“We chronicled green shoots growing up in the Church. Consistently we have looked at the good that we, Christians, the Church, are doing in Ireland and the world,” said CI News editor Susan Gately.

‘We are very excited. We hope it will be a moment of grace for us here in the North and for all of Ireland as well’ – Manuel McGivern, spokesperson for Focolare.

“We believe that through sharing our stories, our cultures and our histories – getting to know each other – we can lay the foundation for a more united Europe,” say organisers of event.

“We truly believe the gain will be a testimony for the unity of all Europe”

New legislation for Vatican State brings in mandatory reporting of abuse charges for minors and vulnerable adults, backed up with fines and / or imprisonment for not reporting.

Our dream is to have an event which underlines the beauty of the European continent in all its diversity, where the richness of every culture emerges in the splendid tapestry that is Europe – Peter Forst, Focolare.

Irish experience of reconciliation in focus at Swedish ecumenical conference addressed by Catholic and Church of Ireland bishops.

“We have to cease destroying and harming our planet if we want a good and not life-threatening future.”

“The planet is our home, home for all of us, regardless of what faith or background we come from.”

“In our two communities or in our various communities we are happy enough the way we are and we couldn’t be bothered,” says Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ of Raphoe.

BBC journalist, Brian Rowan will address annual all-Ireland weekend in Belfast.

Group from Economy of Communion will give hands-on treatment to their project in Burkino Faso.

Christians are rediscovering a monk who was a Catholic, a reformer, a figure around whom much unity in faith is being re-forged, comments Bishop of Down and Connor, Noel Treanor.

in the history of 500 years there are many wounds, and that Churches have lived separately with different mentalities. However in the last 50 years there has been good dialogue.

19 new seminarians have begun their formation for Irish dioceses, eight of whom have begun a propaedeutic year in locations in Ireland and abroad.

Rev Ken Newell encouraged the more than 300 participants at the Focolare Mariapolis to forge links between their own churches and those of other denominations in their local area.

Focolare summer gathering in Dungarvan will focus on meaning of suffering and reaffirm goal of universal brotherhood.

Ecumenism is not just doctrinal dialogue, but “a dynamic reality” including all dimensions of our witness to the world, “since we are becoming one while together on the way” – Dr Martin Robra, World Council of Churches.

It has made me stop and think as a parent how to best live out the gospel.

A significant moment for Factor One as a young band was representing Ireland at the Genfest youth rally in front of an audience of 20,000 at the Palaeur football stadium in Rome.

Language of love creates event like ‘meeting of two families’ in Kildare.

“I think the days of a big big seminary are over. I think if anything good comes from this it is an examination of a better way” - Fr Brendan Purcell.

Against background of Brexit, Together for Europe gathering in Munich is a prophetic sign. "We need to keep the ideals of the founders of the EU alive."

In the current climate of mistrust, Focolare's message of dialogue and unity has a vital role to play in forging "bonds of understanding" between people says Focolare Co-director.

“There is a whole world out there and I think it is very important that we don’t become holy huddles with our own people and our own groups."

Christians pray that God stirs the "consciences of the leaders of powerful nations to work for the peace Syrians long for".

40 churchmen pray for safe release of Orthodox Bishop of Aleppo, Mar Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim, kidnapped in 2013 and the release of Metropolitan Boulos.

“I think it is profoundly unfortunate that the voice of the bishops is not heard in this book and I know that voice was sought" - Baroness Nuala O'Loan.

The problem is that people love God but in a way that is not right." Some have a "possessive love for God: 'That is my God, not your God': Dr Mohammed Ali Shomali.

Strong Irish presence and involvement at first jointly hosted Focolare summer gathering at Hope University in Liverpool.