Brendan Hoban, in his Western People column, says that our response to the corona virus pandemic “depends on how, as a people, we respond to the challenges facing us and whether our traditional ability to pull together to do what has to be done will serve us in the days and weeks and months ahead”
With the horrific death toll from the Coronavirus pandemic in Italy now rising towards 5,500 the Catholic News Agency reports that at least 60 Italian priests have died from COVID-19
Tony Flannery, in his own blog, cites the fact that scripture scholars are now saying much, and more, of what he was silenced for ten years ago. The difference is that there is now no problem with scholars expressing their thoughts and opinions and engaging in a healthy discussion of the topics involved.
Seamus Ahearne was somewhat redundant on Sunday morning. “I read the Morning Prayer very slowly. I had to do it out-loud. Otherwise, it was in danger of being rushed thoughtlessly. And my mind retreated to the past. The long distant past.”
Chris McDonnell in the Catholic Times recounts the life of Ernesto Cardenal, Priest, Poet and Politician, who died recently at the age of 95
Traditionally, this Sunday is called Laetare Sunday, which means ‘a day for joy’ — although few will feel much joy this year, as the COV-19 epidemic draws ever nearer. But at this midpoint of Lent, it is traditional to honour mothers, treasuring those still with us and praying for those we have lost to death.
Seamus Ahearne gives his thoughts on the reality we are now face with. “A new Religion may be taking shape just now. It is forced on us. Communion is expressed by keeping distance.”
Note from the Apostolic Penitentiary on the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the current pandemic.
Hope filled words in a time of crisis, by Chris McDonnell
RTÉ to air daily Mass and minority faith messages during the Covid-19 emergency
RTÉ News Now can be accessed on Saorview (channel 21), Sky (521), Virgin Media (200), Eir (517) as well as via the RTÉ Player, the RTÉ News Now app and via RTÉ.ie/news.
Brendan Hoban writes in the Western People about the current situation with efforts to help slow the spread of COVID-19
“when we don’t know, or can’t know what to do, as with the corona virus, a respectful silence is probably the best option. It’s a time, if ever there was a time, when what the experts say has to be heard and acted upon.”
Tim Hazelwood outlines a recent meeting between a lay group supporting Fr Tony, two representatives of the ACP, and members of the leadership of the Irish Province of the Redemptorist Order.
In the heart of Lent, we keep the feast of Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. We mark the day by praising God the creator, who sustained Patrick in good times and bad, and who will sustain the Irish even in the face of coronavirus.
“This Holy Week we won’t be acting it out in a pageant, instead we will be living it out”
Today’s readings about water and thirst remind us that this is a baptismal season. The holy water of baptism blesses and protects the faithful in every danger, even as the threat of the coronavirus bears down upon our world.
Jo O Sullivan takes time to write her reflections on the request from the Dublin Archdiocese that Parish Pastoral Councils discuss what kinds of new ministries are needed if our church is to “thrive into the future”.
Thanks to Jo O Sullivan for forwarding this.
Statement from the Association of Catholic Priests on COVID-19
It seems that all Masses with congregations will be cancelled in light of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Archbishop Neary of Tuam has issued the following directive; “all Masses with congregations in parishes in the Archdiocese of Tuam should be cancelled.”
UPDATE – Irish Bishops
“In the current emergency situation, all are dispensed from the obligation to physically attend Sunday Mass.”
“Every Catholic is entitled to a dignified Christian burial. Attendance at Funeral services and Masses should be limited to close relatives and must not exceed 100 attendees within the church building.
Similarly, Church weddings and baptisms may be celebrated on condition that the attendance in church does not exceed 100 people.”
Seamus Ahearne takes time out to reflect.
“all of us should stop finger-pointing and blaming and freshen up this Church where somehow God still speaks despite the mess we are often in. Our vocation is to reach out and touch the heavens and then to be a poet of faith.”
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