Archbishop Eamon Martin and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, President and Vice President respectively of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, will represent the Irish bishops at the XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the theme “The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World”.  The synod will take place […]

I am delighted to hear that Pope Francis has announced that the 9th World Meeting of Families will take place in Dublin, and that Archbishop Diarmuid Martin is in Philadelphia with our delegation to hear the news directly from the Holy Father. Three years ago the 50th International Eucharistic Congress was a great celebration of […]

Pope Francis has announced that the next World Meeting of Families will take place in 2018 in Dublin. He made the announcement at the concluding Mass of the World Meeting of Families which ended in Philadelphia this evening. It was the final stage of Pope Francis’ historic trip to United States. Tonight’s Mass in Philadelphia […]

Latest Bishops’ statements and homilies on the marriage referendum

The following pastoral letter from Bishop Liam MacDaid was read at Masses in the diocese of Clogher on the weekend of 16/17 May 2015: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ and people of good-will, I am very conscious this weekend that you are gathering your thoughts before making a final decision on how you […]

I write this letter – my first as bishop of the archdiocese of Cashel and Emly – at a moment of singular importance for our country. In a few days those eligible to vote will have the opportunity to express their preferences in two referendums on Marriage and the age for Presidential Candidates. Earlier this […]

My dear priests and people, Reflect on the meaning of marriage This week, you will be asked to vote in a referendum which will change the meaning of marriage in the Constitution of Ireland. During the coming days I encourage you to think about the issues involved, to pray for guidance and to vote on […]

Newsletter message for 16/17 May 2015 Married love is a unique form of love between a man and a woman which has a special benefit for society. The word ‘unique’ is an attractive word because it means there is something special and impressive about it; what is unique should be cared for and protected.  Uniqueness […]

“When the Time comes, you will Receive the Holy Spirit and you will be my Witnesses” Dear sisters and brothers in Christ. Today we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. It is, in a sense an ending. It also marks the beginning of our mission as Church in the concrete circumstances of the world in […]

Marriage and the Family These are critical times for marriage in our society. On May 22nd the people of Ireland are being asked to vote in a referendum that proposes to change the meaning of marriage in the Constitution of Ireland. In opposing this proposal to redefine marriage the Church’s stance is a positive one. […]