The daily broadcast by RTÉ is facilitating a spiritual communion of worshippers who, while not physically present within the church, are digitally united in faith – Bishop Alan McGuckian.
The coronavirus COVID-19 is ahead of us wherever we turn our gaze. It is as if we are involved in a race against time within time itself, said Archbishop Michael Jackson.
SeniorLine is receiving 700 calls a week from traditional callers who are generally lonely and living alone, and from a new cohort who are suddenly cocooned and find it very difficult.
Northern Ireland now has “one of the most liberal abortion regimes anywhere in the world” in which “some unborn children will be left completely defenceless”.
“This action, which is not taken lightly, is ... the only way of guaranteeing that vulnerable people, who might be so inclined to call into the church to pray or light a candle, are more encouraged to stay at home and keep within the regulations” – Bishop Nulty.
Mother Fahy of Glencairn invited people to join the 31 or so sisters at Glencairn in “keeping up a constant and trusting prayer for all our medical and healthcare workers and for all humanity”.
Bishop Leahy pays tribute to the Limerick COVID-19 Community Response which is ensuring that the daily needs of the elderly, unwell or those with a confirmed diagnosis or those isolating on suspicion of having COVID-19 are met.
“All priests who are aged 70 years or older and those who have underlying health conditions are not expected to take part in frontline pastoral ministry,” says Bishop Duffy, excusing more than a third of his priests from face-to-face duties.
“Prayer is hope in action,” says the Bishop of Ossory.
Despite the curbs on movement and travel because of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Camino season was launched
"We can look to Mary with confidence and trust in times of sorrow and joy," say the Catholic and Anglican rectors of Wallsingham, England's national Marian shrine.
"Just like those disciples, we too have realised that we cannot go on thinking of ourselves, but only together can we do this," said Pope Francis.
As the island battles this pandemic, standing alongside other denominations and Christian organisations, we are today issuing a call to pray — Ireland's church leaders.
Pope Francis’ blessing will be an opportunity to avail ourselves of Divine Grace. I encourage everyone to watch this special broadcast – Archbishop Eamon Martin.
We urge supporters to contact their TDs immediately to ensure that these proposals are wholly rejected during the debates – Eílís Mulroy, spokesperson for the Pro Life Campaign.
“Many will be struck by the contradiction, that at a time we are all taking such drastic measures to preserve life, legislation is introduced to take it” - Presbyterian Moderator.
“In the coming weeks, we expect to see an increased demand for our support as families find themselves in financial stress and hardship,” said Kieran Stafford, National President, SVP.
Bishop Brendan Leahy and his Church of Ireland counterpart Bishop Kenneth Kearon will participate in the ecumenical prayer live on webcam from Mount Saint Alphonsus in Limerick city at 11am today.
“Social distancing cannot be allowed to create social isolation and, through prayer, as Pope Francis said on Sunday, we can overcome,” said Archbishop Eamon Martin.
The name of each child who was due to be confirmed on Saturday before the confirmation ceremony was cancelled over the Covid-19 pandemic was read out online, and a candle was placed in front of the altar for each one.
“I may be looking out at empty pews, but in my mind’s eye and with the eyes of my heart, I can see you in your living rooms, in nursing homes, hospital wards or perhaps driving in your cars, all linked spiritually in the ‘family of families’ that is the Church,” said Archbishop Eamon Martin.
“Like the flight attendant’s instructions ‘Put on your own mask first’, hope never encourages any kind of disdain for common sense and responsibilities of protecting human life and the common good,” said Bishop Farrell.
“I would like to propose to all Christians that, together, we lift our voices towards Heaven,” said the pope, who will start saying the ‘Our Father’ in Rome on Wednesday at 10am Irish time.
Normally, you must obtain the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Communion to obtain a plenary indulgence, but in these extraordinary circumstances that requirement is reduced to "the will to fulfil the usual conditions as soon as possible", says Cardinal Mauro Piacenza
"We fear moneylenders will end up targeting people who will just not be able to repay loans at the exorbitant interest rates they are charging," says SVP president Kieran Stafford.
"Jesus Christ, come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love," says prayer of Bishop of Ferns
It has been a time to discover the value of quiet time of prayer in the home and prayer as a family, "the Domestic Church" – Catholic bishops of Munster.
This decision has been difficult but it would not have been appropriate to proceed with the ordination at this time – Fr Paul Dempsey.
We want people of all faiths to know that RTÉ is with them in spirit – RTÉ’s Head of Religious Content, Roger Childs.
It is understandable to feel fear and anxiety when the way we need to respond to this crisis separates us from the very things that help to keep us grounded and connected.
