Bishop admits to a feeling of isolation and helplessness
The Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran has told parishioners there has been times recently he has felt isolated amid the ongoing measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
In a video posted on the diocese Facebook page, the Bishop admitted the last number of weeks had been ‘strange’ since all public masses throughout parishes in the diocese had been suspended.
“It’s been a very strange week and I have to admit there has been times when I have felt isolated and even helpless and I imagine many of you have had the same experience,” he said.
The bishop acknowledged the sick at home who may be missing regular visits from their parish priest and acknowledged the difficult times now being faced by those who have lost their job.
“I know that if you’ve recently lost your job temporarily hopefully or if your business has closed, this will be a very worrying time for you…And I’m thinking of young people who have worked so hard to prepare for exams or indeed prepare for confirmation and who have to wait now for the time to be right.”
Bishop Doran said though times of crisis may bring out the worst in people, in his experience it also ‘ bring out the very best.’
“I’ve been greatly heartened in recent days to see the huge level of generosity and professionalism throughout our society. We’ve seen it in the public service, health care, the hospitals, the GP clinics, all those who are willing to keep us safe.
“We’ve seen it in the shops and in all the different services that are still being provided by people.”
He went on to outline the great work being done by parishioners who have volunteered within their communities, delivering groceries to people who are isolated and others who have formed groups to chat on the phone to people who are lonely.
He also cited others who are praying with those who are missing their daily trip to mass.
The Bishop said he has been in contact with all parish priests amid the ongoing pandemic in relation to still offering mass and intentions for parishioners via technology.
“I do want to assure you that in all of our parishes mass is being celebrated each day and is being offered for you, our parishioners and I want to invite you, if you can to join us by local radio or webcam.
“Many parishes have made arrangements broadcasting on Facebook Live, but certainly join us in prayer, in spirit at least, because this is a time we need to be together.”
The Bishop asked any parishioners needing to reschedule baptisms, weddings and other church celebrations to contact their parish priest.
He noted that this Easter would be ‘strange’.
“These are the high points of the church’s year but this year they will have to be celebrated behind closed doors.”
Addressing questions regarding confessions, Bishop Doran noted it was ‘difficult’ as the nature of confessions meant people were in close proximity.
The Bishop had suggested the possibility of outdoors, however, with new measures in place in relation to people’s movements it is not thought that that is now a viable option.
The Bishop assured people that if they cannot come to confession now it is sufficient for people to pray a ‘good act of contrition’ and to come to confession at a future time.
“The Lord understands we cannot do the impossible.”
Speaking about the pandemic, Bishop Doran said people had been asking him why it is happening. “I’ve been honest and said, ‘I don’t know why’.
“Throughout my time I’ve seen reports of Ebola and HIV and Typhoid and famine, flood and earthquakes and many of these things have natural causes and some of them are a result of our failure to manage the Earth which is our common home.”
He added, “Perhaps the most surprising thing really is that we’re so blessed nothing like this has happened in Ireland in our lifetime.
“St Paul once wrote that when we are experiencing our most extreme weakness that’s when we are really strong, because we realise that our strength comes not from ourselves but from God and it’s in that spirit that we turn to God in prayer.
“This is a time to entrust ourselves to the goodness of God who will not abandon us.”
THIS EASTER WOULD BE STRANGE. THESE ARE THE HIGH POINTS OF THE CHURCH’S YEAR BUT THIS YEAR THEY WILL HAVE TO BE CELEBRATED BEHIND CLOSED DOORS