Pope Francis displayed his trademark love for simplicity and informality at the weekend by popping in to a cafeteria for Vatican employees.    The Pope joined workers on July 25 for a simple but wholesome lunch of pasta, cod and grilled tomatoes.    However, unlike the regular diners, the Pope’s meal was free.    Cashier…

Over 250,000 people from across the island of Ireland are expected to attend the annual National Solemn Novena at Knock Shrine this month, which is celebrating 135 years since the Marian apparition.    The theme this year is ‘Witness to Hope’ and will see two novena sessions daily at 3pm and 8.30pm, and workshops or…

‘Glaring omissions’ in end of life care report

World Missions Ireland (The Work of the Pontifical Mission Societies) has appointed Fr Maurice Hogan as its new National Director.    Fr Hogan is a member of the Missionary Society of St Columban (Columban Fathers). Ordained in 1965, he has served as a missionary in Japan and more recently in Hong Kong before returning to…

It has been revealed that Fr Francis Browne SJ, best known for photographing the last images of the Titanic in 1912, was a decorated hero following World War I.    A new book has outlined how the Cork-born priest served on the western front, ministering to shell-shocked soldiers and the seriously wounded for more than…

Filming on Silence, the epic tale of Jesuit priests struggling to spread the Faith in 17th-Century Japan begins in September, with Ireland’s Liam Neeson in the lead role.   Earlier this year it was confirmed that, following years of delay on the project, the Martin Scorsese-directed film will finally reach the screen, telling the story…

Neighbours work to fight fire

The Church should be a welcoming “counter-movement” in a society that can be violent, unforgiving and anxiety-driven, Archbishop Michael Neary has said. The Archbishop of Tuam also warned that faith cannot be about maintenance. Rather, it is about “welcoming home all sorts and conditions of people,” he said. Speaking from the summit of Croagh Patrick…

A Co. Tipperary priest has praised the local community for coming together to take action  against the drugs problem in the town, following the death of a number of young people from  the area.    Fr Tom Corbett PP was among over 1,000 people who attended a meeting in Roscrea on  Monday to discuss what…