Photo: Vatican Media Handout Hope is in the air in the North as the 500,000th vaccine was administered late last week, priests have said.
Speaking to The Irish Catholic, a number of priests told of the “cautious optimism” that is returning to their socially-distanced parishioners, an optimism that has been buoyed by the recent good weather.
“Because we are open for private prayer, I would be meeting some people coming into the church. Two things I’ve noticed is the impact on mental health in this more recent lockdown has been much more dramatic and widespread. But those who have received the vaccine have unanimously talked to me about how relieved they felt and how much optimism it gave them,” said Fr Timothy Bartlett of St Mary’s parish in Belfast.
“And that is helping a more general mood of optimism, that the pace of vaccination is so successful.”
Echoing this sentiment was Fr Aloysius Lumala of Ballymena Kirkinriola parish, who said “there is a sense of hope” and that the “light is now at the end of the tunnel”.
Speaking to his parishioners, he said they’re feeling more “confident” now and that while they won’t be out meeting and mixing just yet, they’re grateful of the extra protection the jab offers.
“There is a positive response to my knowledge. That people really are turning out and embracing the vaccinations, and that’s bringing great, great hope for the people and it’s really going to lift their spirits,” he said.
Fr Martin Graham of St Peter’s Cathedral in Belfast said there’s a sense, particularly among the elderly, that “they’re finally going to be almost released from the prison of their own home.”
Fr Bartlett expressed the hope that parishioners might be back in the pews sooner rather than later, without compromising on the health guidance.
“I think the critical difference in the North has been that the government here has respected the very mature and responsible approach of churches in the North…Given the importance of the right to religious freedom, but also the contribution the churches make to the wellbeing and mental health of people, churches here I would expect to be in the first wave of relaxation.”