Broadcasting of masses offering spiritual solace

The broadcasting of masses by local parishes and RTE is providing spiritual solace for many people, an Offaly based priest has said.

A number of local parishes, including Tullamore, are broadcasting masses online services following the decision last week to suspend public masses. RTE is also broadcasting a mass every morning at 10.30 am on its News Now TV channel.#

Speaking to the Offaly Independent this week, Fr Tom Cox, parish priest in Clonmacnois parish, said that the popularity of the online masses and RTE's daily broadcast is a comfort for many people.

Because of the poor broadband service in Fr Tom's parish, he said that he is unable to perform online masses but he knows that many older parishioners, in particular, have been watching RTE's daily masses on their televisions.

“Certainly people are in a more reflective state at the moment. I've been sending out prayer packs for Sunday mass and for St Patrick's Day on Tuesday and they've been very well received.

“One guy I know printed out 20 copies and brought them to some of the most vulnerable members of the community, which was great.”

In the wider community, Fr Tom said that the current crisis has “brought out the best in some people”.  GAA clubs and other organisations in west Offay have mobilised to help the most vulnerable members of their communities.

A sign, he believes, that Ireland has a “stronger sense of family and connection”, than many other countries.