Fr Malachy Conlon | Carlingford Omeath Parish

It has affected almost the way we think. If I take it from a ministry point of view, it has closed our churches, closed our schools. Changed in at times, particularly funerals, where there’s a real need for intimacy and support, that has gone. It’s really, really difficult for families. I’ve heard a lot of people say that it’s very difficult for families and I’m always anxious to say that it’s very difficult for priests as well, because where we want to be is with the people to support them in any way that we can.

I’ve had a few residents in the local nursing home who, near to death normally one would go and sit with them and pray with them. On two occasions I had to anoint through the window, which was hugely painful and brought home the kind of depth of isolation that Coronavirus has caused.

In the absence of the people as I celebrate mass, is profound. The isolation, I suppose, initially people adapted reasonably well and we’re, I mean, I’m amazed at how the nation has responded to, to the restrictions by and large. But we’re at a stage now where granted there’s been a little opening up, but there are a lot of people who have and coped well up until now, but it’s beginning to take its toll.

There’s frustration, I suppose, the not knowing about Coronavirus is a huge thing. If we could say that it’s going to, we’re back to normal in three months time in six months time, but we can’t. And it has also put us all, I think, in touch with our own vulnerability, we might have thought we were in charge of things, but in reality, we must bow to the mystery.

I’VE HEARD A LOT OF PEOPLE SAY THAT IT’S VERY DIFFICULT FOR FAMILIES AND I’M ALWAYS ANXIOUS TO SAY THAT IT’S VERY DIFFICULT FOR PRIESTS AS WELL, BECAUSE WHERE WE WANT TO BE IS WITH THE PEOPLE TO SUPPORT THEM IN ANY WAY THAT WE CAN.