Personal Profile For many religious communities, the coronavirus pandemic has been a time to discover the importance of an online presence. It’s something that the Oblates of Mary Immaculate have been wrestling with for some time, and has come into sharper focus during the crisis. Rebecca Roughneen, digital communications specialist for the Oblates in Inchicore,…
Personal Profile A Polish priest based in Co. Dublin believes the Covid-19 pandemic is changing and deepening our understanding of what the Eucharist is about. Fr Dominic Zwierzychowski OMI from Poznan says the faithful, despite being kept apart physically, are feeling a greater sense of togetherness during these difficult times. In an interview with The…
The Irish Refugee Council (IRC) has welcomed the new draft Programme for Government which contains a commitment to ending Direct Provision. In the draft published this week, assurances have been made that accommodation will be provided for asylum seekers. “This is a significant moment in the long campaign to end Direct Provision and is necessary step for triggering…
Two of Ireland’s charities tackling homelessness share differing views on their forecast of homelessness in the aftermath of Covid-19. Statistics from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government show a reduction in the number of people in homelessness for April with 9,335 – a decrease of 572 from March. On one hand, the Peter…
Dublin-based composer Bernard Sexton has written a new religious song of comfort for the victims of Covid-19. The song entitled ‘God Will Wipe Away All Tears’ is based on sacred texts from the Bible, sung by a virtual choir and an MP3 file and sheet music has been made free to download. “The initial idea…
The Bishop of Derry says the biggest challenge facing the Church in the immediate aftermath of Covid-19 will be “rebuilding” its communities. In his homily on Trinity Sunday, Bishop Donal McKeown said the Faithful’s sense of belonging has either “vanished” or is being “lived in virtual form” during the pandemic. He remained hopeful that “community…
Personal profile A priest from Northern Ireland says a lucky escape from a Nazi German bombing in 1941 propelled him on his faith journey into priesthood. Canon Sean Rogan from Belfast, who resides in Carryduff, Co. Down, narrowly avoided being bombed during the Second World War and was evacuated with his family. The retired 81-year-old…
A parish priest in Co. Laois says the Covid-19 pandemic has produced a greater hunger for presence and gathering among Catholics. Fr Paddy Byrne of Abbeyleix, who is originally from Carlow town, told The Irish Catholic that online platforms have increased the spiritual need for “real presence”. “These are very strange times and the virtual world, I…
Personal Profile As our church buildings move closer to reopening their doors, a sister in Cork says the Covid-19 crisis has presented an opportunity for us to “be Church” beyond physical structures. Sr Karen Kent, coordinator of pastoral development for the Diocese of Cork and Ross, tells The Irish Catholic about her background, taking…
Former Irish rugby international Eric Miller has revealed that he found his Faith enriches his life after his retirement from the sport. In an interview at the weekend, Mr Miller said he leaned heavily on his belief in God once he stepped away from the professional game. “We rely on God to lead our lives…