When I was growing up in the 1980s, a photo of Pope John Paul II hung above many Irish fireplaces. That pope held a special place in Irish Catholics’ hearts, as he was the first and only pope ever to visit the country. He visited in 1979. There wasn’t another papal visit until this summer when Pope Francis came for the World Meeting of Families. He arrived in Dublin on … [Read more...] about The Pope’s Visit to Ireland
Catholic Church
Dallas Dubliner Bishop Headed to the Vatican
Dallas bishop Kevin J. Farrell, a Dublin native, has been named to a new position at the Vatican. In August, Pope Francis named Farrell – who had served nearly a decade as Bishop of Dallas, Texas – the leader of a new Vatican department designed to explore matters related to “the Laity, the Family and Life.” This comes at a time when reformers are calling for changes in the … [Read more...] about Dallas Dubliner Bishop Headed to the Vatican
Apology Demanded for N.I. Priest's Yoga Comments
Father Reverend Roland Colhoun, a priest at Waterside Parish of Roman Catholic Diocese of Derry in Northern Ireland, as reported by The Derry Journal, “warned parishioners against taking part in yoga” while saying mass in Drumsurn recently. “Yoga is certainly a risk,” he said. “There’s the spiritual health risk.” “It’s a slippery slope from yoga to Satan”, RT channel quoted … [Read more...] about Apology Demanded for N.I. Priest's Yoga Comments
News in Brief
Gay Priest Comes Out Father Martin Dolan, a priest at the Church of St Nicholas of Myra in Francis Street in Dublin's city for 15 years, came out as gay to his parishioners during a Sunday Mass in early January while calling for same-sex marriage equality in advance of the country’s May referendum on the issue. He received a standing ovation from his parishioners. The Dublin … [Read more...] about News in Brief
Cardinal Meets Abuse Victims
Desmond Connell, Archbishop of Dublin, met with victims of clerical sexual abuse in an attempt to defuse widespread anger with the Church's handling of abuse cases. Two victims, Marie Collins and Ken Reilly, had said they would organize a protest march to the archbishop's residence and demand that he stand down. In response, Cardinal Connell invited them to discuss the … [Read more...] about Cardinal Meets Abuse Victims