Catholic dioceses and religious orders across Europe are offering to turn Church facilities into spaces needed for health care or housing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Church leaders throughout Europe have been struggling to maintain Catholic religious devotions during enforced national lockdowns against the coronavirus. They have also sought ways, in addition to regular aid from…
Many priests will be amongst those ordered to be ‘cocooned’ in the latest regulations to fight the coronavirus pandemic. It comes as Archbishop Diarmuid Martin confirmed that some Irish priests and deacons have tested positive for Covid-19. In an email to parishes on Friday, Dr Martin said “we are all reminded to keep in our…
Pope Francis has paid tribute to the ordinary – often forgotten – people who are in the forefront of confronting the coronavirus pandemic. In a poignant ceremony of Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament in an empty St Peter’s Square broadcast all around the world this evening, the Pontiff also said that the current crisis can…
Minister for Health Simon Harris has told the Dáil that he will revise the existing ‘Model of Care’ which regulates and describes the conditions under which a medical practitioner may certify an abortion. Mr Harris made his remarks while rejecting amendments from opposition TDs to the Covid-19 related Emergency Measures Bill, which were along the…
Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to the many men and women who have been inspired to help the poor and accompany the sick and the elderly during the coronavirus pandemic. “These days, news has arrived of how many people are beginning to have a general concern for others – caring about the families who do…
A number of Solidarity/People Before Profit and Rise TDs have proposed the suspension of the existing three-day waiting period before an abortion can be obtained be added to emergency legislation being debated in the Dáil. This is in addition to the proposals to permit abortion consultations and prescriptions online. The proposals form part of a number of…
The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland has urged people to watch Pope Francis’ global celebration of prayer, which RTÉ will broadcast tomorrow (Friday, March 27) at 5pm Irish time. Commentary will be provided by Editor of The Irish Catholic Michael Kelly. Archbishop Eamon Martin said: “In the midst of this horrendous Covid-19 pandemic, I thank…
The Vatican has asked Catholic bishops around the world, both in the Latin rite and the Eastern Catholic Churches, to provide their faithful with resources to support personal and family prayer during Holy Week and at Easter, especially where Covid-19 restrictions prevent them from going to church. The Congregation for Eastern Churches urged the heads…
Chai Brady and Aron Hegarty The coronavirus crisis can be an opportunity for parishes to creatively reconnect with people who have lost touch with the Church, it has been claimed. It comes as parishes up and down the country are finding new ways to offer liturgy and pastoral support due to the suspension of…
Messages that encourage people to pray a certain amount of times to avert harm are ‘sacrilegious’ and ‘superstitious’, according to a renowned Vincentian priest and exorcist who said people should put their trust in God at this time of crisis. Dublin-based Fr Pat Collins CM has warned against chain letters or messages which are causing…
Chai Brady