Archbishop Farrell gives Dublin priests the green light to proceed with Communions and Confirmations

(Above) Castletown Geoghegan native Archbishop Demot Farrell

The Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, Castletown Geoghegan native Dermot Farrell, is the latest bishop to give the priests in his diocese the green light to defy the government's Covid guidelines and proceed with First Communions and Confirmations.

In a letter sent to priests yesterday, Archbishop Farrell said that it was a "matter of profound regret that there has been no engagement with Church representatives regarding revision of public health guidelines”.

He added that it was understandable that "many have been concerned and disappointed that current guidelines restrict celebration of the sacraments on the apparent grounds that they may lead to family gatherings, which may breach public health guidelines on households mixing".

“This is perplexing, as no such prohibitions are applied to other events, such as sporting or civic events, or other family occasions, such as the celebration of birthdays and anniversaries, or indeed to weddings or funerals.

“Many have concluded that, in the absence of appropriate justification, these guidelines are discriminatory.”

Archbishop Farrell, however, also stressed that it was important that the current guidelines on religious ceremonies were complied with.

“The format of such ceremonies should be adapted appropriately, as was the case in many parishes last year, with shorter, simpler and smaller ceremonies, which were nonetheless reverent and joyous.”