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…
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…
Chai Brady