Pope urges prison reform in wake of Brazilian riot Pope Francis has prayed for the victims of the January 1 prison riot in Manaus, Brazil, and voiced again his appeal that prisons be reformed to better rehabilitate people with real dignity. During his general audience of January 4, the Pontiff lamented the loss of life…
The Belfast 4 Corners Festival will take place this year from February 3 to 12, under the theme ‘Our Wounded & Wonderful City’. The event comprises innovative events aimed at encouraging people to go beyond the ‘corners’ of their own neighbourhoods towards discovering new ideas and friends. The 4 Corners Festival was established by a…
Icicles hang from a fountain in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Rome has not been immune to a blast of icy weather across the European continent. Photo: CNS
Ireland’s bishops are likely to ignore plans by ‘silenced’ priest Fr Tony Flannery to celebrate a public Mass on January 22. Redemptorist Fr Flannery, who has been out of ministry since 2012, has announced on his website that he intends to disregard the ban and celebrate his 70th birthday, which will be on January 18,…
The Bishop of Achonry, in whose diocese the parish of Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon is preparing to receive at least 80 Syrian refugees, has insisted people of the town will be “welcoming” of the new arrivals. Speaking to The Irish Catholic this week, and amid widespread media coverage of rows centred on the choosing of Ballaghaderreen’s…
Pope Francis has criticised the ‘clericalist’ attitude as “hypocritical” and at odds with Jesus’ example of serving the people of God. In a homily delivered in Casa Santa Marta on January 10, the Pontiff said the attitude communicated by Christ was that “of a servant, and this gave authority…Jesus did not have an allergy to…
The head of the Family and Media Association is “almost definitely” going to complain to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland after the Eucharist was ridiculed on RTÉ’s flagship chat show. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Donal O’Sullivan-Latchford said that he was “very likely” to complain to the BAI after The Late Late Show broadcast on…
Former Irish economist and public servant TK Whittaker (left), who died this week aged 100, pictured with Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and Seamus Mallon, former deputy leader of the SDLP, at a function in Mr Whittaker’s honour last year.
Pope Francis has issued an ‘urgent action’ prayer intention for the month of January, naming the homeless during the continuing cold weather sweeping Europe. “During these very cold days,” he said, “I think of and I invite you to think of all the people who live on the streets, affected by the cold and many…
Ireland’s Ambassador to the Holy See has revealed to The Irish Catholic that she offered the nation’s welcome to Pope Francis for his intended visit next year, following the annual papal address to the Diplomatic Corps at the Vatican last Monday. Afforded the opportunity to speak with the Pontiff from among some 180 ambassadors represented,…
Greg Daly
Paul Keenan