Church-goers were faster than any other sector to return when restrictions were lifted according to the latest Government research, a revelation which has been dubbed “a hopeful sign” by people in frontline ministry. Dr Pete Lunn, head of the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) Behavioural Research Unit, told The Irish Catholic that in general people…
The Irish Catholic understands that bishops in Dublin and Cork have assured Latin Mass communities that nothing will change following recent reforms in Church law. The bishops’ assurances come after Pope Francis restricted the celebration of Latin Mass in his motu propio, Traditions Custodes, placing responsibility for its regulation in the hands of the bishops.…
One of the country’s most senior Churchmen has warned that elements of mainstream media “managed” to deprive people of the ability to think critically about faith and society. Reshape Archbishop of Tuam Michael Neary warned that: “Forces are endeavouring to reshape our values, fears and dreams in ways that are quite literally opposed to the…
Youth 2000 Ireland has launched registration for their ambitious summer 2021 initiative aimed at 16-35 year-olds. Their annual festival, which usually attracts crowds of over 1,000 people from around Ireland, had to move online last summer. This year it will go ahead from August 13-15, but in multiple satellite locations, with public liturgies all happening…
While many were relieved that the Oireachtas Committee on Justice scrapped the Dying with Dignity Bill, a prominent medical ethicist has warned another effort will come soon. The Committee said in a July 21 statement that the Bill, introduced by People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny, “has serious technical issues in several sections”. It “reluctantly”…
The Stormont Executive has decided that it will no longer be mandatory to wear masks in places of worship, however some parishes are expected to keep the rule for now. Ministers announced this week that it would no longer be obligatory to wear masks during Mass and other liturgies, but would instead be guidance. The…
The Northern Catholic bishops have said Westminster’s direction for the North of Ireland to establish full abortion services is “gravely disquieting”. They said it is the latest in “a line of decisions by the current Westminster government which we believe threaten the fragile balance of relationships at the heart of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement”.…
St Declan’s Way became Ireland’s longest pilgrim path after receiving recognition from Sport Ireland, with Irish Pilgrim Path’s founder comparing it to the famous Camino de Santiago. More than 200 people embarked on the 115km trail, which begins in Cashel and ends in Armdore, Co. Waterford, July 24, which John G O’Dwyer said is a…
The American family is in trouble: according to a report carried out by Cornell University (by sociologist Karl Pillemer) more than a quarter of Americans are estranged from a close family member. He says the figure could be higher because people can be ashamed to admit their isolation from family connections. Estrangement The most common…
The Vatican reported the Roman Curia had a €66.3 million deficit in 2020, and on the same day, the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See, which administers Vatican properties and investments, made a summary of its annual budget public for the first time. Releasing both reports July 24, the Vatican said the coronavirus pandemic had a serious negative impact…
Chai Brady
Ruadhán Jones
Mary Kenny