"I do not believe that the Government is using its voice strongly enough to oppose the horrendous things happening in that part of the world," – Deputy Tóibín.

The chair of the Council for Healthcare of the Bishops’ Conference has encouraged people to pray for those affected by the virus and for the efforts to bring the outbreak under control.

“The Church must consider whether to suspend masses and religious services,” said Italian consumer protection activist Carlo Rienzi.

Separately, there is a call to pray for all those affected by the Chinese corona virus outbreak

More than 245 million Christians live in a place where they experience high levels of persecution – IDOP.

"Isolation and depression, combined with a lack of a supportive environment, affects the mental health of seafarers, sometimes with tragic and heart-breaking consequences."

“Widespread evidence shows that today, Christians constitute the most widely persecuted religion.”

"Become missionary disciples, ever more passionately devoted to Jesus and His mission, to the ends of the earth."

According to the Church in Chains Global Guide, the situation is noticeably worsening in India as Hindu extremists attack churches in rural areas every week and under President Xi’s religious clampdown in China.

The Vatican will have a say in the naming of bishops in China, and the Pope will have the power to veto candidates.

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon has warned that while global attention is focused on the Rohingya crisis, another ethnic minority, the predominantly Christian Kachin, are being persecuted by the military.

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin presides at ordination of Rev Fergal Cummins of Meath, Rev Ricky O’Connor of Ferns, and Divine Word Missionaries, Rev Yanbo Chen and Rev Gerhard Osthues.

The Columbans were “our heroes and we looked up to them, we admired their courage, and the way in which they risked everything for the Gospel of Christ" - Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam.

Deacon Declan Lohan, a former barrister, is to be ordained a priest for service in his home diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora.

As head of the diplomatic corps in Ethiopia at the time of the famine, Archbishop Thomas White was responsible for coordinating the contributions of many countries and charities in support of those who were starving.

“Christian responses to persecution are almost always nonviolent and, with very few exceptions, do not involve acts of terrorism,” states recent report.

One hundred years ago, on 10 October 1916, the Bishops of Ireland gave their blessing to a new venture known as the Maynooth Mission to China. It became known as the Society of St Columban on 29 June 1918.

Fr Dan Fitzgerald was one of the oldest surviving Columbans and a direct link to the founders of the Society. He worked at one stage as secretary to Bishop Edward Galvin in China.

Fr Dan Fitzgerald returned home to Nenagh in 1989 after serving in the Philippines during World War II and later in the diocese of Hanyang in China.

“Coercion is the core of the policy. Instituting a two-child policy will not end forced abortion or forced sterilisation” - Women’s Rights Without Frontiers.

Aid to the Church in Need to publish ‘Persecuted and Forgotten? A Report on Christians oppressed for their Faith 2013-15’.

October - mission month - will see a series of seminars take place every Thursday evening on the impact of the Ad Gentes decree on the mission activity of the Church.

"‘Guest from the West’ is a very eloquent and timely read to once again remind us of the valuable contributions of missionaries over the years" - Korean Ambassador.

Director of weekly catholic newspaper in Macau sees rising interest and fervour in religion.

Ongoing crackdown targets China's rapidly growing Christian community and its churches.

Star of 'The Passion of the Christ' adopted son and daughter from Chinese orphanage.

Ten Christian places of worship targeted in crackdown in Zhejiang province.

More than half a million visitors a month led through Ignatian Examen via website.

Every priest in the diocese will be met individually during September.