First state in Germany reopens churches Saxony has become the first state in Germany to allow churches to re-open for public services. The governor of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, announced that from last week onwards churches could hold services albeit “on a small scale”. Mass was duly celebrated in the Catholic Provost Church of the Holy…
Ruadhán Jones Pope Francis has asked Christians to join their love for the church with a caring concern for civil society, particularly at this time of the coronavirus pandemic. Marking the feastday of St Catherine of Siena, Pope Francis prayed that people would be inspired by her example and asked for her intercession “to…
President Donald Trump said he would continue to support issues vital to the Catholic Church, especially abortion, religious freedom and school choice, in a conference call with Catholic leaders and educators. He also said he would seek federal financial support for Catholic schools as they confront the coronavirus pandemic. Many schools across the country have…
Pope Francis has appealed to people not to allow life’s disappointments to paralyse them and cut them off. Leading the recitation of the traditional Eastertide Regina Coeli via video-link from his library, the Pope reflected on the Sunday Gospel of the disciples meeting Jesus on the road to Emmaus. “It is a story which begins…
The Vatican has released the text of two new Marian prayers which Pope Francis is encouraging Catholics to recite as part of the Rosary in this time of pandemic. It comes on the eve of the month of May – a time traditionally dedicated to devotion to the Mother of God. In a letter published…
Archbishop Eamon Martin has welcomed a decision by the northern Executive to lift coronavirus restrictions that had closed cemeteries in the region. Politicians were under increasing pressure to make the move and Archbishop Eamon was amongst Church leaders who appealed to the First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill on Thursday to…
A year on from the tragic death of journalist Lyra McKee clergy have said restoring Stormont was a “fitting tribute”, as her “passion was to bring together people who think they are divided”. Fr Martin Magill PP of St John’s Parish on the Falls Road and Fr Stephen Forde, Dean of Belfast released a joint…
The northern bishops have written to members of the region’s assembly to voice their opposition to new regulations regarding abortion, insisting it must be debated “as a matter of urgency”. They said the current regulations, which were brought in due to legislation passed in Westminster, must be formulated to reflect the position of the majority…
To mark his name day, the feast of St George, Pope Francis gave the gift of medical supplies to several countries reeling from the coronavirus pandemic. The Pope, who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, donated respirators, masks and protective eyewear on the April 23 feast of his namesake, St George. Five new respirators will be…
Priests tell of ‘heart-breaking’ Covid-19 ministry A Co. Kildare-based priest has spoken of the moving and humbling experience of helping to bring peace and consolation to patients suffering from coronavirus through the grace of the Sacrament of the Sick. Fr Seán Maher described ministering to patients isolated from their loved ones as visiting “the wounded…
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