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Father PJ Hughes has assured the Catholic Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise that no public mass will be celebrated today in his Co Cavan parish.
It comes after it became known that the Gardaí were called to the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Mullahoran last Sunday, where around 50 people had gathered for a Mass for Father Hughes.
Under Level 5 restrictions, mass and other religious services are held online. Places of worship remain open for people to pray.
Speaking on Today with Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1 on Friday, Father Hughes said he believed it was a violation of people’s constitutional right to be prohibited from attending Mass.
He said he could not accept the opinion of the official church to close the doors and obey the law, adding that he would continue to celebrate Mass.
However, it has emerged that Father Hughes has assured Bishop Francis Duffy that he will not celebrate Mass today.
Bishop Duffy said that clergy have thought deeply and responsibly about the desire to celebrate Mass publicly in the context of the overall public health situation.
He said the Catholic Church is prioritizing public health measures for the common good.
The bishop quoted Pope Francis, who recently said: “Please, let us proceed respecting the norms, the prescriptions that are given to us to safeguard the health of each individual and of the people.”
Bishop Duffy said it was important to be patient and cautiously prepare for the reopening to public worship, and in the meantime, no parish should have a public mass.
A dialogue is under way between the Government and leaders of all religions to allow a return to public worship.
The Catholic Archbishops and the Irish Church Together Group have held a series of meetings with the Taoiseach, advocating for community worship once the current restrictions are lifted.
Last week, Micheál Martin recognized that people are spiritual beings and said that the masses would be considered under Level 3.
The Government will also accept advice from NPHET.
With Advent approaching, beginning at the end of November, Christian churches are eager for clarification so that parishes can prepare for the Christmas celebration.
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