Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan
FUNERALS in the Diocese of Kerry should not include the removal of the remains to the church the evening before and liturgies are to be limited to the funeral Mass, it has been recommended in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement issued in association with other bishops in Munster, Bishop Ray Browne said the issue of funerals is a particular concern and, he added, attendance should be restricted to the immediate family and very close friends of the deceased.
“The desire to offer condolences is commendable. Indeed, it is a work of mercy. But condolences can be expressed in the form of a letter, a text message, an e-mail,” a statement read.
“The Covid-19 crisis will pass and there will be other possibilities for Mass or prayers to be said for those who die during this period. Such Masses and prayers will allow for people who cannot now come physically to the church to then come and offer their condolences,” it added.
With regard to the last rites for the dying, the bishops stressed that it is essential that when anointing the sick, the priest should use a cotton bud or surgical glove and dispose of them appropriately while the rite should be administered while at a distance of one metre.
“It is important to follow recommendations on hand hygiene after the celebration of the Sacrament. The priest should avoid contact with others in the house of the person who is seriously ill.
“It is clear that some priests will themselves, because of their health condition or age, feel unable to attend to the sick person in their local parish. They may need to call on another priest from elsewhere to celebrate the sacrament,” it said in the statement which was issued on behalf of Bishop Browne, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly Kieran O’Reilly, Bishop of Cloyne Billy Crean, Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Alphonsus Cullinan, Bishop of Killaloe Fintan Monaghan and Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin.
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