China has been accused of increasing its interference in some faiths, including Christianity, in a drive to thwart ‘foreign’ religions. According to a new report, ‘The Battle for China’s Spirit’, from Freedom House, a US-based advocacy group for political and human freedoms, China is increasingly acting against followers of Christianity and Islam while at the…
An Irish Columban sister who was violently attacked by a masked assailant in the Philippines, will not let her “terrible ordeal” affect her work, according to her congregational leader. Sr Kathleen Melia (70), who is originally from Co. Leitrim, has worked as a missionary in the Philippines for over 30 years, in particular campaigning for…
Pope prays for persecuted Christians The prayer intention of Pope Francis for March 2017 is “that persecuted Christians may be supported by the prayers and material help of the whole Church”. In a monthly reflection on the papal prayer intention, the Apostleship of Prayer notes that Pope Francis has asked for special prayers for persecuted…
The parish priest of a Galway church which hosted a ‘drive-thru’ Ash Wednesday for busy parishioners has spoken of the phenomenal reaction to the initiative. Describing himself a “surprised at the number of people” who happily responded to the invitation from Glenamday parish for an Ash Wednesday with a distinct difference, Fr Paddy Mooney told…
Displaced Egyptian Christian families, who used to live in the north of the Sinai Peninsula sit near their belongings after arriving at a church in Ismailia. Catholic churches in Ismailia, with help from Caritas, have helped Coptic Orthodox fleeing Islamic State attacks in North Sinai. Photo: CNS
The Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Brown pictured at the funeral of Peter Mathews TD at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook, Dublin. The nuncio paid tribute to the former Fine Gael TD for Dublin South on behalf of Pope Francis, saying he was “an outstanding citizen and a great patriot who possessed a…
Those questioning Pope Francis are causing much disquiet, writes Michael W. Higgins Many of the 50% plus white male Catholic voters in the last US election who helped elect Donald Trump were not unaware that this was a president who would shake things up—big time. After all, that was a major part of his appeal.…
The decision by Wexford General Hospital to remove the word ‘saint’ from its ward signs has been described as “disappointing” by the local bishop, questioning a tendency to suppress references to religious belief in Ireland’s public life. The hospital revised the ward names after it drew down funding for improved signage after opening a new…
Leading child protection campaigner Marie Collins has challenged claims by the head of the Vatican department responsible for dealing with allegations of clerical abuse. Cardinal Gerhard Müller, who heads the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), had rejected claims by Mrs Collins that members of the CDF had obstructed proposals for reform recommended…
The death has taken place of Fr Pat Prendergast, parish priest of Glenties in the Diocese of Raphoe. A native of Letterkenny, he was ordained in 1977 and served in a number of parishes in the diocese including Holy Cross College, Falcarragh; Milford, Ballyshannon, Front Town and Glenties.
Mags Gargan
Courtney McGrail
Greg Daly