Archbishop Eamon Martin says COVID-19 is challenging our way of life

In a homily in the Cathedral of Saints Patrick and Colman, Newry, on Sunday he asked people to show solidarity and compassion in this time of social distancing.

"This past week it has dawned on us that our normal behaviours and lifestyle must change radically if we are to halt the destructive spread of Covid-19.

"It is challenging the way we live, pray, relate and do business. There is so much talk of restrictions and social distancing and self-isolation; we are asked to keep apart from others; our normal instincts for closeness and tenderness must be checked in order to keep ourselves and others safe.

"Thankfully social media and electronic communication have allowed us to keep in touch with our loved ones, to maintain essential services in business and trade and to sustain a network of prayer to connect us spiritually during these trying times," he said.

The Derry-born primate said this Lent, like no other, people are learning the meaning of self-sacrifice and self-denial for the greater good.

"Our health workers are pleading with us to take the restrictions seriously, to maintain hand-washing and good hygiene, not just to protect ourselves, but so that we can delay and lessen the surge in infections and thereby contribute positively to the common good," he said.

The Archbishop asked landlords and financiers to show flexibility when dealing with people who may have been laid off.

"In prayerful solidarity we also think of those who have been laid off from work because of these unprecedented circumstances: the travel, retail and hospitality industries seem to have been hit very hard in recent weeks, amongst others, and many of you have taken cuts in hours and in pay.

"Many small and medium enterprises have collapsed or had to be temporarily shut down. I welcome and acknowledge the efforts that are being made by government to alleviate hardship, to provide grants and financial packages to offset the worst impact of this crisis.

"I also appeal for generosity and flexibility from lenders, private landlords and financiers with regard to loan repayments, mortgages and outstanding debts.

"Many people in our society simply live from week to week and whilst this crisis is difficult for most – it can present seemingly impossible burdens for some. Social solidarity and compassion during this time of social distancing is essential and welcome."

Archbishop Martin also noted how many vital charities were struggling as result of the curtailment of fundraising.

"The charity sector is anticipating big demand in the coming weeks and yet I’m told it will struggle because normal fundraising for charities is seriously curtailed due to the restrictions.

"I have spoken in recent days with charities who support the needy, who provide counselling to families, who operate food banks and soup kitchens, who respond to domestic violence, who provide comfort and outreach to the elderly and those living alone, who provide aid to those poorest peoples of the world for whom the impact of Covid-19 is likely to be calamitous.

"Many charities are dependent on Church collections or on special fundraising events connected with concerts or sporting events or special gatherings – which have largely been cancelled or postponed.

"I appeal therefore today to your generosity, even in these straitened times, to support your local charities and parishes via online or postal donations so that their essential work can continue."