"We need to convert the challenge posed by a lack of priests into an opportunity for greater lay involvement.”

Ceremony marked the first time an Apostolic Nuncio was ordained in St Colman's and Archbishop Crotty is the first priest of the Diocese of Cloyne to have been appointed as an Apostolic Nuncio.

A return to even small gatherings for worship will require close observance of social distancing and hygiene requirements, as laid down by the public health authorities.

People are invited to fast and pray to ask God to free us from this pandemic, to support those who are fighting it, and to comfort those who have been afflicted, says Bishop Donal McKeown.

“Mary, Consolation of the afflicted, embrace all your children in distress and pray that God will stretch out his all-powerful hand and free us from this terrible pandemic, so that life can serenely resume its normal course,” prays Pope Francis.

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.