In early May Pope Francis addressed the reality of birth rates decreasing in Italy and urged Italians to have more children. “It is important to work together to promote natality with realism, foresight, and courage” Pope Francis said, introducing the topic of tumbling birth-rates in Europe to his audience. “Birth rates” he said, “are the…
On May 13, 2024, the relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis visited St Nichola’s Church, Ardglass and St Mary’s Church, Dunsford in Co. Down, and was greeted by an estimated 5,500 people. The relic has travelled to Ireland this weekend from Assisi’s Sanctuary of the Renunciation, the church where Blessed Carlo Acutis’ remains are housed and…
In Tramore, Co. Waterford a new initiative has emerged blending elements of faith and sport in a program called the ‘Surfing Retreat’. Run by Fr Taddeo Hammerle, Youth Chaplain at Holy Family Mission in Glencomeragh, Co. Tipperary, and Mr Billy Butler, owner of Freedom Surf School, this mission aims to provide secondary school students with…
In Barons Court Estate, Newtownstewart Parish (Derry Diocese) embarked on a fund-raising walk on May 12 with the purpose of restoring historic buildings (churches included), as part of its ‘heritage programme’. The Catholic parish and the Church of Ireland parish, sharing St Eugene as their patron, undertook this joint venture. The participating clergy were Fr…