The Church can’t afford to lie back and do nothing, Bishop Michael Router tells Colm Fitzpatrick At a time in Ireland when the Church is experiencing tumultuous and unprecedented change, visionaries who can move it in the right direction are needed more than ever. The challenges are well-known and can’t be solved overnight –…
Armagh’s new Auxiliary Bishop Michael Router said that the Church of the future will be smaller and humbler – but those who practice the Faith will do so because Christ is at the centre of their lives. Speaking at his ordination Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, the former Kilmore priest said that our…
The bishop of one of Mexico’s most violent areas has said that the sentencing of drug lord Joaquín Guzmán Loera to life in prison plus 30 years is proper and prudent. Guzmán, known as ‘El Chapo’, is a former head of the Sinaloa Cartel. He was sentenced on July 17 by a judge in New…
A high-ranking Vatican prelate will discuss the role and importance of shrines for spreading the faith during “exciting” celebrations for the 140th anniversary of the Apparition at Knock Shrine. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation, will speak at Ireland’s most prominent Marian shrine on August 15. The…
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…
Colm Fitzpatrick
Chai Brady