Don’t believe ‘lies’ about coronavirus says bishop

The Bishop of Ossory has called on people not to be fooled by “lies or rumours” regarding the coronavirus (Covid-19), at a time when several Government bodies have warned people of disinformation circulating on social media.

In a homily over the weekend Bishop Dermot Farrell encouraged the Faithful to keep their hope and that “lies and rumours” don’t come from God.

“Genuine hope will keep us above the water as we face a range of difficult decisions and challenges. Don’t lend credence to lies or rumours, or give in to panic.  These do not come from God. We pray because we place our deepest hope in providence of God – in a goodness and in a power that transcends our own capabilities. Prayer is hope in execution,” Bishop Farrell said.

Some of the misinformation includes claims that Japanese doctors were advising that keeping your mouth dry and sipping water every 15 minutes washes the virus into the stomach, killing it. This has been proven to be false by the World Health Organisation and media organisations. There was also claims that Ireland would be put under ‘status red’ lockdown with the army patrolling the streets – a claim denied by Government officials.

Bishop Farrell said: “The challenge posed by this aggressive virus will require the deepest outpourings of faith, hope and love, and the most rigorous exercises of justice, prudence, resilience, self-control and courage.

“We cannot lose hope at this unprecedented time in our history.  God’s hope is in us, not just our hope in God.  Genuine hope will keep us above the water as we face a range of difficult decisions and challenges.”

He asked that people pray for those who have died and their loved ones, those who are ill or facing financial hardship. “The coronavirus poses a threat that knows no borders.  As people of faith, neither does our love and concern for our neighbours,” Bishop Farrell said.

“As we now enter the painful and prolonged uncertainty of grappling with the coronavirus, we pray that this will be a shared undertaking for the benefit of all humanity, a time when we realise that we are one family living in our common home.”