There is an “urgent” need for extra Catholic school places in south Belfast to cater for demand, according to a report. The research commissioned by the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) found that six of the 14 primary schools in the Castlereagh/Carryduff area are at, or almost at, capacity. This includes three Catholic and three integrated…
Concrete hope never disappoints, Pope tells Gypsy communities Members of Italy’s Gypsy communities must look to God to hold on to the hope of a future where they are no longer discriminated against or segregated, Pope Francis has said. Speaking to 500 members of the Roma, Sinti and Gypsy communities during a May 9 prayer service in the Clementine Hall of the…
Bill to end Louisiana death penalty fails A proposal to allow voters to decide if capital punishment should remain legal in Louisiana has been defeated in the state senate. Senate Bill 112 would have added a question to the next state-wide ballot proposing a constitutional amendment to abolish the death penalty. It was defeated last…
A new book exploring how God can be found in the most dark and chaotic parts of life has been praised as inspiring. The Jewel in the Mess, the latest book by the Church of Ireland Bishop of Connor Rev. Alan Abernethy which was launched this month, details how Bishop Alan came to find the…
The Alabama Senate approved a bill yesterday that will outlaw nearly all abortion in the state. The bill, which is expected to be signed by Governor Kay Ivey, is intended to be a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that declared unconstitutional state measures prohibiting abortion. The Human Life Protection…
Christians recognise life’s great paradox that so much evil and temptation exist in the world, but that God is always present, too, ready to help and give people the strength to persevere, Pope Francis said. Each person has been given life, “dreams of love and the good”, but is then “continuously exposed to evil” aimed…
Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron of Los Angeles said his new book addressing the church’s sexual abuse crisis and urging Catholics to “stay and fight for the body of Christ” comes from his “pastor’s heart”. “It is simply my statement coming out of my whole life as a Catholic – 33 years as a priest, almost…
There needs to be a “significant shift” away from managing homelessness in favour of ending the crisis, the CEO of Focus Ireland has said. Speaking at the official opening by Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy of a 31-home development at Dublin’s John’s Lane West, Pat Dennigan said the charity is committed to working with the State…
Pope Francis has revised and clarified norms and procedures for holding bishops and religious superiors accountable in protecting minors as well as in protecting members of religious orders and seminarians from abuse. The new juridical instrument is meant to help bishops and religious leaders around the world clearly understand their duties and church law, underlining…
Greg Daly and Chai Brady Parishioners should take advantage of politicians canvassing support and fundraising outside churches after Mass by holding them to account and quizzing them on their stances, Elphin’s Bishop Kevin Doran has said. Bishop Doran, who has in the past questioned the propriety of politicians in favour of redefining marriage or legalising abortion seeking funds…
Colm Fitzpatrick
Greg Daly