Articles by Patrick J. Passmore
How Knock Shrine led a priest to build a successful airport
Nov 29, 2025 / 06:00 amMonsignor James Horan’s ambitious airport project is still transforming the west of Ireland 40 years later.
Why Pope Pius XI established the feast of Christ the King in a turbulent 1925
Nov 23, 2025 / 04:00 amThe feast of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 following his encyclical Quas Primas. Today it is celebrated on the final Sunday before Advent.
The laywoman whose mission helped lead to the feast of Christ the King
Nov 22, 2025 / 13:00 pmHow Marthe de Noaillat championed Christ’s kingship against all odds.
Joy in Dublin as papal designation gives city first Catholic cathedral since Reformation
Nov 21, 2025 / 12:09 pmPope Leo XIV formally designated St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral as the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Dublin, ending 200 years of the cathedral’s “temporary” status.
How the recent presidential election reflects a shift from Ireland’s Catholic founding fathers
Nov 1, 2025 / 06:08 amThe election of Ireland’s leftist president highlights a secular shift, contrasting with the deep Catholic faith of the 1916 Easter Rising's martyred leaders.
Irish stamp honors Vatican ‘Pimpernel’ O’Flaherty, who saved 6,500 Jews in World War II
Oct 29, 2025 / 13:51 pmIreland’s postal service released a stamp marking the 100th anniversary of the ordination of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty — the Irish priest who saved 6,500 Jews.
Healing, women, and youth are priorities as Irish Church plans renewal
Oct 24, 2025 / 07:00 amSeven priorities emerged from the Irish bishops’ Pre-Synodal Assembly meetings, drawing upon a series of gatherings held throughout the country earlier this year.
Prominent Northern Ireland cleric calls for King Charles to abdicate after prayer with pope
Oct 23, 2025 / 18:04 pmRev. Kyle Paisley slammed King Charles III for “betraying his oath” after praying with Pope Leo XIV in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on Thursday.
Poll finds revival of interest in religion in Northern Ireland among young people
Oct 19, 2025 / 07:00 amA new poll commissioned by the Iona Institute has found a marked revival of interest in religion among young people in Northern Ireland.
Catholic families forced from homes in renewed sectarian attacks in Belfast
Sep 6, 2025 / 07:00 amSectarian attacks by loyalist paramilitary groups on women and children in Belfast, Northern Ireland, have led to several Catholic families being forced to leave their homes.
Priest injured in church attack as police investigate Northern Ireland murder
Aug 11, 2025 / 11:27 amThe parish priest of Downpatrick, Canon John Murray, is in a “serious but stable” condition in the hospital following the assault in which his fingers were broken.
Daniel O’Connell: The peaceful liberator who won Catholic emancipation in Ireland
Aug 9, 2025 / 07:00 amDaniel O’Connell’s efforts culminated in the passage of the Catholic Relief Act of 1829, which allowed Catholics to sit in Parliament and hold public office.
Intercession for Priests marks 50 years with Mass and retreat in Ireland
Aug 6, 2025 / 13:11 pmThis week in Ireland, the Intercession for Priests marks its 50th anniversary with Mass in Knock followed by a weeklong retreat at Maynooth led by Sister Briege McKenna.
Remembering the Irish College in Salamanca, Spain, and the evacuation of seminarians
Aug 5, 2025 / 12:28 pmThe evacuation of Salamanca seminarians in 1936 marked the beginning of the end of a unique 350-year-old Irish-Spanish relationship.
Abortions in Ireland up 300% since 2018 referendum
Jul 17, 2025 / 06:00 amOne in 6 unborn children’s lives now end in abortion in the Republic of Ireland.
Oratory priest in London calls Catholic politicians to confession before Communion
Jul 8, 2025 / 15:38 pmDuring a homily at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Father Julian Large referred to the recent and widely reported situation of a Catholic member of Parliament.
Thousands gather in Cork, Ireland, for 99th consecutive Eucharistic procession
Jun 23, 2025 / 16:12 pmThe procession was led by the Butter Exchange Band and Bishop Fintan Gavin, bishop of Cork and Ross, beginning from the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne.
Ireland reconsecrated to the Sacred Heart on feast of Corpus Christi
Jun 23, 2025 / 12:36 pmArchbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh urged the people of Ireland to “feel inspired and courageous” by the renewed consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Archbishops: Assisted suicide bill will be death knell for hospices, care homes in England
Jun 19, 2025 / 13:32 pmCardinal Vincent Nichols and Archbishop John Sherrington warn that the future of Catholic hospices and care facilities is in doubt if Parliament passes the End of Life Bill.
Over 10,000 pilgrims gather in Knock, Ireland, for 40th All Ireland Rosary Rally
Jun 9, 2025 / 14:00 pmThis past weekend, over 10,000 pilgrims joined together at the national Marian shrine in Knock, Ireland, to mark the 40th anniversary of the All Ireland Rosary Rally.