Proposals regarding the framework governing abortion, now under a six week consultation in Northern Ireland have been dubbed by pro-life groups as “catastrophic”. The current consultation will allow the public to share their views until December 16 regarding how the new laws should operate. Pro-life groups are encouraging people to make their voice heard and…
The UCD U-turn on sending a representative to St John Henry Newman’s canonisation wasn’t based on the Government’s last minute decision to send someone, but to avoid an “insurrection” by past and present academics of the university according to an Irish magazine. With the “more senior, elder academics mobilising, the scene was set for academic…
A Franciscan brother who teaches mathematics and physics in rural Kenya has been named Person of the Year by the United Nations in Kenya. Bro. Peter Mokaya Tabichi, who teaches at Keriko Secondary School near Nakuru, was recognised for his work in promoting education for all young people. He received the award during United Nations…
God’s love for us is not ‘abstract’, but concrete – Pope Jesus’ love for each person is a concrete love, a love that is addressed to each person “with their first and last name”, Pope Francis has said. Celebrating Mass on October 31 in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae where he lives, Pope…
To help mark this year’s Week of Witness (25 November-December 1) in support of persecuted Christians around the world, Aid to the Church in Need (Ireland) has released a short film which follows how a commission from Archbishop Eamon Martin for a devotional statue to St Oliver Plunkett, that would also lead people to see…
Judge blocks US bill banning majority of abortions A federal judge has blocked an Alabama law banning most abortions, which passed in May, from going into effect on the planned date of November 15. The ‘Human Life Protection Act’, which Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed into law on May 14, would have made attempting or…
Fr Seán Cassin’s charity says debt and fear keeps worried families quiet An Irish priest and anti-trafficking campaigner focused on Vietnam has said that the deaths of 39 people in a lorry in Essex is only the tip of the iceberg and the tragedy has exposed the inhumanity of the criminals and the desperation…
Bishop Tom Deenihan has called on fellow members of the hierarchy to prioritise the handing over of some Catholic schools to the State to defend the Catholic nature of remaining schools. “I believe that the State needs, from both a practical and political viewpoint, movement from the Church in relation to divesting,” Dr Deenihan told…
The final document of the Amazon synod has caused “mixed” reaction among the faithful, as it calls for the Pope to consider the ordination of married priests and women for diaconal ordination. Theologian Dr John Murray, based in DCU, said although allowing married priests in isolated South American communities would be “practically useful”, it should…
While Bishop Phonsie Cullinan drew media attention for recent comments critical of yoga and mindfulness in Catholic schools, the hierarchy has said that secular mindfulness has awakened in people a sense of the spiritual nature of life. A Reflection on Mindfulness – Rediscovering the Christian Tradition of Meditation and Contemplation was apparently approved by the…
Chai Brady