“Inadequate” is how the Irish Association for Catholic Priests (ACP) has labelled Bishop John Magee’s first interview since the publication of the report. ACP spokesman, Fr Tony Flannery said five minutes on the doorstep was not adequate given the questions raised by the Murphy report. “While we welcome his interview we don’t feel it’s enough. Read more
“Go and make disciples of all nations” is the theme of the Rio de Janerio World Youth Day in 2013. The next WYD will be held earlier than normal, leaving two years for preparations. This is due to Rio hosting the football World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games two years later. “Even now, Read more
Islamic mosques are being built more often in France than Roman Catholic churches, and there are now more practicing Muslims in the country than practicing Catholics, reports the human rights activist, moderate Muslim and expert investigative reporting group, the Hudson Institute. There are nearly 150 mosques now under construction in France, and by contrast only 20 Read more
The Vatican has summoned the head of traditionalist Society of St Pius X (SSPX) to continue the two-year doctrinal dialogue between the schismatic group and the Holy See. Bishop Bernard Fellay of the Society will meet with top officials who are trying to normalise relations. The meeting will also include Cardinal William Levada, head of the Congregation Read more
Several priests and laymen in China’s underground Catholic church have been detained in a struggle over the appointment of a new bishop. Independent Catholic Asian news agency, ucanews.com, believes that dozens of lay people as well as Tianshui diocesan administrator, Fr John Baptist Wang Ruohan; retired Bishop Casmir Wang Milu; Father John Wang Ruowang and several other Read more
Spain’s capital, Madrid, netted a NZ$280 million WYD profit, reports Arturo Fernandez, the president of Madrid’s House of Commerce. The surplus was generated by accommodation, transport services and business such as food providers. The director of the Hotel Industry Business Association in Madrid, Juan Jose Blardony, said three million meal tickets were distributed to young people Read more
Just before flying out of Madrid, Pope Benedict took time out and stopped at the Madrid IFEMA conference centre to say thanks to the 14,000 volunteers who worked to stage World Youth Day. “With your service, you have shown the face of kindness, friendliness and commitment to others,” the the 84 year old pope said. Read more
Pilgrims will not be likely to forget the 2011 Madrid World Youth Day in a hurry. Any event that gathers 1.5 – 2 million young people together to celebrate their faith is a huge success, and whether it be the intense heat, untimely rain and wind or the growth in faith, the atmosphere of the Read more
Responding to protests in Spain that Spanish taxpayers will be footing the bill for World Youth Day, the Vatican has released a statement saying that all costs will be absorbed by participants and corporate sponsors. The Vatican acknowledged there will be some indirect costs to the country such as security and traffic control, but it Read more
A second diocese in Ireland, the Diocese of Cloyne, is also under extreme financial pressure. In a statement the diocese said it has sold property and used its cash reserves but these options are almost exhausted. “Ultimately the diocese and each parish depend on the generosity of the faithful in the weekly collections and other Read more