Catholic bishops in Germany have voiced their disapproval at Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision not to lift the ban on public church services. Despite allowing thousands of shops to reopen, Merkel said the ban on public church services should remain until further notice. She also announced that a state secretary of the interior ministry would talk…
A feature film about the story of the children of Fátima has been delayed until near the end of the summer due to the coronavirus. The historical drama, directed by Marco Pontecorvo and distributed by Picturehouse, was originally scheduled for release on April 24, but has now been pushed back until August. “The circumstances that the…
An Egyptian priest has played down the threat of a failed terrorist attack by a jihadi group on Christians which was neutralised by security forces last week. The group, who have been linked to the Islamic State, was preparing to attack the country’s Christian community during Easter. Fr Rafic Greiche, head of media committee of…
A Co. Cavan-based priest has hit out at a newspaper over what he described as a “cheap shot” against well-known chef Neven Maguire. Fr Charlie O’Gorman hit out at a recent article in the Sunday Times which he believed had been critical of Mr Maguire. In a subsequent letter to the newspaper Fr O’Gorman, formerly…
A group of doctors in Tuscany has received a bishop’s permission to distribute Holy Communion to those infected by the coronavirus. Bishop Giovanni Nerbini of Prato made the six doctors extraordinary eucharistic ministers, allowing them to give Communion to over 100 patients on Easter, according to Avvenire, the newspaper of the Italian bishops’ conference. Dr…
Sr Stan has appealed for support for Focus Ireland as a video of a child teaching other children how to avoid Covid-19 gained traction online. The video of the child who is homeless demonstrating how washing hands kills the virus has over 20,000 views across social media. Sr Stan said: “This crisis is additional stress for…
Vatican appoints new Directors to Financial Information Authority The Vatican’s Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, has appointed a new Director and Vice Director for the Financial Information Authority (AIF). Giuseppe Schlitzer enters as AIF’s Director, replacing Tommaso Di Ruzza who completed his five-year mandate as of January 20 this year. Schlitzer has held positions…
Japan diocese appointment surprises bishop Bishop Josep Maria Abella has said he was surprised to be announced new bishop of Fukuoka in Japan when almost all Church activities are suspended because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The 70-year-old Spanish priest said he was “perplexed” when the apostolic nuncio to Japan, Archbishop Joseph Chennoth, told him about…
To combat the effects of lockdown, Knock Shrine will broadcast pilgrimage Masses every Sunday at 3 pm, it has been announced. The Masses will be celebrated each weekend “for the pilgrimage groups that traditionally travel…for their own celebrations”. The pilgrimage will include Rosary at 2.30 pm, followed by Mass and Benediction at 3 pm. The…
Ruadhán Jones Humanity has failed to take care of the earth and its inhabitants, sinning against God and his gift of creation, Pope Francis has warned. Celebrating Earth Day, which fell during the “Easter season of renewal, let us pledge to love and esteem the beautiful gift of the earth, our common home, and…