Pope Francis to designate Knock as International Marian and Eucharistic Shrine on 19 March – Feast of Saint Joseph
Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam has welcomed Pope Francis’ formal recognition of the Shrine at Knock as an International Marian and Eucharistic Shrine, “as a hugely significant milestone in the history of the Shrine.” Pope Francis will formally designate Knock as an International Marian and Eucharistic Shrine on the Feast of Saint Joseph, Friday 19 March, in a […]
Bishops announce plans for a National Synod within the next five years
At their Spring General Meeting, which concluded on Wednesday 10 March, the Irish Bishops’ Conference announced their decision to embark on a synodal pathway for the Catholic Church in Ireland leading to the holding of a National Synodal Assembly within the next five years. Background Giving some background to the announcement, the bishops said, “Since […]
Bishops’ Spring General Meeting takes place via video-link
In accordance with the public health restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19, members of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference gathered this week for their Spring 2021 General Meeting via video-link, instead of the usual location at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth. This was the fourth plenary meeting of bishops hosted using this medium. The President of the […]
Towards a Synodal Irish Church
‘Towards a Synodal Irish Church’ was the title of an address delivered by Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, to the Irish Bishops on 3 February 2021. You can read the Cardinal’s address below: Dear brothers, It is a privilege for us, Sr. Nathalie Becquart and me, to participate in this meeting. […]
First anniversary of Pope’s lockdown Masses broadcast live from Santa Marta
One year ago the coronavirus pandemic suddenly took the world by surprise, causing a cascade of regional and national lockdowns to stop its spread. At first, Italy was hardest hit in Europe, followed by other nations. Life came to a surreal standstill in Rome and all around the Vatican. In order to reach people during […]
People’s freedom to worship publicly should be restored as soon as current Level 5 restrictions begin to be eased – Bishops
In a statement released on the second day of the Spring General Meeting of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, bishops have said they believe that people’s freedom to worship publicly should be restored as soon as the current restrictions begin to be eased. The statement follows on from a meeting, which took place on 19 February between […]
Lenten Reflection on the crisis facing those forced from the Council for Justice and Peace
The Council for Justice and Peace of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference has developed a Lenten Reflection on the crisis facing people who are forced to flee often because of persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations. In this short document, which is offered to parishes, the Council invites readers to reflect through the model […]
Pope Francis bids farewell to Iraq after a historic visit
Pope Francis left Iraq on Monday 8 March, bringing the curtain down on the 33rd apostolic journey of his pontificate, and the first visit of a pontiff to the Middle Eastern country. After celebrating Mass in private at the Apostolic Nunciature, he left for Baghdad’s international airport after bidding farewell to the staff and friends […]
Bishops of Tuam Province reflect on the impact of Covid-19 one year on
Bishops from the six dioceses in the Province of Tuam have published a pastoral message in which they reflect on the impact of Covid-19 on the parish communities in the West of Ireland, one year on from the appearance of the pandemic in Ireland. The message comes from Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam, Brendan Kelly of […]
Pope Francis’ visit is sign of closeness to the Church in Iraq – Cardinal Parolin
Pope Francis’ first papal Apostolic Journey to Iraq is scheduled to begin on Friday, 5 March. During the four-day visit, the Pope will meet with Christian communities as well as civil and religious authorities. This will be the Holy Father’s first trip abroad in about fifteen months as the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and […]