€8.9 million has been invested in 90 projects in Africa, Latin America, India and Oceania in the areas of education, community engagement, advocacy and capacity building.
More than 245 million Christians live in a place where they experience high levels of persecution – IDOP.
The situation in Kerala is considered the worst, and that area was also severely affected one year ago when rain and floods killed 480 people.
"Isolation and depression, combined with a lack of a supportive environment, affects the mental health of seafarers, sometimes with tragic and heart-breaking consequences."
Fr Ciprian Matei, from the Archdiocese of Bucharest, Romania, is to become Curate (CC) in Portlaoise parish.
“Widespread evidence shows that today, Christians constitute the most widely persecuted religion.”
According to the Church in Chains Global Guide, the situation is noticeably worsening in India as Hindu extremists attack churches in rural areas every week and under President Xi’s religious clampdown in China.
In the space of three weeks, Kerala received 30 per cent more rain than it would normally receive in the space of a year – and the rainy season isn't over yet.
‘Sister India’ recounts the story of Sr Loreto Houlihan, a 91-year-old Irish missionary, who has spent 70 years teaching in India.
The Presentation Sisters “were true pioneers in providing education to people so long denied this basic fundamental right”.
“It is my express intention to keep all our 117 churches open. This won’t happen without support from outside Ireland. This won’t happen without lay people taking a greater role of leadership in their local faith communities,” said Bishop Nulty.
“ERD will ensure people living in poverty are at the centre of everything we do and every decision we make”.
"Our true success is reflected in the lives that are changed for the better in places that face extraordinary challenges, such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, and parts of Kenya and India. It is inspiring to see a life transformed due the active care and belief of a missionary.”
One of the things I pray for every day is a sense of humour! – Pope Francis.
A number of events are planned to mark Pope Francis' canonisation of the ‘Saint of the Gutters’ on 4 September.
The sister of Fr Yesudas Kodiveetil from the Diocese of Alleppey in Kerala in South India runs a growing charismatic prayer group in Tuam.
Trócaire and CAFOD reached 300,000 people with vital aid such as food, blankets, tarpaulins, cooking utensils, beds, solar lamps and gas stoves.
Salesian Fr Tom Uzhunnalil was taken captive on 4 March during the course of a terror attack on a home for the elderly in Yemen.
A UN study on transnational surrogacy in 2012 said reproductive tourism in India is a $400-$500 million business via 3,000 fertility clinics.
“There has been a significant increase in those attending Third Level. When I started, 7% went on to third level, last year we sent 78%.”
Irish aid agency GOAL has dispatched an emergency response team to assist in relief efforts as Nepal comes to terms with at least 1,300 deaths.
Church and civic leaders warn “These acts of violence are not isolated incidents."
At their peak, the PBVM's schools in the town were catering for 1,000 pupils.
Mother Mary Veronica of the Passion founded the Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel, a Discalced Carmelite Third Order for women based in India.
The film, which has been titled ‘I Thirst’, will be released in 2015.
Up to 800 members gather in Dublin.
