The Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese’s release of the names of priests and deacons credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor “is an appropriate step and part of a commitment to openness and transparency by the Church in this area” a member of the Indiana Diocesan Review Board has said. “I am hopeful too that…
Category: News
New Book of Kells course explores medieval Ireland
A free online course developed by Trinity College Dublin will allow learners worldwide to explore the history of Ireland through the Book of Kells. The new four-week online course will help people to learn more about the manuscript and begins on October 8. Called ‘The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece’ it is…
Vatican Roundup
God ‘searches for disciples amongst sinners’ God went looking for and chose so many Christians and saints from the dregs of society, inviting some of the worst sinners to be his disciples, Pope Francis said in a morning homily. It would be easy to think, he said, that Jesus “doesn’t have good judgment in choosing people” given that he chose…
For the persecuted, there is hope in Mary’s care, Pope Francis says
Elise Harris Despite the pain and suffering they have experienced, Catholics in the Baltic states can take hope in the steadfast care of the Virgin Mary, as depicted at the Gate of Dawn in Lithuania, Pope Francis said today. “The years pass, the regimes pass, but above the Gate of Dawn of Vilnius, Mary,…
Papal emeritus role serves to clarify there is ‘only one Pope’ – Benedict
The anger of people frustrated by the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI is affecting him and devalues his pontificate, according to letters written by the Pope Emeritus and published today in a German newspaper. “I can well understand the deep-seated pain that the end of my pontificate caused you and many others. But for some…
Pope pleads for shorter homilies
Priests should challenge parish Priests must challenge parishioners if they want to make the Mass relevant to their lives and prompt them to delve deeper into their Faith. Irish religious and lay-catechists have called for homilies to be “more accessible” and really connect with people if they’re to make an impact. Speaking about the…
Angry voices marked papal visit – English cardinal
Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland showed the need for the Church to hear angry voices as well as joyful ones, England’s leading cleric has said. Speaking in Poznan, Poland, at a meeting of European bishops, Westminster’s Cardinal Vincent Nichols said the Pope’s Irish visit had been “remarkable” and “unlike any other papal visit in my…
Top actor puts Faith above Hollywood’s glitz and glamour
Some say that showbusiness is just fun and games, but for award-winning actor and iconic role model, Mark Wahlberg, it’s not all glitz and glam. Last week, Wahlberg posted an Instagram story of his full day that would put some monks to shame, as he wakes up at 2.30am, prays for half an hour, and…
Pupils from religious homes more likely to succeed, survey reveals
Students raised in religious homes are more likely to succeed, regardless of whether they went to a faith school or a not, a new study has found. Research by the UCL Institute of Education found that pupils from Catholic and Church of England families did well due to their upbringing, rather than because of the…
‘Time of the essence’ as Westminster set to vote on abortion in NI
A new pro-life Poster Campaign aims to ensure legislation regarding abortion in the North of Ireland (NI) will be dealt with by Stormont rather than in Westminster, with campaigners saying “the battle is on”. Churches across NI will be contacted by Precious Life who hope they will encourage parishioners to send the group’s postcards to…