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In Belfast in the mid-1980s I watched a fully armed British soldier, shouldering a rifle, inspecting a coach for weapons. The coach was full of primary school children waiting to go to the Servite priory in Benburb for a weekend retreat away from home, a poor and rough part of the city. At Mass, there was a prayer in thanksgiving for 'new shoes' and, somewhat competitively, for deceased grannies, ... Read More

One thousand days after the outbreak of the war, Father Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest at the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza has made a poignant appeal to the world, confirming that the thousands of children who have been killed, orphaned, or injured "represent a reality beyond belief," and that this tragedy must push the world to say, "enough," and to start a real path toward peace Adel that... Read More

Pope Leo XIV sent a video message for the conclusion of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in the United States and encouraged participants to draw from the Eucharist a source of renewal and unity. "May the Eucharist continue to be a source of renewal and unity for the United States and may it give the Church in the country the strength to evangelise and continue serving society," Pope Leo XIV s... Read More

Archbishop Dermot Farrell, Archbishop of Dublin gave this homily during the 6pm Vigil Mass in Saint Mary's Cathedral, Dublin yesterday. "Come to me, all you who labour and overburdened, and I will give you rest" (Matt 11:28). These words of the Lord in our Gospel today express the tenderness of the love which the Lord lavishes on those whom He invites to draw closer to the source of life. God's d... Read More

Pope Leo XIV traveled to the southern Italian island of Lampedusa yesterday, 4 July, marking his pastoral visit with a series of deeply symbolic gestures centered on the plight of migrants and refugees. Upon landing at 8.54am on the Mediterranean island, which was the destination of Pope Francis' first journey outside Rome after his election in 2013, Pope Leo likewise brought his closeness and sol... Read More

Gospel of 5 July 2026 Matthew 11:25-30 At that time Jesus declared, 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except th... Read More

Pope Leo expresses his prayers for all Americans in a letter commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, which falls today, July 4th, 2026 - with the hope that "the Spirit of 1776 continue to inspire hope and unity as the United States of America moves into the future." In the text, the US-born Holy Father reflected on the principles that have shaped the Un... Read More

A Bishop has said how the death of a priest gunned down in his diocese "must not be in vain". Father Crépin Martial Monga, parish priest of the Catholic parish of St John the Baptist in Zémio, in south-east Central African Republic (CAR), was assassinated on Monday (29th June 2026). Speaking to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Bishop Aurelio Gazzera of Bangassou paid tribute to the priest's cour... Read More

St Mary's University, London has announced the appointment of Dr Øystein Lund as its new Vice-Chancellor following an extensive international recruitment process. Øystein brings with him extensive experience in higher education, diplomacy and ministry that will be a significant benefit to the University community. He is currently Counsellor for Research and Education at the Royal Norwegian Embas... Read More

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time This past week has been one of new experiences, some good, some difficult, but all linked to the slow process of healing. I underwent a full knee replacement last Thursday, not the best of operations, and having two orthopaedic surgeon brothers it was a procedure which was explained to me in detail. I have to admit it has been a painful and difficult week, one in... Read More

Gospel of 4 July 2026 Matthew 9:14-17 At that time: The disciples of John came to Jesus, saying, 'Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?' And Jesus said to them, 'Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old ga... Read More

Human life is a sacred gift that merits to be welcomed, protected and cared for in all its stages. Nevertheless, indifference, exclusion and violence threatening the dignity of the person, especially those who are particularly vulnerable, persists in many parts of the world. When respect for life diminishes, the throwaway culture grows, leaving many without the care, support and recognition they n... Read More

As the World Cup enters its fourth week, CAFOD partners from across the world have reflected on the ability of sport to inspire and bring people together. South Sudan is deeply affected by ongoing conflict between organised forces and young people. Tensions can arise from ethnic differences and historical grievances can further complicate relationships. One of our partners from Upper Nile state e... Read More

Voices were joined, when more than 700 children came together at the Cathedral Church of St Mary, in Newcastle upon Tyne, to mark the successful first year of a new school singing initiative. Cantate: A Celebration of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle Schools Singing Programme, saw pupils from ten primary schools within the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust sing at the Cathedral across two ... Read More