A pastoral worker in Northern Ireland has called on all the churches of Ireland to ring their bells as a show of solidarity and hope during the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis. Brian McKee, a Belfast native, wants all churches across the country to unite by ringing their chapel bells together for one minute at noon this…
Dioceses in Italy have reported the deaths of around 50 priests as a result of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, according to official Church sources in the country. Avvenire, the Italian newspaper owned by the Italian bishops’ conference, attributes the majority of these priests’ deaths to Covid-19. The publication also noted two cases where Fr Guido…
Catholics who are suffering from or caring for people with the coronavirus will be granted a plenary indulgence, the Vatican has announced. Pope Francis revealed at the weekend that he will deliver an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing this Friday (March 27) at 5pm Irish time. Usually given only immediately after a new Pope’s election…
Chai Brady and Aron Hegarty A third of people watching television in Ireland on Sunday at 11am were watching Mass according to RTÉ’s Head of Religious Programmes, with the number of viewers rising substantially. Over 160,000 people tuned in to Mass celebrated by Fr Gabriel Kinahan on March 22 as the coronavirus (Covid-19) continues…
Covid-19: The Faithful respond Although the work of healthcare chaplains is generally face-to-face, “listening compassionately, connecting immediately and loving unconditionally”, the Director of Pastoral Care in Tallaght Hospital told The Irish Catholic they have updated how they connect with patients in light of the coronavirus crisis. They will now be giving patients the option…
Bishops in New Zealand have criticised the decision to pass a new abortion bill approved by the country’s legislature last week. The country’s House of Representatives passed the Abortion Legislation Bill on March 18, legalising abortion throughout the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. “There is no longer any recognition of the rights of the unborn…
Covid-19: The Faithful respond In Cobh parish they have been receiving Mass via Facebook Live every morning at 9am. On Sunday Bishop William Crean of the Diocese of Cloyne celebrated Mass with Cobh’s clergy. Jennifer Buckley of Cobh Parish said: “Our musical director Dominic Finn and Cantor Patrick O’ Donoghue played and sang from…
A Northern Irish priest has paid tribute to the late American singer Kenny Rogers as a man who “found his Faith” and “made his peace” for mistakes made earlier in his career. Fr Brian D’Arcy, a Passionist priest based in Co. Down, said the late Rogers, who died on March 20 aged 81, embarked on…
The Archdiocese of Sao Paulo has offered their House of Prayer as a community centre for the city to lodge homeless persons who get the coronavirus (Covid-19). Homeless communities throughout the country are among the most vulnerable to the virus, Church officials in Brazil said. “The House of Prayer is already used for activities with…
Covid-19: The Faithful respond A community of contemplative nuns, the Sisters of Mary Morning Star, who came to live in Waterford in January last year have set up a new prayer initiative called ‘Dial a Prayer’. The sisters want to bring the intentions, thoughts and prayers of people in the Diocese of Waterford and…