Pope Francis waves after he invited the faithful to download the "Click to Pray" app on a tablet computer (R), from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter's square in the Vatican during the weekly Angelus prayer Photo: VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images) Primate announces new clergy appointments
Archbishop Eamon Martin has announced some new clerical appointments for the Archdiocese of Armagh which are due to take effect next month.
Fr Jim Carroll of St Peter’s in Drogheda and Administrator of Monasterboice will step down from his duties in Drogheda while remaining as Administrator in Monasterboice and pastor emeritus and priest-in-residence in Clogherhead.
Fr Eugene Sweeney PP of Eglish and Moderator of the Curia will take over in Drogheda.
Fr John Connolly PP of Clonfeacle, will in addition be Administrator in Eglish.
In addition Rev Paul Mallon, deacon, has taken up the role of Diocesan Secretary, while continuing his pastoral ministry in the Cathedral Parish of Armagh.
Archbishop Eamon Martin thanked the priests for their continued ministry and service in the archdiocese.
Art stolen from Spanish church found in England
A Dutch art detective has returned two priceless stone reliefs stolen from an ancient Spanish church after tracing them to an English nobleman’s garden where they were displayed as ornaments.
Dubbed the ‘Indiana Jones of the art world’, Arthur Brand said he gave over the centuries-old carvings to the Spanish embassy in London at a private ceremony on Monday, January 21.
The private investigator showed the stone carvings – one of which depicts John the Evangelist, author of one of the Gospels – hours before they were handed back.
They are believed to be at least 1,000 years old.
Pope launches new prayer app
Pope Francis has launched an app called ‘Click to Pray’, which connects Catholics to a global network to share prayer intentions via their smartphones.
The Pope opened the new app using an iPad during his Angelus address on January 20 and encouraged young Catholics, in particular, to download the smartphone app to pray the ‘Rosary of Peace’ ahead of World Youth Day.
‘Click to Pray’ allows users to post prayer intentions and view other prayer requests in six languages.