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The four archbishops of Ireland have called a meeting with the Taoiseach to allow people to return to Mass under Level 3 restrictions.
Religious services have moved online under current restrictions.
In a letter seen by RTÉ News, the Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin, the Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin, the Archbishop of Tuam Michael Neary and the Archbishop of Cashel and Emly Kieran O’Reilly have expressed concern about the impact that the restrictions are taking in the Church.
They state that while they fully support the guidance of public health authorities, they wish to “engage constructively with civil authorities” to ensure that people can continue to gather for Mass and the sacraments.
The letter says: “These are not simply ‘gatherings’ of people, but deep expressions of who we are as a Church.”
He also says that the loss of spiritual support can be a source of great anxiety and fear, and can have a detrimental impact on people’s overall health and well-being.
They have requested a meeting with the Taoiseach in the next few days.
The request is considered significant.
The last time the four archbishops met with the country’s Taoiseach was during the referendum on abortion.
Before that it was for Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland.
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