‘Drive-in’ services not part of Catholic tradition, says Archbishop Martin

Archbishop Eamon Martin said such an initiative “really wouldn’t be something that would be part of the Catholic tradition”.

His comments came as the NI Executive announced that private worship at churches will be allowed, after being deemed “low risk” from spreading Covid-19. It also stated that, while normal church services will not be allowed, ‘drive-in’ services can go ahead.

“It really wouldn’t be something that would be part of the Catholic tradition and I don’t imagine it’s something that we would be looking at in any serious way,” said Dr Martin.

“I do know, however that the idea of people being able to pay a visit to their church, to kneel in prayer, or to sit in prayer or light a candle, that is something which is very deeply part of Catholic devotion,” added Archbishop Martin.