Ferns announces clerical changes
Bishop Denis Brennan has announced several clerical changes in the Diocese of Ferns. Fr Hugh O’ Byrne PP Blackwater will retire on health grounds, effective immediately. Fr David Murphy will take a temporary sabbatical leave, pending appointment.
Other clerics in the diocese will move to new positions in the diocese on Aug 6. Fr James Cogley will be the new PP at Our Lady’s Island, Fr John Byrne will be the PP at Oylegate, Fr Paddy Banville will be the ADM at St Senan’s, Fr Robert McGuire will be the CC at Caroreigh, Fr Ken Quinn will be the CC at Galbally Ballyhogue and Fr Michael Doyle will be the CC at St Leonard’s.
Story of Jesus filmed in virtual reality
The story of Jesus is to be released in a ‘virtual reality’ format for 21st Century technology.
According to Hollywood’s Variety Magazine, a Canadian film company, Autumn Productions has teamed up with virtual-reality production firm VRWERX to render the story of Jesus in a 90-minute immersive film which will offer viewers a 360 degree experience.
Principal photography on the project has already taken place in Matera, Italy, where much of The Passion of the Christ was filmed. Other links between the films include producer Enzo Sisti and religious advisor Fr William Fulco.
When completed, Jesus VR will be viewed via headsets normally associated with gamers, taking the viewer inside the biblical story right up to the crucifixion.
“The viewers truly feel they are there with Jesus and his disciples,” David Hansen said of the film.
“This is the most powerful story of all time and virtual reality is the perfect way to tell it.”
Jesus VR, starring Tim Fellingham as Jesus, is set to be released this December.
Daughters of Charity ‘shocked’ at Console scandal
The Daughters of Charity have said they are “shocked” by recent scandals surrounding Console in which a credit card issued to a member of their order was allegedly used by the suicide prevention charity’s founder.
In a statement to The Irish Catholic, the order also insisted that the sister involved “had no knowledge of this whatsoever”.
According to reports, Paul Kelly, between 2012 and 2014, used two credit cards assigned to a Sr Margaret Joyce DC – a former employee of the charity, who had left the organisation at least six years previously.
The Daughters of Charity said that because “these matters are the subject of investigation we will not be making further comment at this time”.
Dominicans leave Limerick
The Dominican Friars have ended their link with the City of Limerick after nearly 800 years. A final Mass held by the Friars at St Saviour’s Church on July 3 was packed to capacity with well-wishers saddened at the departure of the congregation, based in Glentworth Street for the past 200 years.
Fr Francis Downes, prior of the community thanked the people of Limerick for the “support and generosity” shown to the Dominicans over the years from their arrival in 1227. In a symbolic gesture at the end of Mass, Fr Downes handed over the keys to the church to Fr Eamonn Fitzgibbon, representing the Diocese of Limerick, which now takes responsibility for the building.
Missionaries helped 2.5 million in 2015
Last year was “monumental” for global development with the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, according to Misean Cara. Misean Cara’s annual report for 2015 emphasises that nations’ actions today can change the future of the world. This will involve actions to help eliminate poverty; provide universal access to education; end war; prevent future conflicts; and make the world a better place to live.
“The goals affirm the key role missionaries have to play, so watch this space there’s so much more to come,” said Heydi Foster, CEO of Misean Cara.