The Islamic militant group Al Shabab has claimed responsibility for an attack in Mandera, Kenya, in which six Christians died. The attack was launched in the early hours of October 6, involving gunmen dressed in Kenyan army uniforms who also threw grenades as they stormed a compound known to house migrant Christian workers. Eyewitnesses said…

On October 3, St Patrick’s College Maynooth conferred on Sr Margaret Casey RSM of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy an honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in recognition of the immense contribution of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy to education and health and for their work in creating a more compassionate…

The Catholic bishops of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have pulled out of their mediation role between opposing political sides. Amid continuing fears that President Laurent Kabila is about to launch an attempt to hold onto the reins of power for a constitutionally illegal third term, the bishops announced their withdrawal from a process…

“More is needed” in helping the Travelling community to overcome the prejudice they suffer, a priest working with the community has said. Speaking during a memorial Mass for the first anniversary of the Carrickmines tragedy, in which 10 people died, Fr Derek Farrell, parish priest to the Travelling People said the devastating event should have…

A child cries while being treated at a cholera treatment centre on October 9 after Hurricane Matthew swept through Jeremie, Haiti. Photo: CNS

John Reid The Government has been urged to provide more resources to ensure that a huge backlog in child protection vetting does not continue to hamper local schools. Educators have complained that the current system, while entirely welcome in its aim of safeguarding children, is at risk of defeating its purpose as massive delays are being…

Pope Francis will conclude the Year of Mercy by creating 17 new cardinals, including three from the US: Archbishop Blase J. Cupich of Chicago; Bishop Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the new Vatican office for laity, family and life; and Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin of Indianapolis. Announcing the names of the new cardinals on October…

“We’re claiming him for Drimnagh” – PP

Spiritan Bishop Maurice Piat from Mauritius, who studied for the priesthood in Ireland and Rome in the 1960s, said that he first heard the news of his recent nomination as cardinal when a friend phoned to congratulate him. He didn’t believe it.  Asked by a journalist what he thought his elevation meant, Bishop Maurice said…

While having dinner recently with my former producer, Bernie Lucht, the Montreal Jewish intellectual and onetime head of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s flagship intellectual affairs programme, Ideas, he looked across the table at me and asked plaintively why the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops was being so callous with the dying. Bernie had confused the…