Archbishop in ‘message of hope’ for Holy Week
THE Archbishop of Dublin yesterday issued what he called ‘a message of hope’ amid the coronavirus crisis.
Dr Diarmuid Martin recorded the message from isolation in his home to mark the start of Holy Week because like other members of the population who are over 70, he is ‘cocooning’ in order to prevent himself becoming infected.
‘Like all those over 70, I find myself in isolation at home,’ he said. ‘For me as someone who is active by nature it is inconvenient. It is, however, nothing compared with the hardship experienced by so many others in the current situation.
‘I think of the seriously ill. I think of the bereaved who return into isolation after a burial. I think of families experiencing uncertainty about their financial situation. I think of families who have loved ones with special needs. I think of the fear and the anxiety, the elderly and the lonely. We tend to forget that there are many elderly in our communities who may have no close relative. We have to seek out and reach out to such people.
‘Over these days, I have been calling people on the telephone to ask how they are. The remarkable thing is that so many of them reply that they are all right because neighbours and friends have been helpful and keep in touch. Good neighbourliness is a trademark of Irish families and it is moving to see how they are responding in the current situation. These small gestures of practical kindness are just as important as the vital major decisions. We owe a great deal to those who bear the responsibility of leadership at this moment, especially in the front line. I think of the health authorities, of doctors, nurses and carers and indeed our Government leadership.
‘Over these days, I have been trying to reach out to parishes to provide them with practical advice but above all with prayer resources and encouraging creativity in reaching out. Online communication is a great blessing. The Archdiocese of Dublin has over 200 priests over 70 and thus in isolation. This is placing a great strain on those who remain active in ministry.’
The archbishop added: ‘Like many priests, this will be the first time in my entire ministry that I have to participate from home. I share in the sadness not just of priests but of most Catholics who experience the same void in their spirituality.
‘Holy Week is not just about ceremonies. The ceremonies are there to draw us into the most essential dimension of our belief in Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life. Christian hope reminds us that, even in moments of darkness, evil will be overcome by goodness and death is not the final word.’
The video message can be viewed on the Archdiocese of Dublin’s YouTube channel.
‘Gestures of kindness are important’