An Post has launched the annual Christmas stamps, and to mark the launch The Irish Catholic has ten prizes of a special Christmas stamp bundle to give away to lucky winners. The special bundle is priced at €26 and includes the 20-stamp Christmas booklet (valued at €19) with one free stamp and a handy booklet…
Two churches in Washington state burn in apparent arson attacks Two church buildings – one Baptist, one Catholic – were damaged by fires in apparent arson attacks in Brewster, a town in central Washington. Sacred Heart Catholic Church suffered some fire damage near the sanctuary from an incendiary device dropped through a broken window early…
Archbishop Eamon Martin launched the 2020 online Advent Calendar yesterday [November 24], urging people to use it to “spiritually prepare” during restrictions.
Primate of All-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin has said that he cannot understand why it might be possible to buy alcohol but not visit a church. He also urged politicians to understand that Christmas is about more than “eating and drinking”. Archbishop Eamon said the decision by the North’s Executive to close churches in hugely disappointing…
The Vatican is investigating usage of the papal Instagram account after Pope Francis’ official page liked a racy picture of a scantily-clad model. The picture ‘liked’ by Pope Francis’ verified account, Franciscus, features Brazilian model and Twitch streamer Natalia Garibotto wearing a lingerie outfit that resembles a school uniform. Garibotto’s mostly-uncovered posterior is visible in…
Argentine President Alberto Fernández sent a bill to Congress to decriminalise abortion, despite Catholic objections. In anticipation of the abortion bill being proposed, Argentina’s bishops blasted the president’s plans for decriminalisation as “untenable and inappropriate” – both on ethical grounds and the timing during a pandemic. President Fernández presented the bill November 17 and said…
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said he believes churches should be reopened once Level 5 restrictions lift on December 1. He expressed the belief that “controlled environments” should be allowed to reopen, arguing that gyms, shops and golf courses should be opened again come December 1 alongside churches. This morning on Newstalk Breakfast, Minister Ryan said,…
The Anglo-Celt has reported that a Cavan-based priest was threatened with prosecution after gardaí attended his church last Sunday to check compliance with Covid-19 regulations. While the country remains under Level 5 restrictions, public Masses remain suspended, with the exception of six for a wedding and 25 for a funeral Mass. A priest in Cork was…
EXCLUSIVE Priests in Dublin have expressed fears that the diocese may soon run out of money to pay their modest salaries due to a huge shortfall in collections The Irish Catholic can reveal. This comes on top of a 25% cut in pay back in May in a bid to plug the financial hole exacerbated…
Church leaders in Sligo and the Bishop of Raphoe have mounted pressure on Government by issuing statements calling for public worship to be reinstated. Eighteen Christian leaders, including Bishop Kevin Doran, signed a letter issued by their group ‘Sligo Churches Together’ saying they are “disheartened” that at a time when their Christian community “is most…
Ruadhán Jones
Michael Kelly
Chai Brady