Despite actions of few, youth ‘self-sacrificing’ during Covid-19

Young people are being “stigmatised” for the spread of Covid-19 despite many “stepping up” and being generous and self-sacrificial according to the Primate of All-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin.

Speaking at Mass for the dedication of studies at the Catholic Chaplaincy, Queen’s University Belfast Archbishop Eamon said many young people have shown “great resilience” throughout the pandemic and have made huge efforts to keep the vulnerable safe.

Archbishop Eamon said: “I know that university communities are sharing in the anxiety, disruption and uncertainty that has marked these months of pandemic. A first-year psychology student told me recently that this is not what she or her friends were expecting from college. ‘It doesn’t feel real’, she said.”

“And it’s upsetting for her that young people are being stigmatised for the spread of Covid-19. At times the irresponsibility of a few has perhaps tarnished the image of all. But my experience of young people since the beginning of the pandemic has been of your generosity and self-sacrifice, your volunteering to help the elderly and isolated, your stepping up to serve in the retail and hospitality sector – not to mention the many students of medicine, pharmacy and nursing who have supported our health workers and carers on the so-called ‘front line’.”

He acknowledged the “personal sacrifices” the students were making to keep their parents, grandparents and vulnerable family members safe. “These are stressful times for us all, and I am aware of the support and encouragement that you are quietly giving to each other, especially to friends and others who are fragile and struggling to cope, either mentally, physically or spiritually” he added.

Fr Dominic McGrattan, chaplain in Queen’s University, said that because of social distancing the overflow congregation was seated in the chaplaincy cloister. As they couldn’t provide the customary hospitality afterwards, each guest was given a chaplaincy gift bag with a prayer book, candles, a bookmark and some treats “to enjoy with a cup of tea at home”.

Eight students were commissioned for the pastoral team and will assist with campus ministry this year. Twice as many students volunteered to do stewarding to keep the chaplaincy a safe space.

Fr McGrattan said: “It was a great start to the academic year and the archbishop preached a very encouraging and inspirational homily.”

The chaplaincy also launched their new digital broadcast service at the Mass to keep connected with students. It can be reached at: https://qubcatholic.org/videos/dedication-of-studies-mass