The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has issued special guidelines after several people in Bethlehem tested positive for the coronavirus last week. The directive comes after a decision by the Palestinian Ministry of Health to close all schools, places of worship and holy sites in Bethlehem and Jericho for two weeks. Pastoral region In a letter…
The Bishops of Mexico have voiced their support for a 24-hour “National Women’s Strike” aimed at bringing attention to violence committed against women in the country. The landmark event took place in Mexico City on March 9 and saw women stay away from offices, schools, restaurants, shops and public transport for the whole day. Mexican…
Pro-life politicians and activists are calling on the Northern Ireland Executive not to effect the abortion regulations currently being considered by the UK government, due to a “flawed” public consultation. The regulations are in the midst of being prepared and will expand abortion services in Northern Ireland with Baroness Nuala O’Loan saying the initial consultation…
New document studies correlation between Faith and sacraments A new document produced by the International Theological Commission (ITC) which studies the relationship between Catholicism and the sacraments has been issued last week. The document, titled ‘The Reciprocity between Faith and Sacraments in the Sacramental Economy’, examines a deeper understanding of the sacramental nature of Faith…
Germany and Spain have both elected new chairmen to head their respective bishops’ conference in the past week. Bishop Georg Batzing of Limburg succeeds Cardinal Reinhard Marx in Germany as conference chairman, while Spanish bishops have put their trust in Cardinal Juan José Omella of Barcelona to lead them. Baetzing, 58, is an advocate of…
The Christian homeless charity DePaul helped over 300 people exit direct provision centres in 2019. Through their Cosán Nua or ‘New Path’ service they helped 300 struggling households, moved 132 households into independent living and aided 328 people exiting Direct Provision centres, including 168 adults and 160 children. Sibusiso Lowrene, a single mother with two young…
A Bishop in South Africa has claimed the worship of God is weak today because it has to compete with the modern consumer culture of “buying and selling”. Bishop Sithembele Sipuka of Mthatha said consumption leaves us “empty” and that the coverage of sport has “dethroned God” during a speech in Eastern Cape last week.…
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin – who is due to tender his resignation next month – has recalled a senior cleric from Rome and appointed him as Vicar with responsibility for priests. The appointment of Msgr Ciaran O’Carroll, who is currently rector of the Pontifical Irish College, is being seen as some as Dr Martin wanting to…
Limerick GAA County Board described the late Frank Hogan as a strong believer of Faith and spreading the Gospel following his death this week. The born-again Christian, who preached the Gospel at GAA matches for over three decades, died at the age of 81 on March 7 – a date which ironically reads his famous…
Iona Institute has called for more childcare services to be provided for parents who wish to work part-time. This comes after an international survey has shown that 61% of women would prefer to work part-time if given the chance. “For people who are balancing home duties with part time work often, it’s the lower paid…
Chai Brady