“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.

“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. 

"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.

Fr Michael Toomey has appealed to the public to think about and respect those still working and serving during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Covid19 crisis, Archbishop Eamon Martin has said, is “a time for an outpouring of the works of mercy towards the sick and vulnerable, and for a spirit of generosity and self-sacrifice, compassion and charity in Ireland, and across the world”.

In ‘normal conditions’, the CSTV website usually has about two million visitors a month, but this weekend the audience for online Parish TV more than trebled, said Church Support Group CEO Tony Bolger.

Archbishop Eamon Martin supports Bishop Phonsie Cullinan’s initiative which aims to encourage people to care for one other "at this difficult time.”

"When we ask God for his protection, like St Patrick did, we are asking for serenity and peace of mind," says Archbishop Eamon Martin amid rising anxiety about coronavirus spread.

"It is important to give very strong consideration to the closure of all schools in the very near future. We need to fight this virus together," said Archbishop Eamon Martin.

While many are tempted to fear, people of faith can use this crisis to pray and strengthen their relationship with God – Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan.

Cancellation of Masses and directives on funerals are necessary as the Church puts its shoulder behind the national effort to protect the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

Irish bishops welcomed the recent announcement by Pope Francis that the theme of the synod in October 2022 will be “For a synodal Church: communion, participation, and mission”.

Jesus calls on us, his followers, to serve the common good by taking responsibility for each other and to prioritise the most vulnerable in our community ahead of our own individual wants and aspirations – Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Senator calls for greater attention to containment measures aimed at older and vulnerable members of the community.

The Church of the Nativity and other places of worship in Bethlehem are shut, all tourism and religious sites across the West Bank are closed and all tourists banned from the West Bank for an unspecified period.

“Live this difficult moment with the strength of the faith, the certainty of hope and the ardour of charity,” said the pope in a message to all those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

French shrine says its first concern will always be the safety and health of its pilgrims and its working community.

Pastoral care can be provided over the telephone/skype if resources permit, says HSE calling on priests not to make visits to those at risk of carrying the COVID-19 virus.

The chair of the Council for Healthcare of the Bishops’ Conference has encouraged people to pray for those affected by the virus and for the efforts to bring the outbreak under control.

“As a community of faith, we need to take proper care of ourselves. We must take care not to spread the flu,” says Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

“The Church must consider whether to suspend masses and religious services,” said Italian consumer protection activist Carlo Rienzi.