A Church leader in Hong Kong has urged people to continue resisting Communist repression from China after thousands defied the city administration’s ban on remembering the Tiananmen Square victims. Some churches in the region marked the June 4 anniversary with Masses and prayers in memory of the young people who were crushed in the 1989…
The Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady in Walsingham, England has experienced the “biggest pilgrimage season” in its history, according to the shrine’s rector. The shrine, established by the noblewoman Richeldis de Faverches after she experienced a series of Marian apparitions in 1061, was forced to close and cancel pilgrimages due to the Covid-19 pandemic.…
Highlighting the increase in domestic violence calls reported by An Garda Síochána over the last year, the bishop of Kildare and Leighlin has pointed people to Accord’s counselling service. Posting on social media, Bishop Denis Nulty said Accord counsellors are trained to help those suffering from domestic violence. He said there has been a “25%…
The archdioceses of Jakarta and Samarinda have reopened their churches after local authorities began to ease social restrictions imposed to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. “Religious activities may resume starting,” said Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan in a live-streamed press conference last week. “All churches can be reopened but only for regular activities…all places of worship must…
Despite the coronavirus pandemic coming at a time “of weakness unparalleled” in the Church’s recent history, the “challenge has been met” according to Archbishop Michael Neary. “Parishes organised Masses on webcam and radio. Many priests and bishops took to ministry via online and digital media with flair and creativity. A tired Church, wearied by relentless change, found new strength…
The death has occurred of prominent educationalist Msgr Jim Cassin. He was a priest of the Diocese of Ossory and served for many years as the Church’s national secretary for education. He died in St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny on Friday and was laid to rest following a private requiem Mass on Tuesday. He was…
Vatican Santa Marta Paediatric Dispensary reopens The Vatican’s Santa Marta Paediatric Dispensary has reopened after being forced to shut down for more than two and a half months due to the Covid-19 crisis. Despite the pandemic still being present at large, the Dispensary in the heart of the Vatican re-started its services for needy children…
Indian priest and director to release new film A priest and film director in India is to release a new film of someone living with HIV and their family. Michael’s Coffee House, by Fr Anil Philip, will soon be released in Indian cinemas. Fr Philip, a member of the Congregation of Mary Immaculate (CMI), based…
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed this afternoon (Friday) that Catholics can start to safely gather together for Mass from June 29, following health and safety protocols. He also announced that from Monday up to 25 people can attend funerals. Last night Archbishop Diarmuid said that he will meet with other members of the hierarchy on Monday…
Catholics in the Republic may be able to begin gathering together to celebrate Mass on June 29, three weeks earlier than the Government’s original roadmap according to Archbishop Diarmuid Martin. There is no indication when Masses will be permitted north of the border, but authorities are known to be keen to work in tandem. The…
Michael Kelly