Large majorities of Catholics polled in five countries said they believed contraceptives are commonly used among Catholic couples.

Irish missionary has accompanied the community of El Mozote in El Salvador in seeking justice and redress over a 1981 massacre in which 1,000 people were tortured and murdered, including 400 children, by state military forces.

Tributes to winner Colette Nkunda of Misean Cara for her contribution to development and sustainability.

Figures released by the HSE in June showed that new HIV cases in Ireland have reached their highest point in five years.

Report on the work of Irish missionaries in the Philippines and Korea helping the marginalised and most disadvantaged.

Last year, 356 missionary projects were approved for funding by Misean Cara, which is financed by up to €14 million from Irish Aid.

"Dedicated and doggedly persistent, she was an example of God-centred religious life."

Church communities throughout Ireland prepare to pray in solidarity with the Christian women of the Bahamas.

"Missionaries continue to work in some of the most volatile, disadvantaged and challenging countries in the world and they do so selflessly and tirelessly" - Anthony Maher.

Some progress reported on MDGs but UN Secretary General warns against complacency.