Reek Sunday took place on Sunday last, the final Sunday of July as usual. The crowds were big. As usual. Mass was said every hour from dawn until dusk at the top of the mountain. Those climbing the iconic mountain do so on the back of a 1,500 year history of pilgrimage. Many that climb…
Opening ceremony shows ruling agenda conquers all
Letter of the Week Opening ceremony shows ruling agenda conquers all Dear Editor, The opening ceremony of the Olympics prompted feelings of revulsion at the wilful impulse by France to traduce Christian culture in its opening ceremony. The Olympics are not the property of Ideologues to project their politics or to suborn the athletes of…
Troubles Legacy Act replacement must help deliver ‘peaceful future’ for youth
Following the Labour Government’s commitment to repeal and replace the controversial Troubles Legacy Act, the Bishop of Derry has said any new proposals must ensure “we develop a more honest narrative about our shared past” and deliver a more peaceful future for youth. The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act was rejected by all…
Biden exit marks end of ‘conciliar Catholicism’ in US
An Italian theologian has asserted that US President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race effectively marks the end of “conciliar Catholicism” in America, in favour of a “populist and substantially racist” version of the faith largely opposed to the agenda of Pope Francis. The analysis by Marcello Neri, a veteran theologian who’s also a…
Dana to join Archbishop Duffy to light the flame
Eurovision’s Dana and her husband Damien have appealed to Catholics to come and celebrate the second annual ‘Light the Fire’ outdoor Mass and healing service at Ballintubber Abbey in Co. Mayo, on August 4, with Archbishop of Tuam Francis Duffy. The singer-songwriter said the Abbey has been “specially chosen as it is in the west…
Alleged victims of Father Rupnik praise Lourdes, Knights of Columbus
Alleged victims of Fr Marko Rupnik have welcomed the decisions of the Knights of Columbus and Lourdes sanctuary regarding the ex-Jesuit’s mosaics, saying they are “grateful”. “Words are not enough to show solidarity with the victims; actions are needed,” one of the women told OSV News. The Knights of Columbus announced on July 11 the Catholic fraternal organisation…
Dominican drums way to internet fame with Metallica song ‘One’
A Dominican priest has drummed up more than 320,000 likes and millions of views on social media after a video of him performing Metallica’s song ‘One’ went viral. Fr Hyacinth Marie Cordell OP of St Patrick’s Church in Philadelphia has been using his Instagram page to share videos of him covering various songs and has…
Observing the disparate views of Catholic politicians
Catholics in US politics has always been an interesting subject. Famously, John F. Kennedy was the first Catholic President of the United States and had to overcome significant prejudice from a country who had – and in some ways continues to have – a suspicion of the Catholic Church and the fears of it being…
The persecution of those with Christian values
Letter of the week The persecution of those with Christian values Dear Editor, I have written in the past regarding my deep appreciation of The Irish Catholic newspaper, and now I write to express that same appreciation of all the great writers who contribute to this paper and, above all, to some new contributors, especially…
Nigeria bishops warn new EU deal could push abortion, gender rights on Africa
Catholic bishops in Nigeria are calling for changes to an economic cooperation agreement between the EU and Africa, claiming it would force African nations to adopt policies on sexuality, abortion and gender contrary to their social, cultural and religious values. “The agreement looks innocuous and attractive on the surface, but underneath it is carefully blended…