Cardinal George Pell has had his “leave to appeal” ruling deferred by the Australian High Court last week in what is a final attempt to have his conviction for sexual assault overturned. Pell was sentenced last year to six years in prison for molesting two 13-year-old choirboys in Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral, while he was…
Sixteen fragments in the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC are not from the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls but elaborate fakes, it has emerged. Despite the fact that they were purchased for millions of dollars, they have now been exposed as worthless forgeries probably made from old shoe leather. However, the hoaxers did such…
Singapore resumed public Masses and liturgical prayers at the weekend with government-issued directives and precautionary measures being taken. The Archdiocese of Singapore, who had previously suspended all Church programs in February, announced their plan to resume religious services on March 14 and 15 last week. The archdiocese said the resumption of public gatherings for the…
An Irish charity is offering free online meditation classes to “everyone and anyone” after suspending all public classes and scheduled courses due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Sanctuary, based in Dublin city centre, is looking to promote social change over the web having been forced to close its doors last week. “We are offering free…
Hundreds of school students took part in a “fun and Faith-filled” concert in the Helix on Dublin City University’s campus, with the last of four nights being cancelled due the coronavirus (Covid-19), due to the guidelines issued by Government. This was the 14th Emmanuel concert, with 20,000 school students taking part over the years. The…
Church dismay at ‘neglected’ Indian schools report Church leaders in India have voiced concerns over a recent survey on education which found almost half of government-run schools have no electricity or playgrounds. In its report, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development (HRD) says 40% of government schools lack infrastructure – classrooms, libraries and…
Church bells ring around Waterford for prayer and solidarity Bells were rung in churches throughout Co. Waterford on St Patrick’s Day as a call to prayer and social solidarity. The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Phonsie Cullinan dedicated the prayers to those affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19) and asked Our Lady to “intercede for us”.…
Pope rules out East Timor visit, other trips doubtful The Vatican representative to East Timor says a visit by Pope Francis to the region has been cancelled due to the coronavirus, with other possible trips likely to be scrapped as well. Msgr Marco Sprizzi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature, told reporters in Dili that…
The courage, bravery and spirit of St Patrick is needed in Ireland to fight the coronavirus (Covid-19), according to the Bishop of Ossory who has dubbed it a “modern plague”. In a homily delivered on St Patricks Day, Bishop Dermot Farrell of Ossory said despite enduring a “torrid time”, St Patrick did not give in…
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has closed for the first time in over a century following new restrictions in France to slow the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19). “For the first time in its history, the sanctuary will close its doors for a while. Pray with us the novena to the Immaculate,” Msgr…
Chai Brady