Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop Eamon Martin & Archbishop-elect Bishop Francis Duffy at Knock Shrine. Covid-19 may have struck “at the very heart” of the Church’s outreach and ministry to the sick, the dying and the bereaved, but it “could not, and did not, and will not destroy” the hope and belief that God is with those who are suffering, Archbishop Eamon Martin told those gathered at Knock last Saturday.
The Mass of Remembrance saw people from every diocese in Ireland attend to remember and pray for those who died throughout the pandemic.
“We are gathering today to remember all those who died during the Covid-19 pandemic. What a cruel time it has been for the dying and the bereaved,” Archbishop Martin said in his homily.
“Sadly, in many cases during the Covid pandemic, those precious, final moments saw increased heartbreak. At a time when physical closeness is so important, and our caring instinct is to hug someone, or hold their hand, it was distressing that often the final words of love and prayer had to be spoken over a telephone, or from behind windows and screens, or masks or visors.”
While many families walked the “way of the cross” since the pandemic began, there have been many “Veronicas”, “Simons” and “Good Samaritans” too, Archbishop Martin said, referring to the healthcare workers, chaplains and other essential workers who helped others to “shoulder their burden”.
“We have come today on pilgrimage to Knock, to pray with Jesus, Mary and Joseph for those who have died during Covid and for all who continue to grieve them…What draws us all is the powerful message of Christ who is the Resurrection and the Life.”