Chai Brady
The Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin has said although Holy Week and Easter will no doubt be different this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it can still be marked at home in a “profound” way.
Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Bishop Denis Nulty said: “We all realise and accept that Holy Week and Easter will be very different this year, but nonetheless profound I think in their simplicity. It’s an opportunity for us to bring Holy Week into our homes.”
Bishop Nulty suggested on Holy Thursday that people place a bowl, jug and a towel on the table and also watch the Holy Week ceremonies via webcam. The idea is “to remind of us of those at the frontline of service against the coronavirus, all the people in healthcare”.
Reminder
“It is to remind us of service and those that are serving us at this time, that’s on Holy Thursday. I think that would be such an
important moment, simply just a reverent moment, that would replace the washing of the feet in every house,” he said.
“I’m also suggesting that no matter where we are, Jesus is always never distant from us, he’s always with us and on Good
Friday again let’s find the crucifix somewhere in our house at home, let’s rediscover that and put that back on the kitchen table.”
He added there should be no kissing of the cross for the sake of hygiene, particularly in this time of an ongoing pandemic, saying it will be simply for “reverence”.
New life
“Let’s follow the Stations of the Cross. I encourage all our churches where possible to offer the Stations of the Cross sometime
on the webcam during the day on Good Friday,” Dr Nulty said.
For the Easter Vigil, he advised, people should get out their Holy Water font if they have one. “We will have no water obviously
because of the whole Holy Water issue, but at least it reminds us of what will be the great Easter story of resurrection and new life,”” he said.
This is due to the Government mandated coronavirus regulations which meant churches had to empty all Holy Water fonts – brought in to contain the spread of the virus.
The Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin is also currently working on a resource for families to help them pray during Holy Week at home.
