RTÉ's Holy Week ceremonies being broadcast from Cathedral

RTÉ is to transmit this week's Holy Week ceremonies from The Cathedral of Christ the King in Mullingar on national TV.

The ceremonies are significantly different this year due to regulations in place to halt the spread of Covid-19.

On Holy Thursday, the traditional practice of washing of the feet will not take place, in line with the directive issued by the Vatican for this year’s Holy Week, said Fr Derek Darby, Administrator of Mullingar parish.

“Another change is that there will be no procession to the altar of repose: instead, the Blessed Sacrament will be placed straight back into the Tabernacle.”

There will also be changes to Good Friday’s traditions: “The only person allowed to kiss the crucifix will be the celebrant. Nobody else will be allowed to touch the cross,” said Fr Darby.

As has been the case for three weeks now, there will be no congregations present – and there will also be no choir for the Holy Saturday Mass. There will, however, be music thanks to the presence of organist Will Woods and soloists Laura Cahill, Jack Cunnane and Tally Flynn.

Even before the Covid-19 crisis, Mullingar had been selected as the venue from which RTÉ’s broadcasts were to be made.

“We are lucky to be able to have it, and it shows life is still going on, there is a need for prayer, for people to connect, and especially at this time of year, the need for hope, particularly at Easter.”

Candles

Families are asked to light candles in their homes to echo the lighting of the Paschal candle in the Cathedral on Holy Saturday. “Because that is a beacon of hope for Christians, we are inviting families in the parish to light a candle in their windows as a message of hope.”

Baptisms deferred

Six babies who were to be baptised over the course of Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday at the Cathedral have had their baptisms deferred, because of the regulations. “There were two planned for holy Saturday, and four for Easter Sunday,” said Fr Darby.

“But the families understand there is a risk and they don’t want to put themselves or anybody else’s family at risk and they would see this as the sensible thing to do, and it is being quite responsible on our part.”

Funerals

Some dioceses are not holding funeral Masses but Masses are continuing in this diocese – even though even stricter rules brought in last Wednesday mean that only 10 people can attend.

“The government and HSE have issued guidelines which the Funeral Directors Association is adhering to. We are complying with the rules. So all funerals continue, but not as large as they would normally be," said Fr Darby.

“It is difficult for families and difficult for people to offer sympathies, but we are hoping we can accommodate that at a later stage.

“At the moment we think it is important for families who want to come to the church to offer Mass for their loved ones. We have to be able and available to do that for them.”

Webcam

For many parishioners, the thrice-daily Masses, as well as the 6pm Rosary an 8pm Holy Hour broadcast on the cathedral webcam have become a lifeline. “The numbers are up – there is no doubt about it, given the volume of correspondence we have had,” said Fr Darby.

What has come as a pleasant surprise is the discovery that those viewing the ceremonies are from all over the world, “from San Francisco, to Germany, to Bedford in the UK and all around Ireland”, Fr Darby said.

The church is open each day: “We have had to curtail the hours; we have to be mindful that everybody – not just those over 70 – are asked to stay at home. But we are also mindful that some people out for a walk like to visit the church and what we have been trying to do is to minimise the opportunities for people to gather in groups. So, we celebrate our three morning Masses, then we open the Cathedral at 11, and it stays open until 5.30. We close it for the Rosary at six. Then we have the holy hour at eight.”