Deadline extended for first phase of the synodal process

In order to “provide a greater opportunity for the people of God to have an authentic experience of listening and dialogue” during the recently launched synodal process, the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops has decided to extend the deadline of the first phase. In a statement, the General Secretariat of the Synod of […]

Knock Shrine to host Triduum to Saint Joseph

As the year of Saint Joseph draws to a close, plans are underway at Knock Shrine to mark the end of this special year with a Triduum to St Joseph from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 November, 2021. To celebrate the Year of Saint Joseph, Knock Shrine has commissioned a beautiful new statue. Designed and […]

Pope to COP26: Let’s choose to leave our children a healthy planet

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State is in Glasgow representing the Holy Father and the Holy See at COP26. Addressing those attending the climate conference, Cardinal Parolin opened his discourse, which he was reading on behalf of Pope Francis, by noting that the conference has the important task of showing the entire international […]

Vatican extends opportunities to gain indulgences for the dead

The Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary published a decree on Thursday providing for the possibility of obtaining plenary indulgences in favour of the faithful departed throughout the entire month of November. The decree, signed by Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, notes that the decision to once again extend the time period for gaining the indulgences was taken in response […]

COMECE urges EU leaders to join efforts to tackle climate emergency

In a letter addressed to the leaders of the European institutions that will be participating at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich urges the EU to play a leading role at the international level to tackle the climate emergency. The president of the European Bishops’ Conferences (COMECE) notes that […]

Bishop Martin Hayes to attend COP26 for parishioners working to protect God’s creation

Bishop Martin Hayes will represent the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference at COP26 in November.  COPs (Conference of the Parties) are annual global climate summits attended by officials from nearly every country on Earth.  This year the UK, in partnership with Italy, will host COP26 in Glasgow. Bishop Hayes said, “I am looking forward to attending […]

Vatican releases schedule of Pope’s liturgical celebrations for November

The Master of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, Mons. Diego Giovanni Ravelli, on Friday released the schedule of the celebrations of Pope Francis for the month of November.  There are 3 main liturgical celebrations of the Holy Father for the coming month: 4 November: Holy Mass at 11:00 am in St. Peter’s Basilica […]