Parishes have been urged to look out for the elderly and vulnerable during the cold spell, and use Church structures to boost rural solidarity. Raphoe’s Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ called on people coming to Christmas services to think of their neighbours and perhaps offer them a lift to Mass during poor weather, telling The Irish Catholic:…
An Irish Medical Missionary of Mary tragically died in Uganda on the day celebrations were planned for her 50 years of service in Africa. Sr Maura Lynch became unwell while recovering after surgery she needed following a fall, she was admitted to Kampala Hospital last week. Four MMM Sisters and three doctors from Kitovu Hospital…
Amnesty International has been accused of arrogance on a “grand scale” following a vow that the group will not comply with an order from the State’s ethics watchdog to return a donation from a US-based pro-abortion lobby. The Irish section of Amnesty revealed late last week that the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) has…
Final rehearsals are underway in Omagh, Co. Tyrone for what promises to be an inspiring evening to ponder on the true meaning of Christmas through music and reflection. Christ The King Youth Choir and the Pope John Paul II award participants from Cappagh parish will present the traditional Nativity story through drama and song in…
Bishop Brendan Kelly has been appointed as the new bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora, after being appointed by Pope Francis on Monday. Previously serving the Diocese of Achonry for a decade, the bishop said that he was still “somewhat in shock” at his appointment, as he had never expected to be shepherding another diocese.…
Brenda Drumm On Tuesday, Dec-ember 5, the WMOF2018 joined in the worldwide celebrations for International Volunteer Day. This day was designated by the UN General Assembly as a chance for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts, share their values and promote their work among their communities. The WMOF2018 used the opportunity to call…
Young Catholics must set the world on fire with their Faith, Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher told about 20,000 young people gathered in a former Olympic Stadium. “You must be spiritual flamethrowers. You must have the awesomeness of an Australian bush fire, without the destruction,” he said at the opening of the Australian Catholic Youth Festival.…
A US Senator stopped short of specific legislative proposals during a Christian conference, but spoke openly of religious faith as he offered support for beleaguered Christian communities under threat from ISIS in the Middle East. Senator Marco Rubio said: “I’m a deep believer that our foreign policy should be infused with our most deeply held…
Polish Christmas tree in Vatican A Nativity scene and Christmas tree, like those displayed in St Peter’s Square, are visible reminders of God’s benevolence and closeness to all men and women, Pope Francis said. “Every year, the Christmas Nativity scene and tree speak to us through their symbolic language. They make more visible what is captured in the experience…
Greg Daly