After reports of multiple deaths in violent protests over steep fuel price hikes in Zimbabwe, Archbishop Robert Ndlovu of Harare has called for restraint by the security forces and protesters. “Mature political leadership and a recognition of the need to work together for the common good” are essential, he said. Three people, including a police…
A renowned priest, author and teacher, said to have been an “inspiration to countless people”, has died this week. Kerry-born Fr Daniel O’Leary (82) was the author of 12 books and was a regular contributor to the Irish Furrow and The Tablet. He studied for the priesthood at All Hallows’ College in Dublin and was…
February summit to help nations slow to move on abuse policies Only about half of the national bishops’ conferences in the world have adopted complete, Vatican-approved guidelines for handling accusations of clerical sexual abuse and promoting child protection, said the Jesuit named to moderate the Vatican’s February summit on abuse. Jesuit Fr Federico Lombardi said about one-quarter of the bishops’ conferences have received feedback on…
Primate announces new clergy appointments Archbishop Eamon Martin has announced some new clerical appointments for the Archdiocese of Armagh which are due to take effect next month. Fr Jim Carroll of St Peter’s in Drogheda and Administrator of Monasterboice will step down from his duties in Drogheda while remaining as Administrator in Monasterboice and pastor emeritus and priest-in-residence in…
Knock Shrine has reported an increase in pilgrim numbers over the past year, boosted in part by the historic visit of Pope Francis. Some 45,000 tickets to see the Pontiff at the Co. Mayo Marian shrine were snapped up in just four hours. And while disappointment was expressed that inclement weather affected numbers at the…
EXCLUSIVE The Primate of All-Ireland has urged Irish Catholics to raise their voices on the abuse scandals ahead of an unprecedented Church summit in Rome next month. Archbishop Eamon Martin, in a letter to The Irish Catholic this week, has called on Catholics in the pews to pray, reflect and offer feedback on a…
Ethiopian priests are often served food in fields outside female monasteries as there are many places of worship that exclude both genders in the country, according to an Ethiopian priest based in Ireland. Archmandrite Abba Yohannes Kebede Amsalu, who is part of the Orthodox Church, responded to the furore over the weekend criticising Taoiseach Leo…
Many teachers are enthusiastically engaging with faith initiatives despite “media spin” to the contrary, a Dublin principal has said. The Laudate initiative aims to build a common hymn repertoire between school and parish to help children use their talents and feel more involved in Church, with the founder saying teachers have been very proactive in…
The future of the Catholic faith in Ireland depends on whether we can create disciples, rather than just forming passive Mass-goers, Waterford and Lismore’s bishop has said. Speaking to The Irish Catholic about how the Church is now a “minority” in Ireland, Bishop Phonsie Cullinan said “mediocrity” or “lukewarmness” will not suffice in spreading the…
Claims by former President Mary McAleese that St John Paul II refused to shake hands with her when they first met are contradicted by eyewitness reports, The Irish Catholic can reveal. Speaking last week at an event hosted by the Irish American Partnership in Boston, Mrs McAleese said the then Pope John shook her husband…
Greg Daly
Chai Brady
Colm Fitzpatrick