Thanks to a 'Herculean effort' by parishes, we are ready now to resume the sacramental life of the church, said Archbishop Micheael Neary.

“It may be a different experience when coming to Mass again, but it will have Christ at its centre, and the people of God gathered around the altar. That in itself is worth more than any challenge or inconvenience we face in the days ahead.”

“Ground around centres of worship, presbyteries, convents and graveyards can play a crucial role if they are managed as safe places where our wild bees and other insects can find food and shelter.”

“Change is never easy, but we must face the challenge together.”

The large influx of pilgrims, the humble and simple prayer of God’s people, the fulfilment of so many graces and the natural beauty of these places allow you to see how the shrines express an irreplaceable opportunity for evangelisation.

“Sunday mornings we have bigger congregations than we have been seeing for a considerable time. Our webcam is reaching people far from Longford.”

Archbishop Martin said he was convinced that there are many young women in today’s Ireland who would be attracted to new forms of association with religious life.

"We have been helped enormously by our brothers and sisters in Ireland and other countries and this sustains us mentally, spiritually and financially.”