The Australian government has released its second “exposure draft” of its religious discrimination legislation, winning widespread praise from faith groups, including the Catholic bishops, following changes to the original legislation released in October. The bishops’ main criticism was the proposed laws did not extend to cover health and eldercare workers; the Catholic Church runs about…
As part of the celebrations for his 50th anniversary of priesthood, Pope Francis chose to personally present a multi-volume collection of writings by his long-time spiritual director, the late Jesuit Far Miguel Angel Fiorito. In addition to presenting the Spanish-language collection, Escritos (Writings), at a conference at the Jesuit headquarters on December 13, Pope Francis…
A British bishop said he was relieved by the election defeat of political parties committed to liberalising Britain’s abortion laws, but he was “not particularly enthused” by the Conservative Party agenda. In the December 12 general election, the Conservatives of Prime Minister Boris Johnson gained 47 seats, the largest increase for his party since Margaret…
The heart of the Christmas message is reaching out to those who have no home or have been displaced, the Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin has said. Following several recent stories of migrants suffering horrific deaths in containers and arriving on Irish shores the prelate told The Irish Catholic “it’s bringing home to us that…
Christians and Ghanaians are called to be apostles of the poor and abandoned by caring for those most in need, especially during the Christmas season, said Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie of Accra. “Let’s celebrate by thinking of what can be done to ease the situation of the abandoned, the marginalised, the forgotten, the sick, the…
There was “standing room only” at Barntown and Glynn churches in Co. Wexford over the weekend as children from the parish brought the baby Jesus from their homes to Masses for blessing on Bambinelli Sunday, according to the parish priest. After the weekend celebrations, Fr John Carroll PP said: “The figurines of the baby Jesus…
The Pope’s man in Ireland has given a strong indication that the Vatican will be in no hurry to replace the Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin. Dr Martin is due to submit a letter of resignation on April 8 when he turns 75 in line with Church law. Speculation has been rife in Church circles…
Advent is a time to purify Faith – Pope Francis As Pope Francis blessed children’s nativity scene figurines Sunday, the Pontiff said that the Advent season is a time of conversion to make space in one’s heart for Christ to come and fill it with joy. “Advent, a time of grace, tells us that it…
Arsonist arrested after burning down US church After a fire destroyed Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Franklin Lakes in the early hours of December 11 the suspected arsonist was arrested. He was receiving burn treatment at a local hospital prior to his court hearing. “We are thankful for the efforts of the police, firefighters and…
Róise McGagh A nun from Co. Down who took her vows in 1942 recently celebrated her 100th birthday in Port Elizabeth. Sr Mary Bartholomew was sent to South Africa at the beginning of World War II. Her five nieces flew from Leitrim to join her for the celebration. Growing up in Leitrim, Sr Mary, born…
Chai Brady
Michael Kelly