The Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell has said parishes should postpone first holy communions and confirmations until September as the government plans to revoke ban on these events by next month. The government had indicated that most of the restrictions would be eased by next month assuming these holy ceremonies too. As per the reports, the government would also engage in discussions with faith group leaders in the coming weeks.
Earlier the archbishop had written to the parishes that holy communions and confirmations could be carried out if they found it ‘safe’ and ‘in a simple way.’ But with government’s new decision, Farrell is holding his opinion further for a month.
“In the light of the Government’s statement yesterday, I have renewed my advice to parishes to postpone the celebration of the sacraments until September. “ the Archbishop said in a homily at a mass in Saint Mary’s Pro-Cathedral yesterday. He also said the church fully supported necessary measures to protect health and welfare.
There were speculations that church and government were going against each other regarding this matter. Also some priests had come in public against the government for not allowing holy ceremonies even after permitting indoor dining.