A Catholic schools’ representative body has welcomed the HSE’s revamped test and trace system, saying earlier shortcomings were “not acceptable”. From Monday, November 2 on, a revamped Covid-19 testing and tracing system for schools will be led by public health officials and supplemented by department staff, the Minister for Education Norma Foley announced last week.…
In a statement released last weekend, the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales asked the government to produce evidence necessitating a suspension of public worship, as is required by the latest Covid-19 guidance. It was signed by both the President of the bishop’s conference, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, and the Vice-President, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP. They…
Facing protests across the country after a court ruling prohibiting abortion for foetal abnormalities, the Polish president said Friday he would propose a bill permitting abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality. Andrzej Duda said October 30 he would introduce a bill to allow abortion “when prenatal tests or other medical indications show a high…
Aontù leader Peadar Tóibín has called for an “urgent inquiry” following a “huge increase” in homeless deaths this year. 50 homeless people have died this year, compared with 34 and 35 in the last two years according to figures from Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE). This is despite more than 1,500 people exiting homelessness this…
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…
Ruadhán Jones