World Meeting of Families 2018

Last weekend for Pope Francis’ historic visit to the 9th World Meeting of the Families in Ireland, two Skoda ‘Rapid’ cars were used at various times to assist the Holy Father during his intensive two-day programme involving different locations in the Archdiocese of Dublin, and separately in the Archdiocese of Tuam.  Skoda was the official […]

My first comment on the visit of Pope Francis over last weekend is that it was a huge success.  Importantly I am conscious that his two-day intensive pilgrimage wasn’t so much a visit to Ireland, rather the Holy Father came here to attend events associated with the conclusion of the five-day celebration of the World […]

The Skoda car used by Pope Francis during his historic trip to Ireland is to be used to help homeless families. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has decided that the blue Skoda will be donated to Crosscare, the social care agency of the Archdiocese of Dublin, for use by staff in their Mater Dei homeless hub.  Each […]

Convent of the Dominican Sisters (Dublin) Sunday, 26 August 2018   Dear Brother Bishops, As my visit to Ireland comes to a close, I am grateful for this chance to spend a few moments with you. I thank Archbishop Eamon Martin for his gracious words of introduction and I greet all of you with affection […]

In an unprecedented gesture during the closing Mass for the World Meeting of Families in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, Pope Francis asks pardon for a litany of abuses committed by some members of the Church against men, women, and children in Ireland. By Vatican News The Pope’s gesture was both unprecedented and unexpected. It came at […]

The Archbishop of Tuam, Most Rev. Michael Neary, on behalf of the people, religious, and priests of the Archdiocese of Tuam, extends the following welcome to His Holiness, Pope Francis, on his arrival at Ireland’s national Marian in Knock, Co Mayo, this morning (26 August). Fáilte / Welcome A Athair Ró Naofa, céad míle fáilte romhat go […]

“Today, on the eve of Pope Francis’ historic visit to Ireland, I wish to announce the decision of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference to divest from fossil fuels.  The Bishops’ Conference has signed the global Catholic fossil free pledge and today begins the process of divesting its resources from all fossil fuels.  In doing so, we […]

Family “Circle” of Tender Love Recently someone sent me a collection of old prayers known as “Circle prayers”. Apparently they were popular in Celtic countries like Ireland. Circle prayers ask God to surround us with his love and protection – one beautiful prayer goes like this: Circle me Lord, Keep protection near, And danger afar. […]

Family “Circle” of Tender Love Recently someone sent me a collection of old prayers known as “Circle prayers”. Apparently they were popular in Celtic countries like Ireland. Circle prayers ask God to surround us with his love and protection – one beautiful prayer goes like this: Circle me Lord, Keep protection near, And danger afar. […]