A powerful Pro-Life witness this week in Ireland

 

Ireland’s March for Life draws thousands amid ‘soaring’ abortions

By Peter Pinedo

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, May 8, 2024 / 07:00 am

Thousands of pro-life activists participated in the Ireland March for Life on Monday, marching from St. Stephen’s Green in central Dublin to the Irish Parliament.

The Irish Catholic, a Dublin-based news source, reported that thousands of pro-lifers attended the march. Video of the event posted online shows large crowds of pro-life activists, many of whom appear high school and college age, holding balloons, banners, and signs with pro-life messages. 

The crowds appear joyful with many marchers smiling and cheering. 

Ahead of Ireland’s elections, speakers urged march attendees to “think pro-life” this year. 

This comes just days after Ireland passed a “Safe Access Zones” bill that mandated 100-meter (about 300 feet) zones around abortion provider entrances and exits in which “certain conduct aimed at impeding access or influencing decisions in relation to termination of pregnancy services will be prohibited.” 

Eilís Mulroy, one of the march organizers and speakers, urged Irish citizens to prioritize voting for pro-life candidates and parties amid abortion rates he said are currently “soaring” and having a “devastating” effect on Irish society.

Abortion became legal in Ireland in 2018 and is currently allowed until 12 weeks of pregnancy. Before 2018, Ireland’s eighth amendment allowed abortions only in cases in which the mother’s life was in danger. 

A commission set up to review legislation introduced after the 2018 referendum passed is considering eliminating a three-day waiting period, removing criminal penalties for medical professionals performing abortions, and changing the legal definition of fatal fetal anomalies.

According to Irish news source Offaly Independent, Ireland saw an all-time high of 9,218 abortions in 2023. This is up from 8,876 abortions in 2022 and approximately 7,000 abortions each year from 2019 through 2021. In total, there have been approximately 38,018 babies killed by abortion in Ireland since the procedure was legalized in 2018. 

Shortly before the march, Martin and several other bishops and priests celebrated a Mass at nearby Newman University Church.

Bishop Kevin Doran of the Diocese of Elphin, chairman of the Irish bishops’ Council for Life, gave the homily in which he said: “We are called — in whatever we do or whatever we say — to be witnesses to the love of God made present in Jesus Christ. For us, that inevitably means bearing witness to the inherent value of every human life.”

Alluding to the Safe Access Zones law, Doran added that “nothing — no law, no public policy, and no peer pressure from neighbors or colleagues can remove our right and indeed our responsibility to advocate publicly for those who are most vulnerable, especially at the beginning and at the end of life.”

Perhaps the most celebrated Saint among all the Catholic Saints

 

St. Patrick

Feastday: March 17
Patron: of Ireland
Birth: 387
Death: 461

St. Patrick of Ireland is one of the world's most popular saints. He was born in Roman Britain and when he was fourteen or so, he was captured by Irish pirates during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. At the time, Ireland was a land of Druids and pagans but Patrick turned to God and wrote his memoir, The Confession. In The Confession, he wrote:

"The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rosed, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same. I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain."

Patrick's captivity lasted until he was twenty, when he escaped after having a dream from God in which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. There he found some sailors who took him back to Britain and was reunited with his family.

A few years after returning home, Patrick saw a vision he described in his memoir:

"I saw a man coming, as it were from Ireland. His name was Victoricus, and he carried many letters, and he gave me one of them. I read the heading: 'The Voice of the Irish.' As I began the letter, I imagined in that moment that I heard the voice of those very people who were near the wood of Foclut, which is beside the western sea-and they cried out, as with one voice: 'We appeal to you, holy servant boy, to come and walk among us.'"

The vision prompted his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained by St. Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre, whom he had studied under for years, and was later ordained a bishop and sent to take the Gospel to Ireland.

Patrick arrived in Slane, Ireland on March 25, 433. There are several legends about what happened next, with the most prominent claiming he met the chieftan of one of the druid tribes, who tried to kill him. After an intervention from God, Patrick was able to convert the chieftain and preach the Gospel throughout Ireland. There, he converted many people -eventually thousands - and he began building churches across the country.

He often used shamrocks to explain the Holy Trinity and entire kingdoms were eventually converted to Christianity after hearing Patrick's message.

Patrick preached and converted all of Ireland for 40 years. He worked many miracles and wrote of his love for God in Confessions. After years of living in poverty, traveling and enduring much suffering he died March 17, 461.

He died at Saul, where he had built the first Irish church. He is believed to be buried in Down Cathedral, Downpatrick. His grave was marked in 1990 with a granite stone.

In His Footsteps:

Patrick was a humble, pious, gentle man, whose love and total devotion to and trust in God should be a shining example to each of us. So complete was his trust in God, and of the importance of his mission, he feared nothing -not even death.

"The Breastplate," Patrick's poem of faith and trust in God:

"Christ be within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ inquired, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger."

Continue reading about St. Patrick

Cardinal Dolan to lead celebration of St. Patrick's Cathedral; the one in Ireland

 

Cardinal Dolan of New York 

CHURCH

• IRELAND
• UNITED STATES
• SAINTS AND BLESSED

Cardinal Dolan to mark 150 years of Armagh's St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York will celebrate Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh, Ireland, to commemorate 150 years of its dedication, as the Archdiocese prepares for various celebrations and activities to remember the historic moment later this week.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, will celebrate Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh, Ireland, to commemorate 150 years of its dedication, which took place on 24 August 1873.

For the special occasion, the American prelate from St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, will be the main celebrant and preacher at a Mass of Thanksgiving in the cathedral on Sunday, 27 August, at 11 am.  

All are welcome to attend the Mass that will be a celebration, "to give praise and thanks to God for the faith expressed within the cathedral," the Archdiocese announced.

The Archdiocese of Armagh, from Thursday to Sunday of this week, will be celebrating the historical event. 

The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid by Archbishop and Primate William Crolly on Saint Patrick’s Day, 1840, but all building work was later suspended due to the famine, and funds raised were distributed for the relief of the poor. 

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Saint Patrick's Day Blessings from Irish Bishops' President

In 1854, work on the cathedral resumed after Easter under the leadership of Primate Joseph Dixon. But it was Primate Daniel McGettigan who oversaw the completion of the building, and declared Sunday 24 August 1873, as the day of its opening and dedication. Massive crowds from all over Ireland, and beyond, attended the opening.

Archbishop Eamon Martin invites everyone

Archbishop Eamon Martin has invited the people of Ireland and around the world, especially whose ancestors contributed to the construction of the cathedral, to join in joyful prayers of thanksgiving on this special anniversary. 

The Primate of All Ireland also invites all those who wish, to attend the celebrations together with the faith community of the Archdiocese of Armagh, representing the many generations who have passed through the doors of the cathedral over the past century and a half.

This week, on Thursday, 24 August, an outdoor ‘Celebration for Families’ will take place in the Shambles Yard, Armagh, at the cathedral's main gates, between 5 pm to 7 pm. 

For all families throughout the Archdiocese and beyond, there will be music, entertainment, and activities. For the evening prayer which will begin at 7:30 pm, groups and organisations from across the Archdiocese will follow bands in procession from the Shambles Yard to the cathedral, twenty minutes earlier.  

Countless activities to commemorate

Representatives of different groups and parishes from across the diocese will be involved. 

During the Evening Prayer, there will be an unveiling and dedication of a specially-commissioned icon of Saint Patrick, written by the Redemptoristine Sisters in Drumcondra, Dublin.

After the ceremony, a print of the icon will be presented to each parish of the Archdiocese.

Community and other Church leaders, and representatives from other dioceses,  join together that night. 

Archbishop Martin will lead the Evening Prayer, accompanied by the Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh, Bishop Michael Router, and retired Archbishop of Armagh, Cardinal Seán Brady.

Local primary school children's exhibition of thoughts about the cathedral, has been in place in the cathedral ambulatory since June, and will remain until after this weekend’s celebrations.

The Cardinal Ó Fiaich Library and Archive is also hosting a free exhibition of historical documents and artifacts covering the building of the cathedral. This exposition will run until the end of August, Monday to Friday from 10 am until 4 pm, and with introductory talks, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:45 am.

St. Patrick's Day blessings from the Bishops of Ireland

 

St. Patrick   (© Diocesi di Bergamo)

CHURCH

• IRELAND
• SAINTS AND BLESSED
• NIGERIA

Saint Patrick's Day Blessings from Irish Bishops' President

As celebrations for St. Patrick's Day take place internationally, 17 March, the President of the Irish Bishops, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, reflects on the beloved saint and offers us some Irish blessings.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

While St. Patrick's Day celebrations are taking place around the world, the President of the Irish Bishops, Archbishop Eamon Martin, takes us back to the much-loved saint, and offers us his Irish blessing.

Archbishop, how would you describe the importance to the Irish people and Catholics of Saint Patrick's Day?

Of course, I'm speaking here from Armagh, which is the ecclesiastical see of Saint Patrick. And it is believed that it was here, in my cathedral church, on this place, that Patrick established his foundational church. For all the Irish people, it's a great day to link up with the Irish all over the world. Saint Patrick is really a saint for the whole world.

In fact, I read somewhere recently that apart from Saint James the Apostle, and Our Lady, there are probably more churches dedicated to Saint Patrick throughout the world than any other saint, and we're very proud of that here in Ireland, of course. But in saying that he is a saint for all the world, I'm not just talking about links and connectedness with Saint Patrick.

I genuinely think that Saint Patrick is a saint for the modern day, because when we read his writings, we realize that he as a young teenager was trafficked to Ireland.

“St. Patrick was a victim of human trafficking and therefore for that reason he had a great empathy for all those who were suffering or who were displaced, or for people who were for any reason oppressed or exploited.”

So a saint for the trafficked as well?

In fact, when he returned to Ireland much later in his life as a bishop, he spoke out against the trafficking of his newly converted Christians who were being kidnapped and taken away into slavery. So along with Saint Josephine Bakhita, he is a perfect patron for those who are human trafficked in the world today.

I'm very conscious this week we're celebrating ten years of the pontificate of Pope Francis. He has asked us all to listen out for the cry of the poor, the cry of the migrant, the cry of the earth. And we could include in that also the cry of the trafficked, the cry of those who are being displaced due to war and violence. I think in all of those people, they find in Saint Patrick, somebody who could have empathy and understanding of the predicament of the modern world. He's truly a saint for the modern world and a saint for the whole world.

Archbishop, I had seen that Saint Patrick is also patron saint of Nigeria.

Yes. In Ireland, we've had missionaries moving out from this country over many, many centuries, and we have a huge Irish missionary movement at the end of the 19th century and in the 20th century. Nigeria was very largely evangelized by Irish missionaries, sisters, priests and lay people. And therefore, yes, of course, in Patrick is a popular saint in Nigeria. And I've been there and had the joy of meeting people who had a great affiliation with him and with Ireland.

And how are you spending Saint Patrick's Day yourself, Archbishop?

I'm here in Armagh, so it's de rigueur that the Archbishop of Armagh is present. Last night, we had an ecumenical walk, a vigil, walk for peace, because in Ireland we're really working hard to sustain our peace process and so we met up from the different Christian traditions to do a vigil, Walk for Peace. Today, I'll have our own big celebration and Eucharist in the cathedral at 11 am. It's on webcam, if someone wants to tune in through the feed. We'll also have our parade in the afternoon where we'll meet up with the community just to celebrate Saint Patrick, our patron saint.

Thank you so much, Archbishop, for the time.

In Irish, we use an Irish blessing for Saint Patrick's Day. Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh ar fad. 'May the blessings of Saint Patrick's Day be with you all.'

Christian leaders send tributes on the death of queen Elizabeth II

 

File photo of then-Princess Elizabeth II on her wedding day on 20 November 1947  (AFP and licensors)

CHURCH

• DEATH
• CARDINALS
• GREAT BRITAIN

Tributes pour in for death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II

Christian leaders are sending their heartfelt praise and condolences to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth as the world mourns the late Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday afternoon.

By Francesca Merlo & Christopher Wells

Tributes are pouring in after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in the afternoon of 8 September 2022. As the world mourns, Church and world leaders send their messages of condolences, as well as prayers for the new king.

Cardinal Nichols

Cardinal Vincent Nichols is amongst those paying tribute to the monarch. 

In a statement, the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, recalled the Queen's promise, on her 21st birthday to devote her life to the service of her people. 

"Now, seventy-five years later, we are heartbroken in our loss at her death, and so full of admiration for the unfailing way in which she fulfilled that declaration," stated the Cardinal. 

He expressed his sorrow and his gratitude "for the gift to the world that has been the life of Queen Elizabeth II."

Now, he continued, "our prayer is that she is now received into the merciful presence of God, there to be reunited with her beloved Prince Philip," before concluding his message with a prayer for His Majesty the King, "as he assumes his new office even as he mourns his mother."

"God save the King", concluded the Cardinal. 

Archbishop Welby

Separately, the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, issued a statement after the announcement from the Palace.

Archbishop Welby said, “It is with profound sadness that I join the nation, the Commonwealth and the world in mourning the death of Her Late Majesty The Queen. My prayers are with The King and the Royal Family. May God draw near them and comfort them in the days, weeks and months ahead.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury noted “Her Late Majesty’s extraordinary dedication to the United Kingdom, her Realms and the Commonwealth,” adding, “through times of war and hardship, through seasons of upheaval and change, and through moments of joy and celebration, we have been sustained by Her Late Majesty’s faith in what and who we are called to be.”

He also recalled her remarkable Christian witness. “As a faithful Christian disciple, and also Supreme Governor of the Church of England, she lived out her faith every day of her life. Her trust in God and profound love for God was foundational in how she led her life – hour by hour, day by day."

“In The Late Queen’s life, we saw what it means to receive the gift of life we have been given by God and – through patient, humble, selfless service – share it as a gift to others.”

Archbishop Welby concluded his statement with the prayer, “May Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II rest in peace and rise in glory.”

English and Welsh Bishops' prayer for late Queen

The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have released the following prayer which will be distributed to all Catholic parishes across the country.

For the happy repose of HM The Queen

Almighty God,
You are the author and sustainer of all human life;
grant that your servant, Elizabeth our Queen,
whom you granted a long and happy reign as Monarch of these lands
may be forgiven her sins and rewarded with that eternal life
promised to all those born again
in the water of baptism and power of your Spirit.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit God, forever and ever,
Amen.

Eternal rest, grant to her O Lord,
And let Perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace.
Amen.

May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
Through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen

Canadian Bishops

Bishop Raymond Poisson offered the condolences of the Catholic Bishops of Canada (CCCB.

The Bishops noted that “generations of Canadians have lived under Queen Elizabeth’s long reign”, adding that she will be “forever remembered for her remarkable service to the people”.

“She visited Canada 22 times. On each occasion, Canadians found in her an example of service, patriotism, respect for humanity, and devotion to God. In 1971, when delivering a speech in Toronto, she remarked: ‘I want the Crown to be seen as a symbol of national sovereignty belonging to all. It is not only a link between Commonwealth nations, but between Canadian citizens of every national origin and ancestry.’ Queen Elizabeth resonated with Canadians from all walks of life.”

New Zealand Bishops

The Bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand joined their voice to other members of the Commonwealth in mourning the death of their Sovereign and Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II.

They also noted how her reign saw New Zealand changed from a “monocultural nation which looked to Britain as ‘home’” to become “one of the most multicultural societies in the world.”

The Bishops cited the experience of the Māori people, who lived “on the edges of Pakeha society”, and the Māori renaissance in the 1970s.

“Most people in Aotearoa New Zealand today have known no other monarch than Queen Elizabeth II. She has been a constant in our country’s remarkable progress. Hers has been an Elizabethan Age the like of which we may never see again.”

Irish Bishops

The Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh, shared the condolences of the Irish Bishops to King Charles III and all those who grieve Queen Elizabeth.

Archbishop Martin praised the late Queen’s “immense commitment” to her duties as well as to the wider common good.

“What stands out for me is her dedication to faith, to family, and to peace and reconciliation… She came across as friendly and good humoured and took time to put everyone at their ease. I have always admired Queen Elizabeth’s quiet dignity and calm nature despite living through very difficult times with much political, economic, social and family upheaval.”

The Irish Archbishop concluded by recalling her “deep faith and love for Jesus Christ” and praying that “her faith in the Risen Lord will be of comfort to many people.”

(Article updated at 11:00 AM on 9 September 2022)

Disturbing Anti-Life news coming from Ireland

 

Pro-lifers react with dismay to news that Irish government plans to fine for praying near abortion clinic

By Madeleine Teahan

CNA Newsroom, Aug 9, 2022 / 09:51 am

Pro-life campaigners and advocates for religious freedom in Ireland have expressed dismay following the news that the Irish Government intends to introduce fines and prison sentences for people who pray, hold signs, or try to persuade women not to have abortions while they are within the vicinity of an abortion clinic.

The proposed legislation would mean that individuals would not be allowed to express pro-life views within 100m of abortion clinics while also prohibiting silent prayer, the holding of placards, and any peaceful offers of alternatives to abortion.

Pro-life activists have reacted by highlighting that there is no evidence that pro-life vigils near abortion clinics in Ireland are dangerous or unlawful.

In an August 4 statement, Megan Ní Scealláin of the Life Institute said: “Garda Commissioner Drew Harris wrote to the Minister for Health [Stephen Donnelly] to clearly state that there was ‘no evidence’ to suggest that pro-life protests at any centers were abusive or threatening. He confirmed that the vigils were, in fact, peaceful and lawful”.

“Of course, Stephen Donnelly knows this, and he is choosing to ignore the advice of Gardai to do the bidding of campaign groups and to punch down at pro-life activists who he knows are breaking no laws”, she said.

“In fact, the Garda Commissioner also stated that if any laws were to be broken existing laws were sufficient to deal with that”.

The Irish Government’s position differs to that of the UK Government’s which maintains that there are sufficient laws already in place to protect women seeking an abortion from harassment and intimidation.

Following the unveiling of the Irish Government’s proposals, David Quinn, Director of the Iona Institute, a Christian advocacy group, questioned the constitutionality of the Government’s controversial plans. 

He told Catholic News Agency on August 9: “Assuming the law goes through, it will be one of the most restrictive in the whole of Europe because other countries have more respect for the right to protest and consider laws like this to be disproportionate. We already have laws in Ireland against intimidation or harassment and our Garda Commissioner has said so in the context of calls for these buffer zones. But the Government is pressing on anyway, egged on by most opposition parties and pro-abortion lobby groups.

“Ireland has gone from being an extremely pro-life country to the opposite end of the spectrum in just a few short years. Banning even pro-life prayer vigils within 100m of places that conduct or facilitate abortion shows how badly we have changed. If the law is as restrictive as promised, it may actually be unconstitutional. The president has the power to refer it to the Supreme Court when it is ready for him to sign in the months to come and he ought do so'.”

Meanwhile, solicitor and prominent pro-life campaigner, Cora Sherlock said that the proposal should concern everyone, whatever their views on abortion. She said: “This proposal sets a very worrying precedent, and it should be of concern regardless of your view on abortion. The right to freedom of expression, movement and peaceful assembly and freedom to protest have always been held very highly in Ireland and given high priority in the Irish Constitution. Proposed legislation that would infringe on this should ring alarm bells for everyone.

An August 4 statement from the pro-life group, Right to Life, said that although the Irish Government has yet to decide on the extent of prison time or penalties for those peacefully offering alternatives to abortion, a pro-abortion campaign group, Together for Safety, had drafted a previous version of the bill that demanded a a jail sentence of six months or a €3,000 fine ($3,070).