Chilean bishops said that while they support legislation requiring priests and religious authorities to report crimes, they fear an update to the country’s current law would force clergy to break the sacramental seal of confession. The 155-member Chilean House of Representatives unanimously approved a measure this week that would add clergy and religious men and…
Month: April 2019
‘Keep elderly safe’ during Storm Hannah, bishop warns
The bishop of Killaloe has called for parishioners to watch out for their elderly relatives, friends and neighbours after a red weather warning was issued for Co. Clare by Met Éireann. As Storm Hannah approaches, Ireland’s forecaster has warned that power outages are likely, and to be careful of falling trees and high waves. Intense…
US House can continue opening sessions with prayer, court rules
In a unanimous ruling, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has upheld the long-standing requirement of the House of Representatives that it open each day it is in session with a prayer. The decision from Judges David Tatel, Douglas Ginsburg and Harry Edwards also confirmed that…
Why the silence, Leo?
Taoiseach accused of ignoring Christian persecution With Easter Sunday seeing hundreds more Christians slaughtered, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar stands accused of silence in the midst of mounting Christian persecution around the globe. Some 320 people were killed in Sri Lanka when suspected Islamists targeted churches and hotels on Easter Sunday. Mr Varadkar, who is a…
No, Archbishop Martin, we’re not prisoners of history but guardians of legacy
Every day, since April 15, the French media – as well as philosophers and commentators – have been reflecting on the question of how the inferno at Notre Dame is a reminder of how precious the cathedral is, and how it links France today with France’s past and its Catholic culture. Every king of France…
Notre-Dame rebuild funds shouldn’t be diverted IC poll finds
The majority of people would advocate that the money raised for Notre-Dame Cathedral be used to rebuild the iconic landmark and place of worship, rather than given to the poor. Out of 500 people who voted on a social media survey conducted by this paper 80% said the donated funds should be used to restore…
Carrying the Cross across our divisions
The View Easter for me is a time of great mystery. This Easter Week I find myself reflecting on all that we experienced doing those brief three days. Now we celebrate the Resurrection, but, for all of us, as we carry on through life’s journey, the carrying of the cross continues and will continue,…
Ireland in urgent need of fresh vocations, bishops warn
Bishops across Ireland have urged parishioners and clergy to draw young people to religious life in a hope of curbing ongoing priestly decline. In a series of homilies for the annual Chrism Mass, prelates warned that the shortage of priests in the country will soon lead to “significant change” in dioceses and called for a…
Missionary maddened at TD’s denial of hunger in Venezuela
An Irish TD’s downplaying of the humanitarian crisis and severe food shortage in Venezuela is “absolutely” false according to an Irish missionary. Fr Tom Jordan MSC, who has spent over half a century ministering in the beleaguered nation, said the situation is deteriorating. Already over three million people have left Venezuela according to the UN,…
Thousands of new Catholic converts welcomed at Easter
Dioceses across the US welcomed thousands of people into the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil Masses on the evening of April 20. As the culmination of the Easter Triduum, the Vigil celebrates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While people can become Catholic at any time of the year, the Easter Vigil is…