Women training for stipendiary ministry at St Padarn’s Institute, Cardiff, are now in a majority, outnumbering men by 18 to eight. Three of the women are under 30 — deemed good news for the age profile; a further three are between 30 and 39; six are 40-49; four are 50-59; and two are between 60 Read more
World
First US diocesan synod results made public
Monday, May 9th, 2022Key findings cited in the first US diocesan synod report available for public consumption highlight a strong desire from parishioners for the church to better reach out to the marginalised, be more transparent, be more consistent in moral teaching, and focus on the “critical” need to re-engage youth and young adults in the faith. The Read more
Two men lynched for suspected cow slaughter in India
Monday, May 9th, 2022Two indigenous men in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh were brutally killed over the suspicion of their involvement in cow slaughter. Police say there is no confirmation of the suspected cow slaughter, however the opposition Congress party is demanding a high-level inquiry and swift action in the matter. The victims, Sampat Batti and Read more
Kirill must not be Putin’s altar boy, says Pope
Thursday, May 5th, 2022
Pope Francis has warned the leader of Russia’s Orthodox Church that he “cannot become Putin’s altar boy.” In a recent media interview Francis says Patriarch Kirill’s support of the war in Ukraine became clear to him during their 40-minute zoom discussion in March. In this, Kirill spent half the time reading out justifications for President Read more
Crumbling church a springtime
Thursday, May 5th, 2022
Much of what the church has built up in Ireland over the last two centuries is crumbling before our eyes, says Galway’s new bishop. But fresh opportunities are also presenting themselves, he maintains. At his installation Mass last Sunday, Bishop Michael Duignan of Galway and Kilmacduagh (pictured) highlighted the Church’s diminishing role in the Republic. Read more
Biden’s true colours show through
Thursday, May 5th, 2022
In direct contradiction to the tenets of the Catholic faith he identifies with, President Joe Biden supports abortion. The Catholic Church catechism teaches abortion is a grave evil that destroys a human person with inherent dignity and worth. Biden doesn’t accept that view. In a statement about a leaked document suggesting the Supreme Court will Read more
Pope mandates annual audit on each country’s abuse protection measures
Thursday, May 5th, 2022
Pope Francis has asked for an annual audit providing a “reliable account on what is presently being done and what needs to change” to protect children and vulnerable adults from predator clergy. Each country will contribute to the audit evaluating how national Catholic Churches are implementing such measures. “Without more transparency the faithful will continue Read more
Spanish bishops will not participate in civil abuse inquiry
Thursday, May 5th, 2022
Spain’s bishops say they will not take part in the national legislature-organised commission into clerical sexual abuse. They allege the commission won’t look into all sexual abuse of minors but only those committed by members of the Catholic Church. Of Spain’s 15,000 open cases, the vast majority were committed by people who are not part Read more
Pope agrees to treat painful knee with therapeutic injections
Thursday, May 5th, 2022
Pope Francis will have therapeutic injections to try to alleviate the pain in his right knee, he told an Italian newspaper. “I have a torn ligament; I will have a procedure with injections and we will see,” he said in an interview published May 3 in Corriere della Sera. “I’ve been like this for a Read more
Crowds return to Rome
Thursday, May 5th, 2022“They all returned within two weeks,” said a person who’s been working in the Roman Curia for over fifteen years, adding that it still seems a bit hard to believe. Yes, the tourists and pilgrims have returned to the Eternal City. Two years of pandemic – punctuated by lockdowns and health protocols that have included Read more