Advertisement MissioMissio Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

Latest News


Gospel in Art: First clean the inside of the cup and the plate

Meissen Porcelain Cup and Saucer , painted and decorated by Johann Gregor Höroldt, 1724-25 © Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Gospel of 25 August 2026 Matthew 23:23-26 At that time: Jesus said, 'Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel! 'Woe to you, scribes and Pharise... Read More


Bishop Nowakowsi issues message of hope on 35th anniversary of Ukrainian independence

Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski

Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, Bishop of the Ukrainian Eparchy of the Holy Family of London, has released a statement marking the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian independence which occurred on 24 August, in 1991. Recalling those days, Bishop Nowakowski said: "There was once again a sense of hope that a peaceful and prosperous future was within reach." The current ongoing conflict with Russia has presen... Read More


Archbishop Paul Gallagher begins visit to Russia

Archbishop Paul Gallagher

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, arrived in Moscow yesterday for a mission focused on dialogue and peace. During his visit Archbishop Gallagher will have with meetings with Russian authorities, representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate and the Catholic community. Today, Tuesday 25 August, the Archbishop will meet S... Read More


Ireland: The enterprising nun who started a mill

Mother Agnes Morrogh-Bernard

On the banks of the River Moy in Co Mayo stands one of Ireland's most remarkable industrial success stories. Foxford Woollen Mill, now known simply as FOXFORD, has survived more than 130 years of economic upheaval, changing fashions, technological transformation and even the threat of closure. At the heart of its story is an extraordinary woman: Mother Agnes Morrogh-Bernard, a Catholic nun who bel... Read More

Scotland: 890th Anniversary of Melrose Abbey marked with historic Mass

Celebrants with representatives of the Cistercian Order, church leaders and local dignitaries

More than 300 people attended a special Mass on Friday, 21st August to celebrate the 890th Anniversary of the foundation of Melrose Abbey by the Cistercian Order. Melrose Abbey is one of Scotland's most famous and historic Abbeys, the ruins (the Abbey was mostly destroyed by Henry VIII in the 'Rough-Wooing') are said to be the resting place of Robert the Bruce's heart. The Mass, held in the ground... Read More


Gospel in Art: Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle

Saint Bartholomew Flayed by Marco d'Agrate,1562, Marble © Milan Cathedral / Alamy

Gospel of 24 August 2026 John 1:45-51 At that time: Philip found Nathanael and said to him, 'We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.' Nathanael said to him, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?' Philip said to him, 'Come and see.' Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him and said of him, 'Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom t... Read More


Nigeria: Bishop condemns lynchings in northern Nigeria

Nigerian community leaders come together to discuss issues.  Image: © ACN

Following a series of brutal mob killings, a bishop in Nigeria has hit out at the growing scourge of rough justice in the country. Speaking to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Bishop Gerald Musa of Katsina condemned mob violence, saying: "Human life is sacred - there can be no lynching in a civilised society". Bishop Musa highlighted cases where those accused of offences have been killed without t... Read More


Church of England sends message of solidarity to Ukraine

Kyiv

The Church of England has shared a message of solidarity and prayer with the churches and people of Ukraine as the country marks the 35th anniversary of its independence, under the shadow of war. The Bishop of Worcester, Hugh Nelson, shared a message from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, as he joined Ukrainian church leaders, other religious leaders and government officials at the na... Read More


Pope Leo visits San Marino and Rimini

Pope in San Marino - Image: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV traveled to the Republic of San Marino on Saturday, August 22, for a half-day pastoral visit, followed by a visit to the Italian city of Rimini in the afternoon. During the day Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong, passionate message calling for peace, dialogue, and mercy to counter a global culture that "rearms minds, words, and nations". In his address to civil authorities in San Marino,... Read More


Appeal from 'A Jerusalem Voice for Justice'

Israeli solider searches boy's school bag in Hebron. The boy is a member of one of the few remaining Palestinian families to live in the old centre of Hebron. Palestinians who do not live there are not allowed enter. Photo: Alan Whelan.

On Monday, August 24, 2026, "A Jerusalem Voice for Justice: an ecumenical witness for equality and a just peace in Palestine/Israel" issued an appeal: "For Gaza, the West Bank, and the Christian presence in their land". The appeals reads as follows: "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" (Psalm 13:1) We, the undersigned, cannot remain silent in t... Read More


Priest writes from struggling Christian community in West Bank

St George's Melkite Church, Zababdeh. Image: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

Fr Firas Khoury, the Melkite Catholic Priest for Zababdeh in the north of Occupied Palestine, near Jenin writes: "To everyone who loves the Living Stones and believes in our mission; To everyone who has stood with us prayed for us and supported the people of Zababdeh. We are writing to you today to share what is happening here because we believe that what we are experiencing should not remain unk... Read More


Pact leads joint appeal against plans to remove family visits as punishment

Image: Pact

This week Pact (Prison Advice and Care Trust) brought together leaders from across the criminal justice sector to challenge Government plans that would allow family visits to be withdrawn as a disciplinary sanction for people in prison. The joint letter to Catherine McKinnell MP, Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, was signed by leaders from organisations including t... Read More


Gospel in Art: Peter, I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven

Pope Pius VI coat of arms in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome,  late 18th century © Alamy

Gospel of 23 August 2026 Matthew 16:13-20 At that time: When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' And they said, 'Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living ... Read More


Sunday Reflection with Canon Robin Gibbons: 23 August 2026

Meister des Perikopenbuches Heinrichs II  - Wiki Image

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 121 We can learn a lot by sometimes taking a metaphorical journey into the great books of Civilisation. All of them have something to offer us no matter who we are or where we come from. In fact leaving the safety and security of the familiar and taking the time and trouble to explore and enjoy the great Classics can open for us some surprising gift... Read More

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon