Synodal process caused ‘uncertainty’ about synodality research shows

The synodal process has increased “uncertainty” about what synodality is and what it means for the life of the Church, Irish research shows. As the Church in Ireland seeks to embed the practice of synodality into the life of the Church, a survey conducted on behalf of the Irish Synodal Pathway steering committee suggests that… […]

Prayer, coffee and a cig with the Poor Clares

The Poor Clares Galway tell Ruadhán Jones about their prayers for busy people What could nuns in an enclosed convent know about the lives of everyday, busy people? It’s a question often asked about nuns, priests and male religious. The answer is, quite a lot more than you would think. “From the sisters who meet… […]

Two sides of immigration…

Italian Prime Minister, Georgia Meloni, often described as right-wing, seems to have struck up a molto simpatico friendship with the British PM Rishi Sunak. There was much hugging and embracing by the pair when both attended a festival of ideas in Italy last weekend. The word is that the chemistry between them is excellent. Personal… […]

Cardinal ‘ashamed’ as lawmaker puts out Hanukkah candles in Poland’s parliament

Cardinal Grzegorz Rys of Lodz, chairman of the Committee for Dialogue with Judaism of the Polish bishops’ conference, strongly condemned the incident in which a far-right Polish lawmaker used a fire extinguisher to put out Hanukkah candles in the Sejm, the country’s parliament. “In connection with the incident in the Sejm committed by Mr MP […]

‘I’m only worried what God thinks’ says new Faith-filled Louth manager

GAA star and now manager of Louth senior football team Ger Brennan has said he is “very lucky” to have received the gift of grace. The former Dublin senior footballer, and two-time All-Ireland winner, was appointed Louth’s manager in October. Like his predecessor Mickey Harte, he is also very vocal about his Faith. Mr Brennan […]

How Did the Nativity Scene Begin? Unveiling its Historic Roots to Saint Francis of Assisi

On Dec. 9, 2023, the Vatican unveiled its annual Nativity scene in Saint Peter’s Basilica, along with the traditional Christmas tree lighting. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief Andres Thonhauser revealed the intricate details that went into creating this year’s display based on its historic roots to Saint Francis of Assisi.  Click here if you cannot see […]

Bishops of Ukraine: No Blessing for those Living in Sin

Editor’s note: On December 19, 2023, the Roman Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ukraine published the following response to Fiducia supplicans on their official website here. Below is an unofficial English translation by OnePeterFive: Communiqué of the Ukrainian [Roman Catholic] Bishops’ Conference on the Declaration of the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith “FIDUCIA SUPPLICANS” […]

The Real Man Behind Santa Claus: The Story of the Great Saint Nicholas

Do you know the story of the real Santa Claus? Saint Nicholas was a fourth-century bishop whose life and legacy inspired the character of Santa Claus we know and love today. You can find more information about his patronage of children here. However, while not much is truly known about Saint Nicholas, the legend below […]

Vatican explains how and when gay couples can be blessed

A Catholic priest can bless a gay or other unmarried couple as long as it is not a formal liturgical blessing and does not give the impression that the Catholic Church is blessing the union as if it were a marriage, the Vatican doctrinal office has said. The request for a blessing can express and […]