More than half of adults in the US say they have prayed for an end to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, according to a new survey. Pew Research Center, who surveyed 11,537 US adults, said that a large number of Americans who pray daily (86%) and US Christians (73%) have taken to prayer during the outbreak.…
The conviction of Australian Cardinal George Pell of sex abuse sent shockwaves across the Church and around the world, but his acquittal by the country’s highest court this week, vindicating the prelate of all convictions, has heightened criticism of how his case was treated The former Vatican treasurer walked free from jail after convictions relating…
A Catholic Bishop in Iraq believes the “Islamist mindset” which persists in the northern part of the country has made Christian refugees “afraid to return” to the region. Despite the fall of the Islamic State in northern Iraq, Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Najeeb Michael Moussa of Mosul says the fear of seeing a “renewed growth of…
Fr Arnie Rosney PP in Shannon has recently launched a creative writing competition that will end on April 19. Fr Rosney has invited people across the island of Ireland to compose a prayer, a reflection, a short story or a poem while they are spending time at home. He asks that the piece reflects the…
Catholics in Pakistan have joined internet rights groups in warning the country’s government that a digital divide will widen inequalities amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. In a statement, the Digital Rights Foundation and Bolo Bhi, an organisation engaged in advocacy, policy and research in digital rights, said those most vulnerable to economic and social upheaval…
China continues to place restrictions on religious sites in Hubei despite easing curbs on the province where the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak started. Authorities lifted curbs on the region at the end of March, with its capital Wuhan, the original epicenter of the virus, being eased on April 8. However, the Chinese government has not permitted…
Laois-based priest Fr Paddy Byrne has said that priests must continue to give a message of hope in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. “This will pass,” he said of the Covid-19 crisis. “It’s about getting the message out that there is hope and I am very proud and encouraged by how communities are connecting,…
Pope asks faithful to follow Mother Teresa’s lead in crisis Mother Teresa’s example should inspire us to seek out those whose suffering is hidden during the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis, according to Pope Francis. At the start of his daily Mass, the Pope said he had seen a photo in a newspaper of homeless people sleeping…
While the country’s best-known shopping centre may be shut, the parish church in the Dublin suburb of Dundrum remains open and will be offering a gift of holy water this Easter. Fr John Bracken – Co-PP – lives next door to the church and is able to keep it open daily for private prayers and…
Pope appoints new archbishop in South Africa Pope Francis has appointed a new archbishop for Bloemfontein in South Africa after the post became vacant. Dehonian Bishop Zolile Peter Mpambani, 63, of Kokstad was transferred to the Free State province as the region’s archbishop. The appointment, made last week, came after the Holy Father accepted the…
Chai Brady