"The sisters are leaving and it will be a huge wrench for them and for people in the community," said Mary Crawford, former school principal of St Joseph's, Spanish Point.

"Good governance demands that the prevailing clericalist culture of secrecy must end," says Soline Humbert.

Churches can now open for private and personal prayer, provided the necessary precautions are in line with the guidelines.

“We all share a responsibility to protect human life on our roads.”

Congregation numbers are declining and the value of donations are falling as a result.

“Prayer and reflection can change our driving behaviour, calm our aggression, and remind us to take care of our spiritual, moral and physical dimensions," says Bishop Fintan Monahan

19 new seminarians have begun their formation for Irish dioceses, eight of whom have begun a propaedeutic year in locations in Ireland and abroad.

Prayer and reflection can change our driving behaviour, calm our aggression, and remind us to take care of our spiritual, moral and physical dimensions.

One thread common to all three Christmas messages is an appeal by the Bishop to take greater care on the roads.

“We had people contacting us from all over the world and today at Knock was no different. I must have met everyone in the basilica after Mass and many travelled for hours.”

Audience came at the end of formation course for new bishops organised by the Congregation for Bishops and the Congregation for the Oriental Churches.

All funds raised will go to the Alzheimer’s Care Centre in Ennis which receives no State funding.

"... even just one case of abuse, be that verbal, physical, sexual or in any form, is one case too many and should be investigated rigorously.”

49-year-old Fr Fintan Monahan will be installed as bishop at the Cathedral of Ss Peter and Paul in Ennis on Sunday 25 September.

Emmanuel and Seinn concerts draw over 3,000 secondary school students together for Church music performances.

Fr Des Hillery, parish priest of Nenagh, to oversee the running of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.

Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly to focus on preaching the Word, tackling trafficking and promoting missionary communion in Cashel & Emly.

The two groups aim to work for “an inclusive Church” where laity, religious and clergy work together in collaborative ministry.

Two spokespeople for lay reform groups urge Irish bishops to call a national assembly to discuss the role of women in the Church.

Reviews praise progress made in dioceses of Cloyne, Dublin, Killaloe and Meath.

Information about special events happening across Ireland on Sunday.

Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated and Apostolic Life oversees 900,000 members.