Pope Benedict XVI’s interest in the North’s peace process and reconciliation was “greatly appreciated”, a former British ambassador to the Holy See has said. During his eight-year reign, the deceased pope encouraged Irish and UK political leaders in “their tireless efforts towards peace”, Prof. Francis Campbell told The Irish Catholic. “He often cited the example…
A total of 18 missionaries lost their lives violently around the world in 2022. The data, gathered by Fides Agency and released in its annual report, found twelve priests, one brother, three women religious, one seminarian, and one lay person were killed. Nine missionaries were killed in Africa, eight missionaries in the Americas, and one in…
The Bible continues to provide naming inspiration in modern Ireland, with four of the top five most popular male names given December 2021 coming from biblical figures. ‘Jack’, the exception, remained at the top of the 12-month list for the second year running, with ‘Noah’ coming in close behind at second place. Michael, James and…
One of the oldest Irish nuns worldwide, 102-year-old Irish Sr Anthony Eileen Reidy OSF, died on January 1 in Assisi House, Philadelphia. Born in Cork, where she was a member of St Columbkille Parish, Ballyagram, Sr Reidy had been a professed member of the Sisters of St Francis of Philadelphia for 77 years. She entered…
Archbishop Eamon Martin was one of a number of Irish bishops, along with Irish political leaders, who reflected on the legacy of the late pope following the news of his death on Saturday, December 31. Archbishop Martin said he was “saddened”, remembering the pope-emeritus’ “gentle soul in prayer, asking God, in his great mercy, to…
Joy and Hope “Know that God will never abandon you. Turn your eyes to him often. He gave his life for you on the cross because he loves you. Contemplation of this great love brings a hope and joy to our hearts that nothing can destroy. Christians can never be sad, for they have met…
My spiritual testament When, at this late hour of my life, I look back on the decades I have wandered through, I see first of all how much reason I have to give thanks. Above all, I thank God himself, the giver of all good gifts, who has given me life and guided me through…
It is 50 years since Ireland joined the European Union – then called the European Economic Community, (EEC) and subsequently, just the European Community (EC). I remember it because I was reporting from Brussels at the time, and fireworks and parties were laid on for the accession of Ireland, Britain and Denmark. Key role But…
In an age when so many seek safety in groupthink, Pope Benedict was never afraid to offer a contrasting point of view, writes Prof. Francis Campbell There is an image I will always recall when I think of Benedict XVI. It was a side view of him as he spoke. Beyond him, watching him intently,…
A Nigerian bishop has denounced “a deliberate plan to unleash evil” on Christian villagers following reports that dozens of people were killed in a violent attack December 18 in Kaduna State. “The motivation for these attacks as far as we know is that it’s a deliberate plan to unleash evil and to terrify our people…
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady
Mary Kenny