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…
Knock Shrine is set to go online this November with a series of scheduled talks and vigils. The talks will be streamed on Knock Shrine’s website at 8.30pm every Wednesday evening in November and on the Knock Shrine Facebook page. They will be delivered by Fr Brian Grogan, SJ on the topic of life after…
The Government has indicated an unwillingness to relax the ban on public Masses after a meeting between Church leaders and Taoiseach Micheál Martin. However, both sides said that the important role of faith was acknowledged and that dialogue would continue. The move will disappoint many priests and parishioners who have been working hard to ensure…
Ruadhán Jones
Michael Kelly