“The problems we face today stem from a lack of awareness about the function of the family,” said Vincenzo Bassi, president of the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe (FAFCE), during his recent visit to Ireland. FAFCE represents the voice of families at the European Union and is an advocate for their role in…
St Francis of Sales: The call to the devout life
St Francis de Sales was born to a noble family at Chateau de Sales, Switzerland on August 21, 1567. He was a Bishop and is a Doctor of the Church. Francis was both intelligent and gentle. From a very early age, he desired to serve God. He knew for years he had a vocation to…
Heaven and Earth: The visible and the invisible
Catechism of the Catholic Church The Apostles’ Creed professes that God is “creator of Heaven and Earth.” The Nicene Creed makes it explicit that this profession includes “all that is, seen and unseen,” meaning ‘all that exists’, creation in its entirety. It also indicates the bond, deep within creation between Heaven and Earth. ‘The…
Irish youth ‘ready to evangelise’ and strengthen the Church
Young Catholics from all over Europe gathered in Cologne, Germany for the first conference organised by FOCUS – Fellowship of Catholic University Students – held in Europe. A third of the overall attendance were young adults from Ireland. Bishop Tom Deenihan of Meath and Bishop Alan McGuckian of Down and Connor were also present, and…
Fusion of Gaeilge and faith would ‘enkindle love for the Irish language’
Modern languages could take over the Irish language in schools’ curriculum, the Irish population have learnt recently. Officials have also contacted dozens of secondary schools over high numbers of students exempt from Irish. On top of this The European Commission has stated that among those age 18-24 who know a foreign language, Irish people are…
The missionary spirit of Ireland looks brighter than ever
As 2025 began, a significant event in Cologne, Germany, was a proof of the commitment of young Catholics from across Europe and highlighted the growing faith among Irish youth. The SEEK conference, organised by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), brought together over 500 young Catholics for four days of spiritual renewal, fellowship, and…
Pope sends 4 blessed Sacred Heart statues for All Ireland Crusade
Excitement grows as 4 Sacred Heart statues blessed by Pope Francis will make their way to Ireland in the next weeks as part of the ‘All Ireland Sacred Heart Crusade of Love and Hope’. On January 8 these four statues were blessed by the Pope with the witness of four Irish priests: Rev. Shane Sullivan,…
Catechism of the Catholic Church – The Creator
Catechesis on creation is of major importance. It concerns the very foundations of human and Christian life: for it makes explicit the response of the Christian faith to the basic question that men of all times have asked themselves. Human intelligence can find a response to the question of origins which can be known with…
St Anthony the Great: The father of all monks
St Anthony the Great or St Anthony the Abbot was born in a village on the left bank of the Nile, Egypt, in the 3rd Century AD. At the age of 20, moved by the Scripture verse “Go, sell what you have and give to the poor” (Mark 10:21), renounced everything he had to live…
St Ita: The Irish Saint of wisdom and devotion
St Ita of Ireland, also known as ‘the Brigid of Munster’, is one of the most revered saints in Irish Catholic tradition. Born around 480 in Co. Waterford, she grew to embody the virtues of piety, compassion, and wisdom. She is celebrated on January 15 and holds a special place in the hearts of Irish…