Roman Catholics and Protestants carry the Cross together in sign of unity; Limerick recital; Visiting choir at St Patrick’s; Pope denounces dissident priests; ‘Liberal’ priest under Vatican investigation; Pope reaffirms ban on women priests; Fr Reynolds: please don’t sack any RTE staff over my libel case; St Patrick Centre facing closure; Victims of the Troubles remembered; Debut album – Signs of the Times – David Paul;
First Communion cash ‘keeps climbing’
Roman Catholics and Protestants carry the Cross together in sign of unity
Independent.ie – For the first time in centuries the two archbishops of Dublin led a procession of the faithful through the streets of the capital last night as part of an historic ecumenical walk to celebrate Good Friday. Up to 500 worshippers — including both Catholics and Protestants — followed behind Catholic Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and Church of Ireland Archbishop Michael Jackson as both of them carried a wooden Taize cross at the front of the procession.
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/catholics-and-protestants-carry-the-cross-together-in-sign-of-unity-3073839.html
Limerick recital
On Wednesday the lunchtime recital in St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick, will be given by the mezzo–soprano Sarah–Ellen Murphy with Peter Barley at the piano who will perform pieces by Balfe, Rossini, Schuman and Elgar.
Visiting choir at St Patrick’s
The choir of St Edward’s Church, Romford, begins a residency in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, on Thursday where they will sing the services until Sunday 15 April.
Pope denounces dissident priests
Pope Benedict XVI has issued a blistering denunciation of priests who have questioned church teaching on celibacy and ordaining women, saying they were being selfish in disobeying his authority. The Pope made the rare and explicit criticism from the altar of St Peter’s Basilica in his homily on Holy Thursday, when priests recall the promises they made when ordained.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/pope-denounces-dissident-priests-16140966.html
‘Liberal’ priest under Vatican investigation
The founder of the Association of Catholic Priests, Fr Tony Flannery, is being investigated by the Vatican because of his liberal views. For the past 14 years, Fr Flannery has written in the Redemptorist Order’s Reality magazine, but Rome has intervened and the column has been banned.
It is understood that Fr Flannery was informed of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith’s concerns two months ago, but would not comment on the matter
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/liberal-priest-under-vatican-investigation-189662.html
Fr Tony Flannery has confirmed to TheJournal.ie that he has been informed by the Vatican that he is under investigation.
http://www.thejournal.ie/liberal-priest-confirms-he-is-under-vatican-investigation-408748-Apr2012/
Pope reaffirms ban on women priests
Irish Times – Pope Benedict has re-stated the Roman Catholic Church’s ban on women priests and warned that he would not tolerate disobedience by clerics on fundamental teachings.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0405/breaking31.html
Fr Reynolds: please don’t sack any RTE staff over my libel case
Independent.ie – The defamed priest at the centre of the ‘Prime Time Investigates’ controversy has insisted he wants no one to lose their job with RTE as a result of the now infamous broadcast. Fr Kevin Reynolds told the Irish Independent he holds no ill feeling towards anyone about his treatment at the hands of RTE.
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/fr-reynolds-please-dont-sack-any-rte-staff-over-my-libel-3073831.html
St Patrick Centre facing closure
Funding for tourist facility slashed as councillor brands it a ‘white elephant’. One of Northern Ireland’s major tourist attractions is under threat of closure because of a cut in funding, it has been claimed. Directors at the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick have been having crisis talks with auditors after Down District Council voted to slash its annual grant by £10,000.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/st-patrick-centre-facing-closure-16140920.html
Victims of the Troubles remembered
Irish Times – More than 3,500 people who died as a result of the conflict in Northern Ireland were honoured today. For three hours the names of each victim of the Troubles were read during a Good Friday ceremony in the Dublin Unitarian Church in St Stephen’s Green. The annual act of commemoration — now in its 12th year — is the only religious service of its kind in Ireland. Andy Pollak, of the Centre for Cross Border Studies, said the reading of names illustrates powerfully the terrible, random nature of death in war and civil conflict.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0406/breaking64.html
Debut album – Signs of the Times – David Paul
Christian Today – The debut album from this Northern Irish fourpiece offers intriguing utterly original Christian music and we hope a taste of things to come. See also Music news on this site.
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/signs.of.the.times.by.david.paul.the.people/29614.htm
First Communion cash ‘keeps climbing’
Irish Times – Children making their first communion have escaped the worst ravages of the recession and will get more cash then ever on their big day this year, according to a new survey. The average sum a child gets for making their communion continues to increase year on year. Last year, the average amount given per person to children making their communion was €36 compared with €30 in 2010. This year, it is expected to rise to €37. In comparison, confirmation gifts have dropped from €35 to €30 in 2012.
All told, children will receive gifts averaging €337 this year for making their communion, up 4 per cent on 2011’s figure while those making their confirmation will receive an average of €389, a year on year reduction of 20 per cent.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0405/breaking48.html