THE bishop of a cross-border Catholic diocese has spoken of his concern at the "fear, frustration and inconvenience" at heightened coronavirus restrictions in Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Dr Larry Duffy, the Bishop of Clogher, said he was particularly conscious of the sense of loss "felt by so many on the southern side of the border" at not being able to celebrate public Mass. Ireland is the only country in Europe where religious services are at present banned.
"In fact, in some of our parishes Mass is available in one part while not in the other," he said.
"The Eucharist is an essential part of the spiritual nourishment of Catholics and I look forward to the day when we can all celebrate it again."
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The additional restrictions will add to what has already been a very trying time, said Dr Duffy, "particularly after so many have made such tremendous efforts to comply with regulations and to provide for the common good and the public health of all".
"The restrictions call us to personal responsibility; to comply with public health and hygiene requirements and to look out for the needs of others," he said.
"So many are doing that on the frontline and in our schools and public services."
The bishop said that Christians were especially called to serve each other, "to be Christ to each other in every situation".
"In fighting this contagious virus, all of us need to do the same in whatever walk of life we are in," he said.
The Diocese of Clogher has 20 parishes in the Republic. It includes all of Co Monaghan and portions of Donegal and Cavan, which from today are placed under tougher 'level four' restrictions in the government's 'Plan for Living with Covid-19'. It also includes part of Co Louth, which remains under level three restrictions.
In Northern Ireland, where stricter restrictions apply from today, Clogher has 15 parishes. It includes most of Fermanagh and part of Tyrone.
The diocese has a further two parishes - Clones and Roslea - which are divided by the border.
