Archbishop Martin to celebrate Christmas Mass in Dundalk next month

Archbishop Eamon Martin

Armagh Diocesan Cursillo will celebrate the annual Mass in Preparation for Christmas with Archbishop Eamon Martin on Friday 12^th December at 7.30pm in St Patrick’s Church, Dundalk.

Cursillo was first introduced to the Archdiocese of Armagh in 1987 by Fr John B. Duffy. Since that time hundreds of people, both laity and clergy, across the Archdiocese have participated in Cursillo Weekends.

Over the past year the Cursillo have been reflecting on their role in the work of the New Evangelisation called for by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and more recently by Pope Francis. With this in mind they have established their presence on Facebook and Twitter, bringing the message of Cursillo to social media. They have also been attempting to contact everyone who has made a Cursillo Weekend in the Archdiocese since its introduction in 1987 and have already contacted nearly 500 people.

In a statement the Cursillo said: “We would like to extend a special invitation to everyone from the Archdiocese of Armagh who has made a Cursillo Weekend to join us for this special Mass. An invitation is also extended to everyone who may be interested in the work of Cursillo in the Archdiocese to join us in Dundalk on 12^th December where there will be members present to give information. All are welcome to join us for this Mass, followed by refreshments.”

For more information on the work of Cursillo please visit www.cursillo.ie or find them on Facebook or Twitter.

Cardinal Brady offers his resignation to Pope Francis

Cardinal Sean Brady

Cardinal Sean Brady has offered his resignation to Pope Francis.

The Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh, who was made a cardinal in 2007, confirmed he had offered to step down in keeping with canon law.

The religious law states that bishops must resign by the age of 75 – and Cardinal Brady turns that age tomorrow, Saturday August 16th.

The move should see Archbishop Eamon Martin take both places in the hierarchy.

A statement by Cardinal Brady read: “Last month I offered my resignation to Pope Francis in accordance with the requirement of Canon Law.

“I did so in anticipation of my seventy-fifth birthday which I will celebrate tomorrow.

“On 18 January 2013 Pope Benedict XVI acceded to my request for episcopal support and Archbishop Eamon Martin was appointed as Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh.

“This means that as soon as Pope Francis accepts my resignation Archbishop Eamon will become Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.

“Archbishop Eamon has been warmly welcomed into the diocese.

“He has worked tirelessly in getting to know its priests, religious and lay faithful, as well as by becoming involved in every aspect of the life of the Church in Armagh and beyond.

“I look forward to the day when my resignation will be accepted and when Archbishop Eamon will take over as Archbishop, a position for which, I believe, he is excellently prepared.”

Archbishop Brady in the firing line once again

The recent debate over the abortion legislation has brought the Catholic Church and, more importantly, Archbishop Sean Brady into focus once again. In recent days the Primate of All-Ireland has made his views known on the abortion legislation but that has only led to criticism of him about why he can stand up so much on this issue and failed to do so on the issue of child abuse in the past. The above poster has gone viral on the internet, particularly on social media sites, and we’d like to know what your view is on the topic?

Related articles

• Abortion Bill ‘potentially menacing’, says Brady (irishtimes.com)