An increasing number of Catholic grammar schools in the North are abandoning controversial transfer tests to select pupils for 2021. It comes after Primate of Al-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin pleaded for the tests to be set aside. The 11-plus exams were formally abolished in 2008. However, some schools that wanted to continue to select children…
Catholics in China are concerned about a directive from the country’s Communist government asking priests to “preach on patriotism” as a condition for reopening liturgical services. The Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA) and the Chinese Catholic educational administration committee of Zhejiang province jointly issued a notice on the resumption of activities. “Religious places that meet…
Dublin-based composer Bernard Sexton has written a new religious song of comfort for the victims of Covid-19. The song entitled ‘God Will Wipe Away All Tears’ is based on sacred texts from the Bible, sung by a virtual choir and an MP3 file and sheet music has been made free to download. “The initial idea…
The Bishop of Derry says the biggest challenge facing the Church in the immediate aftermath of Covid-19 will be “rebuilding” its communities. In his homily on Trinity Sunday, Bishop Donal McKeown said the Faithful’s sense of belonging has either “vanished” or is being “lived in virtual form” during the pandemic. He remained hopeful that “community…
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…
Chai Brady