An expert on Church history has said the need for a reorganisation of diocesan structures has “reached a critical point”. Prof. John McCafferty, based in the School of History in UCD, told The Irish Catholic that Ireland would be better suited to 10 dioceses, “possibly less”. The much-needed change, he opines, will not be hugely…
Teaching of Catholic faith so watered in schools that it is completely ineffective
Recently in The Irish Catholic, Fr Niall Leahy SJ mentioned the desire to focus on ministry to young people as one of the reasons that Gardiner Street would no longer function as a parish within the Archdiocese of Dublin. The Jesuits are to be commended for taking this step as young adults are so neglected…
Bambie Thug is a sign ‘Irish culture is in decline’
Chai Brady and Brandon Scott Ireland’s Eurovision Song Contest 2024 contestant Bambie Thug is “wide open to dark forces” and it is “unfortunate” she was chosen as a representative, an expert in exorcism and deliverance ministry has warned. Bambie Thug came sixth in the competition with her song ‘Doomsday Blue’, one of the best results…
Why traditionalist voters are shy about talking to pollsters
The first thing to be noticed about the survey is the relatively high number of people who said they are going to church once a week or more. It comes in at almost one in four people. The reason that is a surprise is because other polls in recent times have indicated that the number…
New document from the Vatican on apparitions and miracles
It is long overdue to tackle the false prophets, writes Mike Lewis On Tuesday, May 7, the Vatican Press Office announced that a press conference will be held on May 17 where the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) will present a new document containing provisions for discerning the authenticity of claimed apparitions…
Archbishop Martin echoes Pope’s AI warnings
In a statement, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh, chair of the Council for Communications of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference commented on the Pope’s message for World Communications Day. Nowadays, online content is created by both, humans and machines, mentioned the Archbishop. He also pointed out the Pope’s words on how AI in the wrong…
Less popular alternative for infertility treatment outperforms IVF
When it comes to private companies receiving state funding, surely one of the first things the Government should insist on is a cost-benefit analysis. Sadly, the opposite is happening when it comes to assisting couples struggling to conceive. Last September the Government introduced a state subsidy for IVF for eligible couples. Since then around 500…
Alleged “religious discrimination” as Newry Cathedral battles against council building plans
A priest has accused a local authority of “religious discrimination” over parishioners being excluded from a meeting on a city centre re-development. The dispute concerns Newry Council and its push to build a civic space on the site of Newry Cathedral carpark, a move that has been slammed by Parish Administrator Canon Francis Brown as…
‘Sad day’ for Veritas but talks continue with investors
In a letter to Veritas employees, Patrick Cassidy, CEO of Veritas Communications, said that “Despite our best efforts, it is with regret that we announce the closure of the Limerick and Tallaght branches”. He continued, “The Limerick store will officially close on May 15, 2024. The Tallaght branch will officially close on May 17, 2024.…
Union with God in ‘The Living Flame of Love’
Lauretta Brown When I mention to priests and religious that I am reading one spiritual classic a month this year, I often immediately get the advice not to read The Dark Night of the Soul by St John of the Cross. I have obligingly avoided that intimidating work, but when one Carmelite encouraged me to…