Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland has given his reaction to government advice against holding First Holy Communions and Confirmations at this time.  In an interview on the News At One today on RTÉ Radio One, Archbishop Martin expressed the deep disappointment felt by children, parents, teachers and parish teams across the country who have been preparing safely for these important milestone events for the past number of months.

Speaking to presenter Brian Dobson, Archbishop Martin said that bishops in their dioceses have consistently encouraged parishes to adhere to public health advice throughout the pandemic and that as the advice is that the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation have to be deferred that the Church will be respectful of that. However, the archbishop also cited his disappointment at the cavalier approach to the communication of these new restrictions and said that it was time for proper dialogue about the place of faith in the community.

You can listen to the interview here. 

ENDS