THE Bishop of Down and Connor has privately visited two Belfast cemeteries to say prayers for the dead and bless their graves.
Traditionally the annual blessing of graves at Milltown Cemetery would have taken place on the second Sunday in May.
However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions on movement and gatherings, the diocese said it was "necessary to adopt a different approach this year".
Bishop Noel Treanor instead privately visited the Milltown and City cemeteries on Sunday to give the blessing.
"In normal circumstances, families would have gathered together in these sacred sites to affectionally remember and pray in solidarity for all the beloved dead who are buried within these Milltown and City cemeteries," he said.
"United with families at home, we hold in our prayers all those who are buried within these cemeteries; relatives, friends, family members and neighbours.
"We particularly pray for all those who have died in recent months, especially those who have died as a result of the coronavirus.
"These are challenging times for families as they mourn the loss of loved ones and, as a Church community, we extend to them our sympathies and pray that God will bring them consolation and healing."