Ireland’s bishops are likely to ignore plans by ‘silenced’ priest Fr Tony Flannery to celebrate a public Mass on January 22. Redemptorist Fr Flannery, who has been out of ministry since 2012, has announced on his website that he intends to disregard the ban and celebrate his 70th birthday, which will be on January 18,…

Ireland’s Ambassador to the Holy See has revealed to The Irish Catholic that she offered the nation’s welcome to Pope Francis for his intended visit next year, following the annual papal address to the Diplomatic Corps at the Vatican last Monday. Afforded the opportunity to speak with the Pontiff from among some 180 ambassadors represented,…

Pope Francis has criticised the ‘clericalist’ attitude as “hypocritical” and at odds with Jesus’ example of serving the people of God. In a homily delivered in Casa Santa Marta on January 10, the Pontiff said the attitude communicated by Christ was that “of a servant, and this gave authority…Jesus did not have an allergy to…

EXCLUSIVE The Irish hierarchy will not ask Pope Francis to consider permitting priests who left to get married to return to ministry at a meeting in Rome next week after failing to reach a consensus, The Irish Catholic can reveal. However, Bishop Leo O’Reilly, who first brought the proposal for discussion with his fellow Irish…

The head of the Family and Media Association is “almost definitely” going to complain to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland after the Eucharist was ridiculed on RTÉ’s flagship chat show. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Donal O’Sullivan-Latchford said that he was “very likely” to complain to the BAI after The Late Late Show broadcast on…

Members of the Pro Life Campaign pictured during a demonstration with the group’s latest banner campaign to save the Eighth Amendment protection for the unborn, taking place during the gathering of the Citizens’ Assembly on abortion. Photo courtesy of the Pro Life Campaign.

Former Irish economist and public servant TK Whittaker (left), who died this week aged 100, pictured with Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and Seamus Mallon, former deputy leader of the SDLP, at a function in Mr Whittaker’s honour last year.

Pope Francis has issued an ‘urgent action’ prayer intention for the month of January, naming the homeless during the continuing cold weather sweeping Europe. “During these very cold days,” he said, “I think of and I invite you to think of all the people who live on the streets, affected by the cold and many…

Priests visiting parishes in other dioceses must show documentation proving they are allowed to minister publicly when saying Masses, the head of the Irish Church’s child protection board has said. Following reports that two priests out of ministry because of abuse allegations had celebrated public Masses, Teresa Devlin, CEO of the National Board for the…