Amnesty International moving from its original purpose

The announcement last week that Amnesty International Ireland is planning to lay off the majority of its staff due to encountering a severe financial crisis is sad news for the individuals concerned. Amnesty International is a celebrated international organisation that built its reputation on being a defender of human rights, supporting and advocating for the…

A commitment to justice and human dignity

Letter of the week A commitment to justice and human dignity Dear Editor, The recent report from the Vienna-based Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe (OIDAC Europe) highlights a deeply concerning rise in anti-Christian violence across the continent [The Irish Catholic – August 29, 2024]. This increase in hate crimes, particularly against…

The Pilgrimage of Saint Bernadette’s relics in 2024

04/09/2024 Arrival Knock Airport   05/09/2024 Galway & Clonfert Cathedral of Our Lady & St Nicholas, Galway 06/09/2024 Galway & Clonfert Cathedral of Our Lady & St Nicholas, Galway 07/09/2024 Galway & Clonfert St Brendan’s Cathedral, Loughrea 08/09/2024 Galway & Clonfert St Brendan’s Cathedral, Loughrea 09/09/2024 Killaloe Our Lady of Lourdes, Silvermines, Tipperary 10/09/2024 Killaloe…

EU watchdog reports huge rise in Christian persecution

A European watchdog has warned of serious anti-Christian violence in Europe and called on governments to protect converts from Islam in particular. The Vienna-based Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe (OIDAC Europe) has reported an increase in anti-Christian hate crimes by 44% on the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Violence Based…

Concern Worldwide aids victims of Bangladesh floods

Concern Worldwide is responding to deadly floods in Bangladesh in which at least 18 people have been killed and millions of others stranded. The Irish organisation is providing food, oral rehydration solution, water purification tablets, sanitary pads, candles and matches to approximately 35,000 people in Nohakhali district, one of the worst affected districts. “These floods…

Catholic archbishop supports Ukrainian ban on Russian Orthodox Church activities

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, this week defended a new Ukrainian law that aims to limit the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church in the country because of its support for Vladimir Putin’s invasion and regime. Shevchuk, who has spoken out frequently in Ukraine’s defence since the start of the war, said Russia…