Civilians in Myanmar (Burma) are seeking shelter in churches following an ultimatum made by the country’s army. The military dropped letters warning residents to leave an area called Tanai, by June 15, or else they would be considered to have links with a rebel army it has been reported. Church social workers have said that…
A leading Irish theologian has been awarded a prestigious visiting scholarship in Australia. Mary Immaculate College’s Prof. Eamonn Conway, a regular contributor to The Irish Catholic, has been appointed the 2017 SSJG Visiting Scholar to Perth’s University of Notre Dame, and will begin his 12-week appointment early next month. The Limerick-based theologian’s first engagement there…
Martial law in the southern Philippines and security forces’ clashes with a local terrorist group made a mockery of Independence Day celebrations, a bishop based in the Philippines said. “As long as there is martial law and unrest in Marawi City, the ‘independence’ of our nation is a farce,” said Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon.…
Becoming a priest in Ireland today “can truly be described as an adventure”, according to the Bishop of Ferns. Speaking at the ordination of Fr Billy Caulfield in Horeswood Parish Church in Wexford on Sunday, Bishop Denis Brennan told the new priest a vocation was an adventure. He said at times “you will feel the appreciation people have for your…
Pope Francis has defended the right of women to participate in social, economic and political life in all levels of society. The Pope was speaking to members, consultors and guests of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, which was holding its plenary assembly in Rome last week. Participants discussed the role of women in teaching…
Inside Christian communities finally liberated from ISIS With the ongoing retreat of so-called Islamic State in the face of an Iraqi army offensive, many Christians are speaking of the horror theyendured under the Islamist regime. This week, we report from northern Iraq which has been ravaged by violence and where Christians have been targeted for…
Pope Francis discussed natural disasters, refugees and jobs with the Italian president last week. With recent earthquakes causing havoc in central Italy and large amounts of refugees entering the country from the Middle East the Italian administration have been under intense pressure. There has also been a scramble to create jobs, especially for young people.…
Last week Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg presented the specially commissioned ‘Relic of St Willibrord’, Patron Saint of Luxembourg, to Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare & Leighlin to honour the historical links between the town of Echternach in Luxembourg and Co. Carlow. St Willibrord is one of the most important saints in Europe, having spent…
The acidification of oceans will have drastic environmental consequences, speakers told a UN conference last week. Over 3,500 people representing countries, UN agencies and non-governmental organisations attended the conference on sustainable development. Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana said that effective regulations to safeguard the world’s oceans are being blocked by “those who are profiting most…
The Knights of St Columbanus have received a first-class relic of St Teresa of Calcutta from the Postulation Office (c/o The Mother Teresa Centre of the Missionaries of Charity) and arranged a national itinerary across the island of Ireland to facilitate its veneration by the public. The relic began its journey this week in Belfast,…
Mags Gargan
Colm Fitzpatrick