A community in Dublin have appealed to Archbishop Diarmuid Martin to keep their parish priest, after learning he will be moved to another area at the end of September. Fr Hugh Kavanagh, from Tinahely, Co. Wicklow, has been asked to move from East Wall parish in inner city Dublin to minister in two Clondalkin parishes.…
Category: News
Global child protection bishops’ summit could be ‘good move’ – campaigner
Vatican plans for a safeguarding summit of heads of bishops’ conferences marks an important recognition that abuse is an issue for the whole Church, and not something restricted to specific countries, leading campaigner Marie Collins has said. Pope Francis announced the unprecedented gathering last week, calling the Church’s first ever global meeting of bishops on…
Diocese welcomes bomb memorial resolution
St Michael’s Diocesan Trust has welcomed the resolution of a disagreement about the siting of a memorial to the 1987 Enniskillen bombing. Twelve people were killed and 68 others were injured in the Rememberance Day bombing by the IRA in the Co. Fermanagh town. A memorial was unveiled at an event marking 30 years since…
Concern over Scientology ‘recruitment’ in Dublin
Community leaders in south-west Dublin have criticised a ‘family fun’ weekend organised for the coming week by a recently established branch of the Church of Scientology in the area. The ‘dinosaur giant family fun weekend’ takes place in the Church of Scientology’s community centre in Firhouse, and includes several entertainment features aimed at children. Local…
US Cardinal ‘hopeful’ after meeting Pope about abuse crisis
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston struck a determinedly hopeful tone after his long-awaited meeting with Pope Francis to discuss the growing sexual abuse crisis in the US. “I myself am filled with hope,” he said, “but I also realise all these things might take purpose and time.” The cardinal spoke following a noon meeting last…
In Brief
Ireland must open eyes to child trafficking – charity Mercy Efforts for Child Protection Against Trafficking with The Hospitality Sector (MECPATHS) have launched a research report on child trafficking by a UCC graduate who has called for Ireland to tackle the problem “head on”. JP O’ Sullivan’s report explores the vulnerabilities Ireland’s international neighbours have experienced in relation to keeping children safe. With…
In Brief
Derry announces clerical changes A Derry-based priest who was previously cleared of an indecent assault charge in the criminal courts is to retire to restricted ministry after accepting the outcome of a Canon Law trial, the diocese has said. Bishop Donal McKeown announced this week that Fr Eugene Boland, who previously stepped aside in 2014, “has accepted the…
Vatican Roundup
Three Baltic countries prepare for papal visit Pope Francis will travel to the eastern periphery of Europe to honour a Faith that withstood a Nazi invasion and five decades of communist dictatorship and now is striving to help people live in freedom as authentic Disciples of Christ. The Pope’s visit from September 22-25 to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia comes in the…
Pope Francis: To honour one’s parents, follow the saints
There are many saints who demonstrate that even if one comes from a difficult childhood, or does not have good parents, hope can still be found in Christ and the mission received from him, Pope Francis said today. The commandment to honour father and mother “can be constructive for many young people who come from…
Hopes Rome synod will give fresh energy to Irish youth ministry
Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown has expressed his hope that next month’s international summit of bishops on the challenges facing young people can breathe fresh life into the Church’s youth ministry in Ireland. Dr McKeown, who along with Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin will represent Ireland at the month-long Vatican event, told The Irish Catholic…