News in brief

News in brief
Linguistic acrobatics used to deny baby’s humanity – bishop

The bishop of Kilmore has given a pastoral message defending the Eighth Amendment, maintaining that the question of abortion is not primarily a religious issue, but an “ethical” and “human rights issue”.

Bishop Leo O’Reilly issued the statement on March 6, saying that a compassionate response and one that is “consistent with a culture of life” is necessary when addressing crisis pregnancies.

He further added that campaigners for abortions use linguistic acrobatics by referring to a baby as a “foetus” in an “attempt to hide the fact that the baby is fully human”.

 

Belfast parish to hold bilingual Mass

A Belfast parish is urging residents to start St Patricks day the traditional way by attending Mass in the native Irish language.

The special bilingual Mass beginning at 10am will be concelebrated in St Oliver Plunkett parish church by bishop of Down and Connor, Fr Noel Treanor and Parish priest Fr Aidan Brankin. An Teanga Bheo, the Parish-based Irish language group, will be assisting throughout and accepting new members.

Commenting on the event, Parish Manager Glen Phillips, said: “This is a great opportunity for people to use whatever Irish they have and to maybe learn a few more words and prayers too.”