The president of US bishops’ conference issued a statement last week condemning a newly-announced rule on asylum eligibility at the southern border, suggesting that countries like Mexico are not a safe final destination for asylum seekers, and encouraging the Trump administration to change the policy. “The rule adds further barriers to asylum-seekers’ ability to access…
The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need has launched a new fundraising campaign to aid Syrian Christians, whose lives continue to be devastated by violence and poverty. “The war in Syria has still not ended, terrorism has yet to be defeated and our brothers have more need of our aid than ever,” said…
An Oireachtas report on the fertility industry has been accused of treating babies, eggs, sperm, wombs and embryos as “consumer items”. The report from the Joint Health Committee examines proposed legislation aimed at regulating Assisted Human Reproduction practices. One recommendation, if followed, would allow women to give their own babies to infertile couples in return…
Antrim Rose Orlágh McClinton [pictured] has picked the Michaela Foundation as her chosen charity as she attempts to be crowned Rose of Tralee. Hailing from Glenavy, the 22-year-old said she is “delighted” to be supporting the Catholic organisation which has faith as one of its central tenets. The foundation was established to honour the life…
Church representatives in Congo have urged international action to contain Ebola, after an epidemic in the country’s eastern provinces was declared an emergency by the World Health Organisation. “The Congolese people have suffered so many troubles in recent years – Ebola is only the latest,” said Msgr Andre Massinganda, deputy secretary-general of the Congolese bishops’…
A man has been charged in relation to an incident that occurred during the annual blessing of graves at Dundalk cemetery in Louth over the weekend. James McDonagh (28), with an address at Glenmore Park, Muirhevnamore in Dundalk, appeared before the district court on Tuesday. The first charge is unlawful use of a car, the…
Trócaire have thanked Bishop John Kirby for serving as the Church-charity’s chairperson for 20 years after his resignation as the Bishop of Clonfert was accepted by Pope Francis. CEO Caoimhe de Barra said Bishop Kirby’s “passion and enthusiasm” helped drive the organisation, and that he was “deeply committed to campaigning for social justice”. “He helped…
New Vatican press office director appointed Pope Francis has appointed Matteo Bruni to serve as director of the Vatican press office, replacing Alessandro Gisotti, who had been serving as interim director since December 31, 2018. The Vatican announced the appointment last week. Bruni (42), previously served as assistant to the director since 2013, helping organise and coordinate media presence and…
A poll of visitors at the National Ploughing Championship to find their traditional prayer is intended to boost an awareness of faith and the importance of prayer, Bishop Denis Nulty has said. The Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, in whose diocese this year’s ploughing championships will take place in September, said that with over 85%…
Notre-Dame not yet safe to restore – architect l A French architect says that Notre Dame Cathedral still isn’t safe enough for restoration work to begin, more than three months after a devastating fire nearly destroyed the monument. French television showed the chief architect of France’s historic monuments, Philippe Villeneuve, taking Culture Minister Franck Riester…
Greg Daly