Message from Archbishop Michael Neary following the announcement in relation to Covid-19 by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, T.D. on Thursday, 12 March 2020
In line with the Government announcement [on Thursday 12 March 2020], Archbishop Neary has announced that Confirmation ceremonies are POSTPONED until further notice. He regrets the disruption and inconvenience this will cause, but he takes the decision in the interests of public health.
In view of the Taoiseach’s directive: “Indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled”, the seriousness of the situation requires that we comply with this. Therefore, all Masses with congregations in parishes in the Archdiocese of Tuam should be cancelled. The Archbishop asks that in parishes where webcam and parish radio facilities are available that they be used to maximum effect.
The Archbishop recommends that churches remain open so that the faithful can go there to pray, and he again encourages everybody to pray for all those affected by this Covid-19 virus and all those working tirelessly to deal with it.
As updated advice is received, it will be made available.
Prayer for our protection
We ask for prayers for those affected by the Coronavirus. Placing all our trust in the Lord, and asking Our Lady to intercede for us, we invite everyone to pray these prayers:
Extract from Saint Patrick’s Breastplate
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection,
implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence,
I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer. Amen.
