Statement by Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly to all priests and faithful of the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly

13 Mar 2020

Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly SMA, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly has issued the following statement to all priests and people of the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly:

The public celebration of Mass in the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly (with the exception of Funeral Mass and the Celebration of Marriage complying with the maximum attendance of 100) is suspended until and including Sunday 29 March, with immediate effect.

It is necessary to cancel both weekend and daily Masses as it is not possible to comply with the public health authority’s requirement to have less than 100 people gathering indoors in both town and country churches across the Archdiocese. 

While the cancellation of all Masses is regrettable, it communicates to our parish communities the serious impact of Covid-19.

The obligation to be physically present at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days (including Saint Patrick’s Day) is suspended for everybody until further notice.

Priests will continue to remember the needs of parishioners at Mass celebrated privately.

Parishioners are encouraged to visit their local church for prayer, and also to pray at home: praying for the sick, for those who are caring for the sick and for all who are working so hard to protect us.

All families are encouraged to celebrate Sunday in a prayerful and meaningful manner at home.

I ask that all modern means of communication – radio, webcam etc. be used to assist our communities to join spiritually in the celebration of Mass.   

May we care for each other with kindness and patience in every possible way.

Yours in Christ,

Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly

ENDS

  • The Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly includes most of County Tipperary and parts of County Limerick.

For media contact: Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long +353 (0) 86 172 7678 and Brenda Drumm +353 (0) 87 310 4444.