In the year 304, the Emperor Diocletian forbade Christians – on pain of death – from possessing the Scriptures, from gathering on Sundays to celebrate the Eucharist and from building places in which to hold their assemblies. In Abitene, a small village in present-day Tunisia, 49 Christians were taken by surprise one Sunday while they…
Public Masses in Ireland with more than 100 people will not go ahead in coming weeks, according to latest Church regulations. However, some smaller Masses may continue during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic if the congregation is limited to fewer than 100 people. But, the Church has announced that all Irish Catholics have been dispensed from…
Archbishop Eamon Martin has called on Irish people who are anxious or frightened by the coronavirus outbreak to pray St Patrick’s famous breastplate prayer. He said this is to remember those who have contracted coronavirus and health care workers “who are bravely and selflessly” caring for them. The archbishop said that “these days I find…
All public Masses and liturgical celebrations in Italy have been suspended until April 3 following an announcement by the Italian bishops’ conference at the weekend. On March 8 the country’s bishops postponed all religious activities amid growing fears surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, after the Italian government ordered the closure of all schools, cinemas, museums, gyms…
A 12-year-old boy from Co Tyrone has collected over 400 chocolate Easter eggs for sick children in hospital. Corin Kelly Herron, from Strabane began collecting eggs several weeks ago, his mother Nadine Kelly said: “It started off he was happy to get 30 eggs for a children’s ward in Derry.” He has now collected over…
A visit to Ireland by one of the Church’s most powerful and senior prelates has been cancelled over coronavirus (Covid-19) fears. Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle – who many believe could be Pope Francis’ successor – was set to fly over from the Vatican to be the…
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has issued special guidelines after several people in Bethlehem tested positive for the coronavirus last week. The directive comes after a decision by the Palestinian Ministry of Health to close all schools, places of worship and holy sites in Bethlehem and Jericho for two weeks. Pastoral region In a letter…
The Bishops of Mexico have voiced their support for a 24-hour “National Women’s Strike” aimed at bringing attention to violence committed against women in the country. The landmark event took place in Mexico City on March 9 and saw women stay away from offices, schools, restaurants, shops and public transport for the whole day. Mexican…
Pro-life politicians and activists are calling on the Northern Ireland Executive not to effect the abortion regulations currently being considered by the UK government, due to a “flawed” public consultation. The regulations are in the midst of being prepared and will expand abortion services in Northern Ireland with Baroness Nuala O’Loan saying the initial consultation…
New document studies correlation between Faith and sacraments A new document produced by the International Theological Commission (ITC) which studies the relationship between Catholicism and the sacraments has been issued last week. The document, titled ‘The Reciprocity between Faith and Sacraments in the Sacramental Economy’, examines a deeper understanding of the sacramental nature of Faith…
Michael Kelly
Chai Brady