Church leaders lament ‘two of the worst years ever’ in Christmas message

Theologians call on Vatican to overturn 1896 document declaring Anglican ordinations as ‘void’

Yes tonight Josepine: Empress’s bed could be yours for €2,000 plus

Fonsie Mealy’s sale features a bed thought to have been owned by Napoleon’s wife

Cardinal John Henry Newman: Canonisation imminent for ‘greatest of English prose writers’

Teachings on conscience had a big influence on Catholicism

In a Word: Beard

Facial hair on chin and cheeks survives fashion changes but purpose remains elusive

Thinking Anew – For richer, for poorer

Edward Flanagan’s Boys Town a template for voluntary service

Irish priest’s work with homeless juveniles in US embodies practical holiness

Oblates came from France to set up at Inchicore in 1856

Congregation managed reformatories in Glencree and Daingean

Pope Paul’s views on development 50 years ago important today

Pope’s encyclical challenged trickle-down theory and warned of uneven growth

Pope Francis calls for greater church role for women

Pontiff encourages involvement of laity in institution during Philadelphia visit

Birth bicentenary of great educator and founder of Salesians St John Bosco

Taught poor youngsters ‘with gentleness and kindness rather than with physical force’