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Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that he will consider concerns raised by several Catholic archbishops at a meeting about the impact of the Covid-19 restrictions on public worship and upcoming Easter celebrations.
Yesterday, representatives of the Catholic Church – Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop Dermot Farrell, Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly, and Archbishop Michael Neary – discussed the Church’s desire to return to worship, particularly during the Lenten season and with the approach of Holy Week and Easter.
The archbishops emphasized their desire to continue supporting the public health message and to encourage all necessary measures, including vaccinating the most vulnerable.
However, they expressed concern that life is particularly stressful and difficult for people to bear, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
They called for public worship to resume when a loosening of restrictions is considered, and expressed a strong wish that people can safely gather for the important Holy Week and Easter ceremonies.
The archbishops also requested that an increase in the number of grieving people who can attend funeral Masses be considered.
Currently, the number of people authorized to attend a funeral is ten.
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The Taoiseach recognized the importance of the Church community in people’s lives at this time of stress and concern.
He highlighted current concerns regarding the spread of the virus, particularly new variants, noting that any increase in mobility can have serious consequences for public health and put pressure on the health service.
He said concerns raised at the meeting will be considered.
It was agreed to maintain the dialogue as the situation evolves.
Places of worship reopened in early December when the country went to level 3, however public worship was back online when the country returned to level 5 in early January.
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