Pope Francis inaugurates new cycle of studies dedicated to ecological and environmental issues
Pope Francis has inaugurated a new cycle of studies at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, dedicated to ecological and environmental issues, in conjunction with the Patriarchate of Constantinople and UNESCO. In his speech, the Pontiff underlines that the complexity of the ecological crisis requires responsibility, concreteness, and competence. In the presence of Patriarch Bartholomew […]
Bishops call for a special parish collection on 6 and 7 November to support Trócaire’s work to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in East Africa
Bishops are asking parishes throughout Ireland to undertake a special Church collection on 6 and 7 November to invite the public to support Trócaire in its work to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in East Africa. Bishops made the request following discussions at their Autumn General Meeting which concluded in Maynooth on Wednesday 6 October. Bishops […]
Canonisation of Sister Faustina was ”best day” of Pope John Paul II’s life
Tuesday 5 October last was the feast of Saint Mary Faustina. Helena Kowalska was born in 1905 in Poland. She was accepted by the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, which she entered in 1925, taking her new name, Sister Faustina. From 1931, Saint Faustina had several apparitions of Christ, through which […]
Bishops’ Conference Autumn General Meeting concludes in Maynooth
Members of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference gathered in-person this week in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, for their Autumn 2021 General Meeting. Due to public health restrictions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Bishops’ Conference had hosted its previous five plenary meetings via video link. The main issues discussed by the bishops during their Autumn General […]
Pope Francis on COP26: Sharing, love, respect should shape efforts for better future
Pope Francis met alongside other religious leaders and scientists from around the world in the Vatican on Monday 4 October, to take a common stand for the protection of the environment, ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference scheduled for 1 – 12 November in Glasgow, Scotland. The day-long meeting themed: “Faith and Science: Towards […]
Parishes to mark Day for Life on Sunday 3 October 2021
This year’s Day for Life will be celebrated on Sunday 3 October on the theme ‘The Good Samaritan: A Model of Compassion’. Day for Life is celebrated annually by the Catholic Church in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales as a day dedicated to raising awareness of the meaning and value of human life at every […]
Vatican announces theme for World Communications Day 2022 as ‘Listen!’
Pope Francis has chosen the single word, “Listen!” as the theme for the 56th World Communications Day, which will be celebrated in 2022. Announcing next year’s theme, the Holy See said, “Pope Francis is asking the world to listen again.” After the Message of 2021, which focused on going and seeing, in his new Message for World Communications […]
Diocese of Dromore launches Redress Scheme for victims of abuse by priests in the diocese
The Diocese of Dromore has opened a redress scheme for victims of child sexual abuse by priests in the diocese. The Redress Scheme was launched today in Newry by Archbishop Eamon Martin, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore. In a statement published today, the diocese apologised unreservedly for the hurt and damage caused to […]
Pope Francis at General Audience: Power of grace must lead to works of mercy
Taking up the “difficult but important topic” of justification in his catechesis at today’s weekly General Audience, Pope Francis said that St Paul “insists on the fact that justification comes through faith in Christ.” The Holy Father acknowledged that it is “not easy to arrive at an exhaustive definition” of justification. However, with the help […]
Bishop Fintan Gavin ordains Rev Ronan Sheehan to the diaconate
On Saturday 25 September 2021 Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork & Ross, ordained Reverend Ronan Sheehan to the diaconate. The ordination took place in the Cathedral of Saint Mary & Saint Anne, Cork City. Deacon Sheehan is a seminarian of the Diocese of Cork & Ross and a graduate of Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth. […]