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A priest from Co Cavan has received a fine, which is understood to be € 500, for celebrating Mass with those present.
Father PJ Hughes in Mullahoran received the fixed penalty notice after being informed to Gardaí.
Under the Level 5 restriction, places of worship must remain closed except for private prayer.
Writing in the parish bulletin this weekend, Father Hughes said that he had been “denounced again” and that he had been fined because he celebrated Mass with the people present.
“I will exercise my constitutional right even if people complain, even though I do not obey my bishop when I go against his advice,” he wrote.
The Cavan priest said he does not accept the “negative message” from the government and health officials that he says is telling people to stay away from Jesus.
“Life has been burdened by restrictions, health officials tell us to wear masks and not go to church in case of contracting the virus,” wrote Father Hughes.
He went on to say that the restrictions have turned people against each other and that he is not required to challenge people who choose not to wear a mask. Father Hughes said that the choice of whether or not to wear a mask is a constitutional right that should not be taken away from people.
In the lengthy address, Father Hughes went on to say, “If Christians were as determined to spread the message that Christ is our Savior as they were to challenge others for not obeying the restrictions imposed by this government, then we would be on the right track. … May we recognize God’s mercy and be drawn to him instead of being obsessed with regulations and restrictions.
Speaking of the Holy Week celebrations, which will begin next Sunday, the priest said that it is hard to believe that for the second year people will not be able to come to church to participate.
According to the priest, the church has been considered a “hot spot” for the spread of Covid-19 by Gardaí.
Father Hughes said that people were making a serious mistake by “rejecting” God by following current restrictions and staying away from the church.
Today, HSE chief Paul Reid warned that the number of Covid infections is increasing as 1,294 cases were confirmed over the weekend.
Reid also said the spike in hospital admissions this weekend is of concern to health officials.
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