We seem to be embracing in the name of tolerance and diversity an illiberal liberalism whereby for ideological reasons we stifle expressions of identity and culture – Bishop William Crean.

The bishops are determined to go to Gaza to help remind the small Christian community that they are not forgotten as Christians.

According to information gathered by Agenzia Fides, 29 missionaries were killed throughout the world including 18 priests, 1 permanent deacon, 2 religious men, 2 nuns and 6 laypeople.

Bishop Paul McAleenan paid tribute to people from across Europe who have contributed to the Church and society in the UK and who are what he called “an integral and valued part of our parishes, schools and communities”.

Priests, religious, and lay people share the same daily life as the common people, bringing them the witness of love and service as a sign of hope and peace.

Columbanus, born c.550 on the Carlow/Wexford border, is the best known of the many Irish missionaries who re-evangelised Europe during the Middle Ages.

“The spread and use of new technologies has increased autonomy, but for many it has also led to an intensification of work, shrinking the space for life in family and society.”

Europe was the only continent to see a drop in its Catholic population, down by 240,000.

The biennial meeting of the Commonwealth nations is taking place in London and Windsor from 16 - 20 April.

“Essentially we must always promote the human and insist that the human is put at the centre of the European project” – Bishop Nicholas Hudson.

The friary, which over many years had been the novitiate of the Irish Franciscans, is now an inter-provincial novitiate, with novices coming from Ireland, Great Britain, Germany and Holland.

“Because of the situation at the moment and the lack of action [on this issue] many prisoners and their families are living lives of quiet desperation,” said Fr Gerry McFlynn.

“Being unarmed does seem to suggest that, as a matter of policy, Gardaí will seek to respond to crime in a non-violent way. By doing this, they contribute to reducing the level of violence, rather than escalating it.”

“Will there be an Islamic conquest of Europe?” asks Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna on Sunday.

“In a multi–cultural world, people will not stop witnessing to their faith, however irritating and embarrassing they might be" - Archbishop Michael Jackson.

“These walls are made of fear and aggression, a failure to understand people of different backgrounds or faith. They are walls of political and economic selfishness, without respect for the life and dignity of every person.”

Against background of Brexit, Together for Europe gathering in Munich is a prophetic sign. "We need to keep the ideals of the founders of the EU alive."

“We may be facing a period of renewed nationalism, as well as strident regionalism within some current states,” Bishop McKeown warns.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales said, "Our society has lost a dedicated public servant.”

Pope Francis stressed the need to move away from a “liquid economy" to create dignified and well-paying jobs.

Pope Francis says visit aims to “express closeness & solidarity" to the displaced & the citizens of Lesbos & the people of Greece "who are so generous in their welcome”.

Peace and security policies were at the centre of the debate of the spring plenary assembly of COMECE's bishops in Brussels.

Saying that the service was a “celebration of a common agenda”, Bishop Chartres concluded, “Welcome home Cardinal.”

Former president, Mary McAleese, presents “the story of a great Irish monk” who “literally changed the fate and faith of Europe” in the dark ages.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols highlights the importance and influence of the Synod of Bishops on the life and mission of the Church in Europe.

“Once again the ugly consequences of war have caused multitudes of good people to take great risks as they seek refuge in foreign lands.”

It is “heartening to see that priority will be given to unaccompanied minors and that family reunification will be supported” - Eamonn Meehan.

Parish communities asked to consider whether there are vacant properties - houses, granny-flats or spare-rooms which might accommodate refugees.

Pope’s appeal for solidarity and welcome is a call for a creative and generous response in preparation for the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Archbishop of Dublin calls for a generous response to those caught up in the largest refugee crisis since the Second World War.