Covid-19: Bishop Treanor hails ‘courageous’ response to pandemic

The Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor Noel Treanor has hailed the spirit of civic responsibility witnessed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Bishop Noel Treanor. 
Pic Colm Lenaghan/PacemakerBishop Noel Treanor. 
Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
Bishop Noel Treanor. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

The praise is contained in a letter to priests and deacons of the diocese who are prevented by the crisis from gathering to celebrate the Mass of Chrism as is tradition on Holy Thursday.

Bishop Treanor writes: “I will celebrate the Chrism Mass in the Cathedral today, Holy Thursday, at 11.00am and I hope that many of you will be able to link in with that celebration either online or privately in prayer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“As we respond together to the current challenges and to the impact on our lives brought about by the virus, it is timely for us to pause and reflect on our vocation and the faith community that we are called to serve.”

Noting the challenges faced while churches are closed, the bishop commends colleagues on their “resourcefulness and creativity in reaching out in prayer to the families in your parishes through the use of new technologies”.

He adds: “These efforts remind all that you are praying with them and for them, their families and their loved ones. This is particularly important for families facing bereavement at this time. Our mission, in Christ, to pray for and with God’s people, brings solace and a hope that will dispel fear.

Parents and families have been celebrating their faith at home with their children and the family circle. I have been uplifted by many who have contacted me to let me know that they are continuing to pray for their clergy at this time. On your behalf, I thank them for their affirmation of your work.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Alongside traditional forms of pastoral support and prayer, new expressions of ministry have emerged as we continue to reach out to the vulnerable, the isolated and the bereaved within our parish communities in difficult circumstances. Visitation of the sick has given way to telephone messages of support and guidance.

“Community-based initiatives, offers of voluntary service and acts of charity to support those self-isolating are multiplying. Pastoral and spiritual provision to families who have lost loved ones continues through the offering of Masses streamed via webcam and prayers offered at the graveside.

“I am particularly aware of the onerous challenges faced by our hospital chaplains who reassure those working in hospital and those who are sick and their families with their presence and the sacrament of the sick. At a time when families cannot be with their loved ones who are sick, there is a consolation in this accompanying presence of the hospital chaplain.”

Bishop Treanor also highlights the dedicated response of key workers to a situation unprecedented in modern times.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Notwithstanding the challenges we face, there are many signs of grace. Selfless acts of solidarity and charitable outreach on the part of many, a renewed appreciation of the gift of communication, and a wonderful spirit of civic responsibility have become the hallmarks of our current reality, most noticeable in the professionalism and compassion of health service staff and those providing key services as they courageously respond to the current pandemic.

“On behalf of our parishes and the faithful of the diocese I also pay tribute to the diocesan staff both in the curia and in parishes who have worked hard in recent weeks to enable us all to maintain diocesan and parish services.”

He also encourages colleagues to keep in mind sick and retired clergy.

“They are particularly vulnerable and living in self-isolation at this time. Our ongoing contact with them by telephone is tremendously important.”

--

A message from the Editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.