The Primate of All-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin joined bishops, priests and people in their homes in praying for protection against the coronavirus today at noon.
“We are linked in a beautiful comminution of prayer all over Ireland at this moment, bishops and priests are leading this prayer in the cathedrals, churches presbyteries and homes around the country,” Archbishop Eamon said at the ceremony that was broadcast live online from Armagh.
People all over the island of Ireland were invited to join in the consecration of the Irish people to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Archbishop Eamon called for strength, protection from the coronavirus (Covid-19) “at this time of great challenge for our country”.
He prayed: “When you appeared at Knock you gave hope to your people in a time of distress and brought them comfort in time of sorrow. Be with us now as a sign of Salvation and hope, as we entrust ourselves to your loving care.”
The consecration coincided with Pope Francis’ invitation for people all over the world to pray the Lord’s Prayer, ‘Our Father’ today (Wednesday) – the Feast of the Annunciation.
In Ireland people have been joining in a novena since St Patrick’s Day to prepare for this afternoons consecration and the commemoration of the visit of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, during which he informed her that she would give birth to Jesus.
Earlier in the week Archbishop Eamon said that “social distancing cannot be allowed to create social isolation and, through prayer, as Pope Francis said on Sunday, we can overcome,”
On Sunday, in his call for prayer in response to the pandemic, Pope Francis said: “In these trying days, while humanity trembles due to the threat of the pandemic, I would like to propose to all Christians that together we lift our voices towards Heaven.”
He also announced that he would deliver a special Urbi et Orbi apostolic blessing and address on Friday, March 27 at 5pm Irish time.