproach” among residents and in all who “cherish peace and dialogue”, the Pope said. Pope Francis concluded by calling for an…
Family and friends mourned the tragic loss of Tadg and his son Diarmuid O’Sullivan at his funeral today, a loss that should be not be minimised by “providing easy answers”
Bishop Noel Treanor appealed to the public to care for “the safety, well-being and health of all NHS and Care workers,” in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. He acknowledged the “immense” pressure that healthcare workers – nurses, ambulance teams, paramedics, doctors, surgeons, consultants, administrative and cleaning staff – find themselves under at this time.…
The Primate of All-Ireland has said he is hopeful that the Government will consider lifting a ban on public worship in place as a measure against Covid-19. Archbishop Eamon Martin was speaking after a meeting between members of the Irish bishops’ conference and Taoiseach Micheál Martin. The archbishop also pointed out the lack of evidence…
Ruadhán Jones
Michael Kelly