‘Live streaming Mass allows us to offer spiritual support and nourishment’

FR Pádraig Walsh of Our Lady & St Brendan’s Parish in Tralee said one of the main consequences of the COVID-19 restrictions has been the total loss of human contact.

“The way we used to meet people before and after Mass has completely gone. On a human level you feel disconnected from so many people that were once such a part of our daily lives,” Fr Pádraig explained.

He describes as ‘positive’ the live-streaming of Mass as it helps retain a measure of routine and connectivity within the parish.

“It allows us to offer spiritual support and nourishment to people. Some people are doing okay while others are finding it hard to cope. Some feel there is no light at the end of the tunnel as they don’t know when this will end. There is a fear out there because of this. The phone has been a lifeline for people as it helps take away isolation,” he said.

Fr Pádraig insists that one of the main spiritual challenges faced by priests during the COVID-19 crisis is the loss of funerals. He feels sorry for the families as they want to connect with friends and loved ones in their hour of grief. It’s even difficult for young couples having to rearrange weddings.

“In terms of Holy Week, if we go back to the time of Christ we see his followers were fearful when Jesus was crucified. They, too, felt isolated and abandoned but yet they were transformed by the experience of the Resurrection. Easter should help us to move beyond our fears and despair to become people of hope and people of courage for the future,” Fr Pádraig said.