Poland – The Catholic bishops of the country has offered an official apology for the abuse of children by predatory clerics. Insisting that the modern Church has made progress in ensuring the safety of children, the bishops stated: “We apologise for those clergy who have harmed children and are doing everything in our power so…

Vulnerable young people and the elderly will suffer due to Budget 2014, charitable groups working at the coal face have warned. Minister for Finance Michael Noonan this week announced dramatic restrictions on medical cards, cuts to telephone allowances for the elderly and increased prescription charges. The Government also announced fresh cuts to social welfare rates…

Syria – For the second time in as many weeks, there has been a claim that missing Jesuit Fr Paolo Dall’Oglio is alive. Khalaf Ali Khalaf, described as a reporter and opposition activist has insisted that the priest is alive and well, though he also reported that the Jesuit is in the hands of kidnappers.…

Spain – The Church has beatified 522 martyrs who lost their lives during the countryís civil war. The event took place on October 13 in the eastern city of Tarragona and involved the elevations of 515 Spaniards, three French, and a citizen from Cuba, Colombia, the Philippines and Portugal. Several thousand priests, monks and nuns…

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin to lead celebrations after refurbishment

Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald is remaining tight-lipped amid controversy over Gerry Adams’ refusal to report his child abusing brother to the authorities. This is despite her vocal stance against Church leaders accused of covering up abuse. In 2009, Ms McDonald said any bishops “found to be complicit in the cover up of…

Bangladesh – Police in the country are investigating a Muslim school of Koranic learning following an explosion thought to have taken place as militants prepared a bomb there. One person died in the explosion. The madrassa, in Chittagong is now suspected of being a site regularly used by militants as a cover for its activities.…

Vatican – The Vatican is set to establish a cricket competition. Following a successful friendly between students of the Pontifical Urbaniana University and the Maria Mater Ecclesiae International Pontifical College, it has been announced that the sport will be extended to a further 20 fixtures, involving six teams comprised of student and seminarian sports people,…

First John Paul II Festival taking place in Knock Shrine

Fr Kevin Smith, the former Norbertine abbot who was responsible for covering up the abuses of the notorious Fr Brendan Smyth has been removed from ministry following an allegation made against him of inappropriate behaviour towards a woman. The Holy Trinity Abbey in Kilnacrott, Co. Cavan, confirmed to The Irish Catholic this week that the…