No need for redress after report – order
A religious order that ran two Magdalene Laundries refused to contribute to a redress scheme after examining the findings of the McAleese committee, The Examiner has discovered.
Documents released under Freedom of Information show the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity rejected the Government’s view that the congregation had a ‘moral obligation’ to contribute, regional leader Sr Sheila Murphy saying the decision was based on the committee’s findings, and after considering ongoing responsibilities to residents in the order’s care.
In August 2013 the Government told a UN committee the report had found “no factual evidence to support allegations of systematic torture or ill-treatment of a criminal nature in these institutions”.
24 Hours for the Lord
The Irish bishops have extended an invitation for the faithful to celebrate ‘24 Hours for the Lord’, an initiative that will see dioceses offer 24 hours of continuous Confession in designated churches during Lent. “Continuing last year’s call by Pope Francis during the Jubilee Year of Mercy, dioceses are inviting all Catholics to celebrate in Lent ‘24 Hours for the Lord’ so as to experience the Lord’s loving mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and to find opportunities for prayer,” the bishops said in a statement. Details of designated churches will be made available on individual diocesan websites.
Derry Youth Community seeks volunteers
Derry Youth Community (DYC) is recruiting for young volunteers to take part in the project next year. DYC is a group of committed young people (aged 18-25) who live in community in the heart of Derry city and who serve the spiritual needs of thousands of their peer group in the Diocese of Derry. They live in a structured, secure environment from where their ministry reaches out to their peer group with faith-based activities and pursuits.
For those interested in giving a year to the very real challenges of this initiative, more information is available on www.derryyouthcommunity.com or by emailing dyc@derrydiocese.org
Parishes called to share the ‘Joy of Bells’ for migrants
The Catholic bishops are calling on parishes across Ireland to peal their bells this March 19 as a show of solidarity with migrants and refugees.
Responding to an invitation from the Church of Ireland Cathedral of Waterford to be part of the ‘Joy of Bells’, the prelates issued a message of support at the end of their quarterly meeting in Maynooth. “[The] bishops encourage parishes to ring church bells on Sunday 19 March (at 11am if possible) so that, in ringing, they proclaim our Christian witness and proclamation of faith, trust, love, reconciliation and joy and that every migrant is welcome!”
On the continuing migration crisis, the bishops reiterated the message of Pope Francis for the 2017 World Day of Migrants and Refugees to “to help those who, for various reasons, are forced to live far from their homeland and are separated from their families”.
Death of Fr Edmund Maguire
The death has taken place for Fr Edmund Maguire of the Diocese of Clogher.
A native of Clones, Co. Monaghan, Edmund was ordained to the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Carlow on June 9, 1962. Apart from a short period in Manchester, England, Fr Edmund was to spend his priestly ministry in Co. Monaghan. Following service in Ballybay (Tullycorbet parish), Threemilehouse (Kilmore & Drumsnatt parish) and Clontibret, he was appointed PP of Aughnamullen East in 1989 until 2002 whwn he became PP of Donaghmoyne. He retired in September 2007 to his native Clones.