BELFAST'S Catholic Cathedral has resumed services after being unable to celebrate public Mass due to a Covid-19 outbreak among clergy and staff.
Masses at St Peter's Cathedral in west Belfast were temporarily suspended over the weekend after three clergy tested positive. Two cathedral staff members were also infected.
The cathedral was forced to close its doors and no masses were delivered from Saturday to Monday with services resuming again yesterday.
In a post on the cathedral's Facebook page from the three priests, Fr Martin Graham, Fr Brian Watters and Fr Aidan McCaughan, it said that "after two years of doing our best to avoid it, all three of us are now positive for Covid, two of the cathedral staff are also infected".
The post added that it was "not possible to get cover for all the Masses and so we will have to celebrate them without a congregation until Tuesday".
Parishioners were told that masses would be delivered online and were also available at other churches nearby.
The Down and Connor diocese last night confirmed the cathedral had been closed.
"The diocese can confirm that the cathedral clergy tested positive recently for Covid-19 and, in accordance with health regulations and guidance, are isolating until they have fully recovered," a spokesman said.
"Unfortunately, it was not possible to arrange cover for the weekend Masses in St Peter’s Cathedral and it had to close at short notice on Saturday evening and Sunday. Alternative arrangements have now been put in place to provide pastoral cover to celebrate Mass in St Peter’s Cathedral until the various cathedral clergy are able to resume ministry within the parish.
"The cathedral clergy are deeply appreciative of the many messages of support they have received from parishioners and beyond and the prayers offered for their speedy recovery."
The spokesman added that the cathedral was "open again" yesterday after alternative arrangements were put in place for Mass to be celebrated.
