The first priest in more than two years was ordained for the Diocese of Meath over the weekend, with Bishop Tom Deenihan saying it is a “sign of hope…despite all the prophets of doom”. Bishop Deenihan ordained Fr Norman Allred in the Cathedral of Christ the King in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath on September 20, His…
When asked by his superior if he wanted to leave Aleppo during the Syrian Civil War, Fr Edward Tamer replied that he would remain with the people “to die with them and for them”. Now, having survived the worst of the violence of the war, the Franciscan friar has died of Covid-19 at the age…
World Missions Ireland (WMI) are appealing for donations to support the “life-giving work of missionaries” as Covid-19 threatens their main fundraising event. The annual World Mission Sunday (WMS) collection takes place around the world, but church closures and recessions could mean a significant reduction in donations, said Fr Michael O’Sullivan, national director of WMI. “As…
Homeless charity Depaul has revealed that they’ve helped 256 people to leave direct provision centres since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. This figure involves 140 adults and 116 children, with 55 families included. The charity worked exclusively with people who’d been granted legal status to remain in Ireland, across seven counties. Depaul’s CEO, David…
Congolese bishops are expressing solidarity with Denis Mukwege, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning gynecologist who has received death threats over his continued call for justice and accountability over war crimes. The doctor – who shared the 2018 prize with victims of sexual violence in Congo – has been repairing women torn apart by rape in the…
An advocacy group for Christians and other religious minorities living in the Middle East this week praised an agreement between Israel and Bahrain, which comes on the heels of a similar agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. “While there are many contentious issues left to be discussed in the Middle East Peace Process…
Euthanasia legislation is headed for the Spanish Senate and, if passed, would be a defeat for human dignity and would affirm a self-centred view of life that proposes death as a solution to one’s problems, the Spanish bishops’ conference said. “To insist on ‘the right to euthanasia’ is typical of an individualistic and reductionist vision…
The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has announced the election of long-time member Rose McGowan as its new National President. Ms McGowan succeeds Kieran Stafford, whose three-year term ended on August 31. From Dublin, Ms McGowan has been a member of the SVP from her schooldays, when she began visiting with the Society in…
In the second known instance in the United States, a man who believed himself to be a validly baptised Catholic and ordained priest had to “re-receive” all of his sacraments, including ordination, after discovering that his baptism was invalid. Fr Zachary Boazman, a priest of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, thought he was validly ordained…
Pope prays for slain Italian priest remembered as a ‘martyr of charity’ Pope Francis expressed his sorrow after the murder of an Italian priest who was remembered for his care and concern for migrants and refugees. Before concluding his weekly general audience on September 16, the Pope led the Faithful in silent prayer for Father…
Chai Brady
Ruadhán Jones