“People laughed when Archbishop Hughes began to plan a cathedral on what was then the remote 51st Street on 5th Avenue. They called it ‘Hughes’s Folly’, but time would show that ... Archbishop Hughes was ahead of the rest in anticipating the growth and future strategic importance of mid-Manhattan.”

Archbishop Martin recalls Pope telling him “There is something about the message of the synod and something about the difficulty Ireland has gone through that offers me an opportunity to say things I want to say about the family.”

“He has his own ideas as to why he wants to come to Ireland – he looks on it as a contribution he wishes to make to the renewal of the Church in Ireland and also to the renewal of family life in Ireland” – Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

This weekend’s collection will be followed by another national collection next year and a final one in 2018, all aimed at defraying some of the large costs involved.

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin elected as rapporteur of one English-speaking group, while Archbishop Eamon Martin elected as moderator of his group.

Launching a book by Rev Gordon Linney, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin pays tribute to the Pontiff’s ability to “say things in a different way”.

Dublin selected as venue for 9th World Meeting of Families by Pope Francis as Archbishops Diarmuid Martin and Eamon Martin welcome announcement.

Pontiff to celebrate outdoor Mass for over a million pilgrims at World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

“Today the Church must learn again how to show that the family is a great gift, something good and beautiful."

Fundraising campaign aims to cover cost of new retirement home for returned Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary.

Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput claims Pontiff has accepted invitation for September 2015 event.