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HCPT is a registered charity that provides pilgrimage holidays to Lourdes in the South of France for children and adults with varying needs from across the UK and beyond. Every Easter, around 1,000 children with varying needs enjoy a safe and fun-filled week in Lourdes, supported by dedicated volunteer helpers and staying in hotels. Each summer, more than 1,500 people, many living with disabilitie... Read More

On 18 July we will celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day - celebrated globally on the day that he was born. Let's recognise "Mandela's values and his dedication to the service of humanity in: conflict resolution; race relations; promotion and protection of human rights; reconciliation; gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups" (UN). At a time when the world seem... Read More

The solemn monastic profession of Sister Beatrice Brady, took place at St Mary's Abbey, Glencairn, County Waterford on Saturday, 11 July 2026. The profession was presided by Dom Michael Ryan, Abbot of Bolton Abbey, Co Kildare and Dom Augustine McGregor, former Abbot of Mount Melleray Abbey, received by Mother Fiachra Nutty, Abbess of Glencairn Abbey. Sr Beatrice is from Belturbet, County Cavan, fo... Read More

On the eve of the Anglican Synod Debate on Palestine currently taking place, (July 10-14) - Ann Farr reflects on the Prayers and Bible Study used at the recent Methodist Church Conference, that she attended as an Observer and where the Palestinian Christian cry, in 'Kairos Palestine 11 - A Moment of Truth: Faith in a Time of Genocide' was presented and overwhelmingly accepted. Ann writes: The the... Read More

Gospel of 12 July 2026 Matthew 13:1-9 At that time: Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: 'A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fe... Read More

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time 1. Becoming open to the healing Word I continue to write from St Luke's Hospital in Headington, where my recuperation and rehabilitation after my knee replacement continues. So I share my thoughts particularly with any of you who are house bound, undergoing some form of recuperation after illness, or face changed circumstances, particularly that of losing independence ... Read More

A delegation from COMECE (the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union) and CEC (Conference of European Churches), joined by bishops of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference and senior Irish Protestant clergy, met Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin today at the start of Ireland's EU Presidency. In a position paper presented to the Irish Government, the delegation set out the ... Read More

Twelve Provincial Ministers, representing the vast majority of male US Franciscan Religious, have made a direct appeal to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, to help stop the rising violence against Christians and other Palestinians in the Holy Land. In their appeal, dated June 16, 2026, the leaders specifically request that Mr Rubio "use all diplomatic leverage ... Read More

Gospel of 11 July 2026 Matthew 19:27-29 At that time: Peter said to Jesus, 'See, we have left everything and followed you. What, then, will we have?' Jesus said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses, or broth... Read More

July 11th - Feast of Saint Benedict - Father of Western Monasticism - Patron of Europe A personal prologue Though I moved from being part of a monastic community to serve our Eastern Catholic brothers and sisters as one of their byzantine priests, I have never lost my attachment to the spiritual tradition and basic practices of my formative years as a monk. I am also glad that links can be kept wi... Read More

This weekend, parishes across the country will celebrate Sea Sunday, we hope you will join us! It is a special opportunity to remember and pray for seafarers and fishers, who spend months away from their families, often working in difficult, dangerous and lonely conditions. This year, Sea Sunday comes at a time of growing concern for many of those who work at sea. Recent events in and around the S... Read More

Hosted by Sarasin & Partners and organised by Catholics in Fundraising, the launch of The Catholic Generosity Report brought together more than 50 leaders, philanthropists and professionals from across the Catholic charitable, financial and community sectors to explore the future of Catholic giving in the UK. The landmark study offers a comprehensive analysis of Catholic charitable activity, w... Read More

Luminescence is a state of the art multimedia version of 'son et lumiere' utilising a 360 degree video projection using 24 laser projections that has enlivened iconic churches and cathedrals across Europe, South America and the USA. Recently debuting in the UK at Manchester cathedral it is now lighting up the heart of the Metropolis. Last week, Luminescence premiered at Westminster Cathedral, conv... Read More

The English Benedictine Congregation (EBC) has elected Dom Robert Igo OSB, Abbot of Ampleforth Abbey, as its new President during the 100th General Chapter, which concluded on Thursday, 9 July 2026, at Kylemore Abbey, Co. Galway. Dom Robert, who will also continue to serve as Abbot of Ampleforth Abbey, succeeds Abbot Christopher Jamison OSB of Worth Abbey, who completed nine years of dedicated ser... Read More