Mass is more than a place where we go to pray as a group

You would really have to wonder how public health advice intersects so neatly with secular convenience, writes Paul Brosnan

It has been such a difficult year for myself and indeed all other practicing Catholics across Ireland. Government policy has made it impossible to perform our natural obligation as Christians, which is to attend and participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Many might say “Can’t you just pray at home?” or “Is God not everywhere?”. While these are great questions, they ignore the fact that the Mass is more than a place where we go to pray as a group.

I am reminded of a homily that I read from Pope emeritus Benedict XVI: “The Eucharistic Celebration is the greatest and highest act of prayer, and constitutes the centre and the source from which even the other forms receive ‘nourishment’: the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic adoration, Lectio Divina, the Holy Rosary, meditation. All these expressions of prayer, which have their centre in the Eucharist, fulfil the words of Jesus: ‘I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep’.”

Fundamental truth

This is such a great quote because it reminds us of a fundamental truth, that the Eucharist forms a key component of every Christian’s life. It is our greatest form of nourishment, and our highest form of prayer. When deprived of the Eucharist, many Christians feel lost and hopeless. Most Catholics, including myself, have for many months been praying an “Act of Spiritual Communion” after watching a Mass online – however, as Aquinas and the Catechism of the Catholic Church teach us, this is definitely not a replacement for the Blessed Sacrament. It is very painful therefore to realise that Ireland is nearly the only country in Europe that does not permit public worship.

We can find some inconsistencies when we examine our public health guidelines. For example, in one day I can do my weekly grocery shopping, fill my car with diesel, take my clothes to the dry cleaner, get a takeaway, buy a bicycle and apply for a mortgage provided I’m willing to wear a mask, sanitise my hands and social distance. These are sensible and logical precautions that myself and millions in Ireland are prepared to follow. However, if I follow the same precautions while I attend Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney (which can comfortably hold at least 300 people) the Government and public health experts will tell me that this is too dangerous and may facilitate the transmission of Covid-19. It really makes me wonder how public health intersects so neatly with secular convenience.

Warned

A priest in Dublin was warned by An Garda Siochana to stop giving Holy Communion after Mass or risk punishment. Another priest was fined €500 for saying Mass before a congregation. It’s shocking to think that in 2021 the Government is prepared to punish citizens for practicing their spirituality. Article 44 of Bunreacht na hEireann says “The State acknowledges that the homage of public worship is due to Almighty God. It shall hold His Name in reverence, and shall respect and honour religion.” If almost every other country in Europe is able to hold public worship in a safe way, then why can’t Ireland?

I hope and pray that the Government and public health officials come to their senses and permit an immediate return to public worship in Ireland.