Category: News

Vatican Roundup

Safeguard the world God created, Vatican asks Muslims The Vatican’s annual message to Muslims at the end of Ramadan called on both Christians and Muslims to protect God’s creation. “Our vocation to be guardians of God’s handiwork is not optional, nor is it tangential to our religious commitment as Christians and Muslims: it is an…

News in Brief

Meath composer writes hymn for papal visit A musician from the Diocese of Meath has been selected to write the lead hymn for the World Meeting of Families. Entitled ‘A Joy for all the World’, the hymn was composed by Ephrem Feeley, one of Ireland’s most established composers of liturgical music, with over 200 pieces…

Columbans criticise President Trump on climate u-turn

The Superior General of the Missionary Society of St Columban has criticised the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement as “jeopardising” global efforts to prevent the destruction of the planet. Fr Kevin O’Neill SSC said the Columbans “stand against policies that negatively affect the communities we serve, our common home, and in particular the…

“Greater family rejection” for some Christians

Christians are finding it increasingly difficult to share their faith in the workplace and even among family, according to the newly appointed Presbyterian Moderator. Rev. Dr Noble McNeely was officially installed as the new Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland (PCI) at a general assembly on Tuesday in Belfast. He told the congregation that…

The number of permanent deacons serving in the Diocese of Dromore has increased to five following the ordination of John McClelland (Newry) and Deacon Michael Rooney (Ballela) at the Cathedral of Ss Patrick & Colman in Newry on Sunday by Bishop John McAreavey. Also pictured: Canon Francis Brown, Adm. Newry Cathedral and Rev. Deacon Frank…

Abandoned by the State

Priest calls on Pope Francis to visit direct provision centre in Ireland Pope Francis has been called on to visit a direct provision centre during his expected visit to Ireland next year, in order to highlight the treatment of asylum seekers. Fr Paddy Byrne, a curate in Portlaoise parish who ministers to the residents of…