{"id":19961,"date":"2021-02-20T10:24:28","date_gmt":"2021-02-20T14:24:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=19961"},"modified":"2021-02-21T10:26:01","modified_gmt":"2021-02-21T14:26:01","slug":"catholic-church-calls-for-return-of-public-worship-for-easter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=19961","title":{"rendered":"Catholic Church Calls For Return Of Public Worship For Easter"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"The head of the Catholic Church has said people should be able to gather safely to mark Easter in Ireland.<\/p>\n

Ministers should also consider increasing the number of bereaved allowed to attend funerals during the pandemic, Archbishop Eamon Martin urged the Taoiseach.<\/p>\n

Miche\u00e1l Martin said his concerns would be given consideration.<\/p>\n

The Taoiseach\u2019s office said: \u201cThey shared their concern that life at present is particularly stressful and difficult for people to endure, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.<\/p>\n

\u201cRecognizing the spiritual comfort and hope that participation in public worship brings, the archbishops asked that public worship resume when an easing of restrictions is considered.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Fianna F\u00e1il leader has warned tough restrictions to slow the spread of disease could remain in place into April amid uncertainties over infectious new variants.<\/p>\n

The Taoiseach met a group of bishops on Friday to discuss the church\u2019s desire to return to worship during the season of Lent.<\/p>\n

His office added: \u201cThey expressed a strong desire that people might gather safely this year for the important ceremonies of Holy Week and Easter.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey also requested consideration of an increase in the number of the bereaved who may attend funeral Masses.\u201d<\/p>\n

The archbishops emphasized that they wished to continue supporting the public health message and to encourage all necessary measures, including vaccination, to protect health and wellbeing, especially that of the most vulnerable.<\/p>\n

The Taoiseach acknowledged the importance of the Church community in people\u2019s lives at this time of stress and worry.<\/p>\n

His office said: \u201cHe outlined the ongoing concerns regarding the spread of the virus, particularly the new variants, stressing that any increase at all in mobility can have serious consequences for public health and put pressure on the health service.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn concluding, he said the concerns raised at the meeting would be given consideration.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was agreed to maintain dialogue as the situation evolves.\u201d<\/p>\n

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