IC columnist named 'Distinguished Professor’
Columnist with The Irish Catholic, Michael W. Higgins has been named Distinguished Professor of Catholic Thought at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, USA.
Prof. Higgins previously served as vice president for Mission and Catholic Identity and Professor of Religious Studies at the University.
In his new role, Mr Higgins will focus on teaching, research, lecturing, mentoring and collaborating with faculty, staff and students on projects and programmes.
He will assist the Office of Mission and Catholic Identity with its lecture programmes and the Presidential Seminar. He will also expand the subject matter of his weekly blog, ‘Pontifex Minimus’.
Knock Shrine to celebrate the family
Knock Shrine is hosting a one-day conference to begin preparations for the World Meeting of Families in 2018.
The conference on Saturday, April 8 will include a presentation with Fr Timothy Bartlett, Secretary General for WMF2018 as well as testimonies with families facilitated by Breda O’Brien, followed by Mass at 3pm in the Basilica celebrated by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.
“We are looking ahead to 2018 which will be an enormously significant year in the life of the Church. An important aspect of faith renewal is supporting families and doing what we can to help them prepare for it,” said Fr Richard Gibbons.
To find out more call 094-93 75355 or email: faithrenewal@knockshrine.ie
Priest’s house targeted during Mass
A Co. Tyrone priest said he was left frightened after his home was broken into as he celebrated Mass on Saturday evening.
The burglary occurred at the parochial house beside St Theresa’s at Melmount Street in Sion Mills at around 6.30pm while Fr Peter McLaughlin was saying Mass in the adjacent church.
“It’s worrying because, given my duties as a priest, the times are known when I will be in church and not in the house,” he told the Belfast Telegraph. “But I can’t allow myself to get to that level or you’d never go out again.”
Nothing was taken from the house.