Striking the right balance between Covid-safety and welcoming pilgrims back to Lough Derg with confidence was the deciding factor, Fr La Flynn said and noted that by its very nature the pilgrimage is a tactile one.
Bishop of Derry appeals for churches to remain open, priests to be highly visible in churches and communities, and that technology be used to reach the lonely, frightened and self-isolating.
The Covid19 crisis, Archbishop Eamon Martin has said, is “a time for an outpouring of the works of mercy towards the sick and vulnerable, and for a spirit of generosity and self-sacrifice, compassion and charity in Ireland, and across the world”.
"When we ask God for his protection, like St Patrick did, we are asking for serenity and peace of mind," says Archbishop Eamon Martin amid rising anxiety about coronavirus spread.
Catholic Church leaders welcome the House of Bishops' selection of the Bishop of Clogher as Archbishop Richard Clarke's successor.
Docudrama about Ireland’s patron saint will be streaming on Netflix in Ireland and the UK from Thursday, 12 March.
Púca invokes "all the old pagan gods that were here in Ireland... Why would we have a festival like that after St Patrick brought the Catholic faith?”
“There is a cooperative dimension and a willingness to make way for others who might be finding it more difficult.”
“No matter what your troubles, no matter what mistakes you have made or sinful things you have done, you are His son or daughter. You are part of the family. You belong.”
Families across the island of Ireland - including those who live and work along the border and those who make their living from farming, business and haulage - have expressed anxiety about the future to Archbishop Eamon Martin.
"I am Larry Duffy – a human being; I enjoy people; I love the Church and I try to follow Christ – poorly at times. I am a sinner like the rest – that is the package.”
Archbishop Michael Neary and Bishop Fintan Monahan lead thousands of pilgrims in Reek Sunday climb of Croagh Patrick.
“I pray as I climb; I pray the Rosary, and I pray as I walk around the penitential beds along the way," says Dr Michael Neary.
They have one special prayer intention – the referendum on the Eighth Amendment. “Many people, of all faiths and none, strongly support the protection of life from the moment of conception to natural death,” said John Carlin, one of the organisers.
Time for a “family check” as boom time arrives again – Bishop Leahy
Pray for me “that I may be faithful to the apostolic office entrusted to me in my lowliness and that in your midst I may be made day by day a living and more perfect image of Christ, the Priest, the Good Shepherd, the Teacher and Servant of all”.
I pray that Ireland's hosting of the World Meeting of Families will enable families, especially those who know and love Ireland, to 'connect' and 're-connect'.
Pope Francis to visit places associated with Padre Pio in the fiftieth year since his death in 1968
"We are here because you first came to us. We are the fruit of your labour. Today, many Churches in Nigeria are named after St Patrick. St Patrick is the second patron of Nigeria after Our Lady.”
Let us think about Patrick the ‘unlearned refugee’ (as he once described himself), the slave in exile, Patrick the undocumented migrant – Archbishop Eamon Martin.
The plight of Patrick, himself a migrant, has been faced by many Irish people who have struggled to live and integrate into new cultures.
Up to 25,000 expected to take part in the first Reek Sunday climb in two years following the cancellation of last year’s event due to bad weather.
Near perfect conditions as Papal Cross group from Elphin led by Bishop Kevin Doran joins up with Tuam DYC in climbing Ireland's holiest mountain.
Hundreds expected to cross the threshold of mercy on Sunday in St Patrick's Basilica at the launch of the 2016 pilgrimage season.
“They had courage in abundance to follow their patriotic convictions. But they also drew courage from their faith to know how to live life and face death” - Bishop Leahy.
"His missionary dedication reminds you, dear newlyweds, of the importance of the Christian education of your children."
St Patrick speaks of the importance of God and the Trinity; the triumph of good over evil; and autobiography as a vehicle of spiritual and personal expression.
"Remember you too were treated harshly abroad, building London’s underground, the mines of Yorkshire, in the docks of Boston or in the new cities of Sydney and Perth."
Bishop of Achonry leds the annual pilgrimage to Máméan last Sunday and urged the faithful to look after and preserve God's handiwork.
Up to 15,000 pilgrims visit Lough Derg every year (mainly from May to September) and this has been steady for the last number of years.
