Fr Paddy Byrne
Photo: James Flynn/APX/ The Irish Times Laois-based priest Fr Paddy Byrne has said that priests must continue to give a message of hope in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
“This will pass,” he said of the Covid-19 crisis. “It’s about getting the message out that there is hope and I am very proud and encouraged by how communities are connecting, both locally and nationally.”
The clergyman said he and many of his fellow priests are reaching out to communities – offering chaplaincy, cleaning and feeding resources to the sick at local hospitals.
He feels the Church’s contribution at this time is “necessary and greatly appreciated”, and that all Christians should be proactive and reach out to others.
Big moment
“This is a big moment for Christianity and indeed for the Catholic Church in Ireland,” said Fr Byrne.
“It’s very important that we do not ‘bury our heads in the sand’ and that we remind ourselves of our calling to serve others.
“We must be seen as necessary frontline disciples of the Lord and show leadership to our communities as well.”