Feature sponsored by Concern Worldwide. Extreme weather destroying crops and food supplies in world’s most vulnerable countries. With climate change related hunger and malnutrition increasing, Pope Francis warned, “We have caused a climate emergency that gravely threatens nature and life itself, including our own.” Worldwide, droughts and floods have more than doubled since the early…
Covid antibodies ‘fall rapidly after infection’ Levels of protective antibodies in people wane “quite rapidly” after coronavirus infection, say researchers. Antibodies are a key part of our immune defences and stop the virus from getting inside the body’s cells. The Imperial College London team found the number of people testing positive for antibodies has fallen…
Notebook My mother died seven years ago last week. I’m not sure if it is some kind of seven-year-itch combined with the effects of Covid isolation, but I have been reflecting a lot recently on the time of my mother’s illness and death. I have good and bad memories of that time. Firstly, there is…
Anyone interested in seeing good films has to think outside the box – no pun intended – in a wish to avoid the dross that’s often inflicted on us on the terrestrial TV channels. Thanks to Netflix, live streaming and other digital platforms I’ve been mentioning recently there are thankfully more choices available to us…
The Second Vatican Council (1962-65) succinctly describes the Eucharist as “the source and summit of the Christian life”. It says that everything that we do as believers is bound up with the Eucharist and is oriented towards it. From the very beginning, the followers of Jesus gathered together on the Lord’s Day for the Eucharist.…
The controversy over restrictions on religious services gained extra traction last week with an online petition, Bishops meeting Government and Christian pastors calling for change. It was a pity this didn’t happen at level 3 – it mightn’t have been an open door, but there would have been more hope. On Lunchtime Live (Newstalk, Wednesday),…
Black Nazarene procession in Philippines cancelled over coronavirus Due to the coronavirus pandemic, civil and ecclesial authorities in the Philippines have agreed to cancel the Black Nazarene celebration in 2021, which gathers millions of churchgoers in Manila each January. Known as the traslacion, the 19-hour procession through the streets of Manila takes place each year…
The Sunday Gospel Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap. Purgatory is not specifically mentioned in the Bible but the doctrine of Purgatory is a beautiful development which holds in unity two ideas that might seem to be contradictory. The doctrine of God’s holiness reminds us of God’s unique otherness, glory and light, far beyond anything we…
Bishops who want to establish a religious order in their dioceses must first obtain the written permission of the Holy See, Pope Francis said. Amending canon law, the Pope said it no longer is enough for a bishop to consult the Vatican before approving the creation of a new order in his diocese. “By its…
Pope Francis prayed for “the defenceless victims of terrorism” at his weekly general audience, following a number of attacks across Europe. An attack in Nice, France and one in Vienna “have provoked dismay and reproach” among residents and in all who “cherish peace and dialogue”, the Pope said. Pope Francis concluded by calling for an…
Aubrey Malone
Michael Kelly
Brendan O’Regan
Ruadhán Jones