Personal Profile Father of six, co-ordinator of Síolta Retreats and co-founder of charity Another Pair of Hands, faith and good works has always been central to Armagh man Bosco McShane. “Faith was always a big part of my life,” Bosco said to The Irish Catholic. “A big influence on my life was Mother Teresa and…
As borders reopen across Europe, Niall Glynn of Marian Pilgrimages is “cautiously optimistic” that pilgrimages can begin in late July or early August. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Mr Glynn said that they will be looking at restarting pilgrimages on a shrine-by-shrine basis. “We’re cautiously optimistic,” he said. “A lot of it will come down to requirements, procedures and policies in the…
The pandemic is a monolithic event, yet its effects differ from person to person writes Ruadhán Jones The pandemic has resulted in far reaching, monolithic difficulties for us all. It has reminded us that we are not invincible, that we are, in fact, incredibly frail beings. However, it has also underlined our common humanity, as…
Companies operating in Ireland must end the use of child labour in supply chains, said the Cathaoirleach of Ógra Aontú. Speaking on the International Day Against Child Labour, Ben Conroy said “child labour is modern slavery, and our global companies in our society still rely on it”. “At a time in which people are becoming increasingly…
Parishes need “practical advice” from bishops to help with “complex process” of opening churches, said Fr Aquinas Duffy of Cabinteely parish. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Fr Duffy praised the recent framework document published by the Irish bishops, but said that it provided more questions than answers at this point. “They bishops are doing what they…
Ireland is “not exempt from racism” and we must work to overcome all forms of hatred, said Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick. In his homily last weekend, Bishop Leahy described Trinity Sunday as being about the “celebration of diversity in unity and unity in diversity”. “It’s a call to us all to appreciate, in a…
Almost a hundred St Vincent de Paul (SVP) charity shops reopened this week, after 12 weeks of closure led to losses estimated up to a quarter of their yearly take. “Our shops are essential [to SVP’s service],” said Dermot McGilloway, SVP national retail development manager, speaking to The Irish Catholic. “There is a fundraising element to…
Moving worship online has led to an increase in prayer and religious practice, according to a new survey of faith leaders writes Ruadhán Jones Before the pandemic began, 44% of faith communities on the island of Ireland did not provide online worship opportunities; now this figure is down to just 13%. This is just one…
Virus lockdown has increased people’s faith The challenge of re-opening churches for public Mass should be used as a moment to revitalise parish councils, a leading theologian has said in response to new research which shows increased online and offline prayer and practice. Prof. Eamonn Conway told The Irish Catholic: “The main positive I…
More than 300 Christian congregations across the island of Ireland have come together to record an ancient blessing of protection for frontline workers. The Irish Blessing was released on YouTube and has more than 300,000 views. Fr Martin Magill, of St John’s parish Belfast, was one of the organisers of the video and says he’s “delighted”…