Youth ministers at the grassroots level in the Church in Ireland have said a new survey revealing that younger people are twice as likely to pray than older people is an opportunity for the Church to reach out beyond those who currently attend Mass regularly. The study found that 51% of 18 to 34-year-olds polled…
Bishop of Derry Dr Donal McKeown welcomed the announcement of a panel for an independent review of the North’s education sector, but warned it must be able to ask “awkward questions”. After the panel was announced on Monday, Dr McKeown said that “the education system is doing very well for some, but is failing too…
The Irish Government are “deeply concerned” after the arrest of 15 Christians due to their faith in Eritrea earlier this month. The Christians had been arrested and imprisoned previously on the basis of their religious belief, most for five to six years but some for as long as 16, according to human rights organisation Release…
Fiji’s rugby-sevens star Waisea Nacuqu attended a Mass of thanksgiving in his hometown, to thank God for his Olympic gold medal. The Mass was celebrated by Irish Columban Fr Pat Colgan, who said Mr Nacuqu’s successful use of his talents will “inspire others to use their gifts more courageously and consistently”. Fr Colgan also referenced…
Bishop Paul Dempsey has said the founder of the Legion of Mary Frank Duff would be “appalled” by polarisation in the Church and by those who criticise Pope Francis. Speaking at Mass at Knock Shrine on Sunday to mark the centenary of the founding of the Legion, Bishop Dempsey praised Mr Duff for his visionary…
The Irish Catholic bishop’s council for vocations is founding a ‘house of discernment/formation’ in a bid to attract new vocations to the priesthood. Chairman of the council Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan said the house will provide “a group of like-minded people with whom they can really get to the bottom of the discernment process”. “We know…
There has been increased interest in priestly vocations during the pandemic, according to some diocesan vocation directors. Fr Ruairi O’Domhnaill, vocations director in the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin told The Irish Catholic that “all of a sudden” there has been “great interest”. “All kinds of people have been getting in contact with me like…
Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan, reflected on what he described as the “fundamental” influence that the Legion of Mary has had in the Church in Ireland at its centenary celebration at the Cathedral of Christ the King, in Mullingar. The Mass on September 20 was attended by legionaries from branches throughout the Diocese of Meath.…
Just four men started studying for the priesthood for Ireland’s 26 dioceses this autumn, with a further two Neocatechumenal Way students entering that movement’s seminary in Dundalk for the Archdiocese of Armagh. When ordained, Neocatechumenal students traditionally serve for a period in the diocese before being reassigned overseas. A further ten men began a pre-seminary…
Members of the British royal family are not supposed to get involved in anything political or controversial: but Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, has pointedly supported current campaigns protesting about violence against women. She sent flowers, and tweeted about the horrific murder of the primary schoolteacher, Sabina Nessa, and attended a huge protest about the killing…
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady
Mary Kenny