The Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education (MDCCE) aims to assess how the coronavirus pandemic has affected churchgoers with a new survey published last week. Dr Gareth Byrne, Director of the MDCCE, said: “It is important to document the response of churchgoers to the Covid-19 crisis and its impact on their faith lives and connection…
A group of seamstresses working in direct provision centres have come together to make over 1,000 face masks a week to protect the vulnerable from Covid-19. The Sanctuary Mask Initiative (SMI) is spearheaded by BetterTogether and the Cork Migrant Centre, with the support of the UCC University of Sanctuary, UCC Feminist and Fáilte Refugees Societies.…
Almost nine out of 10 readers of The Irish Catholic online want a swifter return to public Masses as soon as it is safe to do so, rather than the July 20 deadline set by the Government in the Republic. In the North, where a ban on churches opening was lifted this week, there is…
The publishers of Magnificat magazine have launched an Adoration Companion to assist Catholics during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, a practice that seems to have increased during the current Covid-19 period. Fr Sebastian White OP who edited the Companion describes the book as “A treasury of teachings, prayers, meditations, and witnesses from the saints to…
The postulator and the commission involved in investigating the life of Pope John Paul II for his sainthood cause found no evidence that the Pontiff knowingly neglected or covered up abuse scandals, the postulator said. Msgr Slawomir Oder, the promoter of the cause, told reporters in Rome during an online meeting that he and investigators…
In preparation for Monday’s resumption of public liturgies in Italy and a morning Mass with Pope Francis at the tomb of St John Paul II, Vatican workers cleaned and sanitised the inside of St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday. Vatican workers also will sanitise the other basilicas in Rome: St John Lateran, St Mary Major and…
Chai Brady and Róise McGagh Bishops have expressed cautious optimism for a return to public Masses before the Government’s July 20 target. At the same time, there has been a welcome for the decision of the northern Executive to put the reopening of churches as a key priority in easing lockdown in the region.…
Actor Pierce Brosnan has said that his Irish Catholic Faith has kept him in “good stead” through the ups and downs of his life. The James Bond star, who turns 67 at the weekend, was speaking on the Late Late Show in support of Pieta House and about the importance of Faith. Mr Brosnan recalled growing up…
Traditionally, the annual blessing of graves at Milltown Cemetery would have taken place on the second Sunday in May. However, because of the current pandemic and subsequent restrictions on movement and gatherings, it was necessary to adopt a different approach to the blessing of the graves this year. To mark the occasion, Bishop Noel Treanor [pictured] privately…
Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran has warned that public health officials must balance the benefits of coronavirus restrictions on older people alongside the contribution over-70s make to communities. Under State guidelines, older people are now permitted to exercise daily but are still expected to avoid other public contact including with family members. Bishop Doran told…
Michael Kelly
Chai Brady