A BIBLE dating back to 1615 has been sold at auction in east Belfast for £20,000.

A CO Donegal woman asked to read at Pope Benedict's Requiem Mass said she felt no nerves as she stood before thousands of mourners at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

An Irish woman who gave a reading at the funeral of the former pope Benedict XVI has said it was an honour.

"Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you.

SINCE he emerged from the Conclave in March 2013 as the successor to Pope Benedict XVI, there has been much debate around the nature of Pope Francis's vision for the Catholic Church.

IN December 1984 Bob Geldof's charity supergroup, Band Aid, topped the charts singing, "Do they know it's Christmas time at all?" It's a perennial question.

A few years ago, I was given a telescope and I've enjoyed many hours viewing the skies at night and wondering at the universe.

COULD you give me one key that could unlock all the gifts? Just one that would open up the possibilities and the dreams I have? Surely such a thing can only be found with Red Riding Hood or Snow White? Unless these stories draw on our imagination, pointing us to one that is rooted in reality.

DURING Advent, I've been thinking about patience and attitude.

APPARENTLY, when once asked about his future plans, Bob Dylan is reported to have replied: "I'm looking forward to some dreams.

THE word 'Advent' means 'arrival' or 'presence'.

During his weekly general audience, Francis called for ‘concrete gestures’ of charity for Ukrainians this holiday season.

CHRISTMAS in the household of Andrea Bocelli is a special time.