The volume of essays takes the reader through the life and thoughts of Pope Benedict XVI, the 265th pontiff – priest, bishop, cardinal, pope and theologian.
Bishop Of Derry urges the faithful to build community despite their differences because “A fragmenting world will not see Jesus in a fractious church."
Young Irish nun who died in an earthquake in Ecuador in 2016 had “a remarkable story of teenage dreams of fame and fun followed by a conversion to give all for Jesus" - Bishop Donal McKeown.
"Make no mistake about it – there are people alive today who would not be alive had it not been for John’s vision and his work” - Fr Paul Farren at the Funeral Mass of the former leader of the SDLP.
“Today we are remembering a paragon of peace, a giant of a statesman whose legacy of unstinting service to the Common Good is internationally acclaimed, even though it is still perhaps only unfolding” - Archbishop Eamon Martin.
Acknowledging the reality of sin in the Church is not intended to be a depressing message - Dr Donal McKeown.
Bishop Donal McKeown hits out at groups in society and in the Church promoting a narrative that a 'fear agenda' is being promoted by the establishment to fool and control people.
The bishop said he was unclear whether parishes can actually have the baptism before the party. He went on to explain that he is not sure whether the legal restrictions have changed or if further clarification is forthcoming.
“Community is built by good relationships and by emphasising our long, shared history rather than our more recent divided past" - Bishop Donal McKeown.
Last Saturday, I was in his room in the hospital. His only concern was to talk about his funeral ceremony – and he wrote with his felt-tipped pen, ‘Keep the Mass simple.’ And music? ‘Simple.’ – Bishop Donal McKeown
Church of Ireland parish of Kilternan urges people to ‘take the knee’ and pray for racial justice on Wednesday evening.
“We will need volunteers to assist with cleaning, stewarding, reading, ministering the Eucharist and other roles and responsibilities which some of our older members may be unable to fulfil at this time” - Archbishop Martin on Trinity Sunday.
The online programme has kept an open dialogue between the Derry Youth ministry team and the young people of Derry Diocese.
People are invited to fast and pray to ask God to free us from this pandemic, to support those who are fighting it, and to comfort those who have been afflicted, says Bishop Donal McKeown.
"We urge you to take steps to formulate new regulations that will reflect more fully the will of a significant majority of the people in this jurisdiction to protect the lives of mothers and their unborn children.”
Northern Ireland now has “one of the most liberal abortion regimes anywhere in the world” in which “some unborn children will be left completely defenceless”.
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.
"Voters have a duty to inform themselves on the position of election candidates in respect of their willingness to support and cherish equally the lives of mothers and their unborn children" – bishops in Northern Ireland.
"His concern for Irish emigrants around the world was constant and heartfelt."
Bishop Donal McKeown gives a message of affirmation to over 800 Catholic educators attending the first Derry Diocesan Religious Education Conference.
"Our teachers are very much at the coal face in a society where there is so much pain, so much anger and so much distress."
“Those who are leading Brexit have to recognise not just the benefits for East Sussex but the challenges for West Derry.”
“We don’t want to go back to a new hard border right behind my bishop’s residence.”
“Citizens deserve the fullest participation in the democratic debate about the legislation which governs it.”
Bishop Donal McKeown tells Fr Declan McGeehan, “In a ‘throwaway culture’ where young people face many challenges, including mental health issues, you are called to proclaim hope and not condemnation, grace and not anger.”
“This is a strong community that will put pressure on those who have brought violence into the community.”
“The early publication of the document is a welcome sign that Pope Francis recognises the urgency of a renewed emphasis on creating new young disciples of Jesus” – Bishop Donal McKeown of Derry.
Weigh your words carefully to respect the integrity of those who conscientiously differ from you, and speak with grace, warn church leaders in joint statement on Brexit.
“I felt our World Meeting of Families had been hijacked in a way by this particular letter,” Archbishop Eamon Martin says of controversial 25 August missive calling on Pope Francis to resign.
Two groups representing nearly a million members of male and female religious orders plan to present Pope Francis with a proposal concerning women’s role at future synods.
