Kylemore Abbey The Kylemore Trust switched on the lights of Kylemore Abbey to celebrate 100 years of the Benedictine Order of nuns in Co Galway this week.
The illumination of the Abby is part of a year-long programme of events to mark the residency of the nuns in Connemara since 1920.
“Over this year we will remember all those who have helped make Kylemore Abbey such a special place,” said Abbess and Chair of Kylemore Trust Mother Máire Hickey OSB.
“As we celebrate, we give thanks for the blessings of the past century and we look forward with confidence to the future.”
Catholic school teacher makes her voice heard on UK music show
A Catholic school teacher in England has made it through to the knockout stages of The Voice UK after coming out on top at the battle stage at the weekend.
Elly O’Keeffe, 31, wowed mentor Tom Jones and rapper Will.I.Am as she competed against teammate Shaun Samonini on March 1.
The pair sang a duet of ‘I Lived’ by OneRepublic and following the performance, the judges chose to keep the Cork-born singer-song writer on the show.
Ms O’Keeffe from Knocknagree is based in London and teaches music at St Raphael’s Catholic Primary School in Northolt.
Pro-life group threaten legal action over NI abortion law
A pro-life group is threatening to take legal action against the UK Government over abortion laws in Northern Ireland due to come into force on March 31.
Right to Life UK has warned it will seek a judicial review if the final legal framework goes further than what is legally required under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019.
The group’s spokesperson Catherine Robinson fears the legislation will allow for more abortions on the grounds of sex or disability.
She said: “If the UK Government pushes ahead with their extreme abortion framework proposals, they would be acting unlawfully and would be undermining the devolution settlement.”
#LivingLent initiative launched by Primate of Ireland
Archbishop Eamon Martin has invited the faithful to use social media to grow closer to God during the Lent season.
Dr Martin launched the initiative on Twitter and Instagram this week, which offers daily suggestions for Lent including prayer and scripture, opportunities for penance and fasting, charitable acts and behaviour.
“The objective of our Lenten digital initiative is to assist our spiritual preparation for the joy and hope of the Easter season,” Dr Martin said.
He encouraged the faithful to use the hashtag #LivingLent and share with their followers how they are putting the themes of prayer, fasting and charity into practice during Lent.