Category: News

Trócaire defends efforts to be green

Trócaire has defended its commitment to a low carbon footprint after it came in for criticism for the volume of paper used for their Lenten campaign. Fr Ted Sheehan of Glounthane Parish in Cork has said he has complained to the charity every year for the last four years – asking them to reduce the…

Hong Kong suspends Church services until February 28

Catholic officials in Hong Kong have been forced to cancel all Church programs for the next two weeks and cancel the Ash Wednesday liturgy due to the growing threat of the coronavirus. All public Masses on Sundays and weekdays from February 15-28 and the liturgy of Ash Wednesday have been suspended, said Cardinal John Tong,…

Global news outlet says investigation into pro-life group was not biased

An online publication has rebuked claims that a recent investigative report into an international pro-life group was fuelled by bias. Heartbeat International (HBI) had issued a statement on February 13 which said that an investigation into their crisis pregnancy centres throughout the world by openDemocracy was swayed by pro-choice bias. However, openDemocracy said that HBI’s…

Irish people lack trust in religious leaders

Only 32% of Irish people trust religious leaders, according to the 2020 Edelman Trust Barometer. This is the second lowest trust score of leaders ahead of the very wealthy (24%) and behind government leaders (36%), CEOs (38%), journalists (42%) and scientists (79%). The survey took in over 34,000 responses globally and 1,150 from Ireland between…

UN Aid for former Sudan child soldiers may cease

UNICEF has warned that critical reintegration programmes for children released from armed forces and groups in Sudan may be forced to shut down in March due to lack of funding. Around 900 children are registered for release, but without new funding, UNICEF says they will not be able to provide support as they transition to…

Bishops in Philippines avoid prison for sedition charges

Two priests in the Philippines have avoided jail time by posting bail after they were charged with trying to destabilise the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Fr Albert Alejo and Fr Flavie Villanueva were indicted in connection with an online video linking President Duterte and his family to illegal activity. The Philippines Department of Justice last…

Great reaction to Sr Stan special

Sr Stan has said she was blown away by the positive response to the documentary on her life. To mark her 80th birthday, Being Stan: A Life in Focus, aired on RTÉ1 on Thursday, February 13. It celebrated her life and work for the homeless and marginalised. “I was taken aback by the response from…