I think religion in Ireland is getting a boost from coronavirus

Monday, May 25th, 2020

Catholics in Ireland, who deserted their churches in droves in recent years, seem ready to return in some numbers.

Far be it from me to make the prediction, but I have a feeling that religion in Ireland is getting a boost from coronavirus.

There could be a massive upsurge in attendance at Masses in church when they reopen full-time after the Covid-19 shutdown.

I am aware people have been struggling to fill their days since the country went into lockdown in mid-March.

That could partly explain a rise in church viewing figures on TV.

But the more I hear about it the more I realise that Catholics in Ireland, who deserted their churches in droves in recent years, seem ready to return in some numbers.

The series of clerical sex scandals and the appalling cover-up by the hierarchy of outrageous abuses drove people away.

Now, according to TV viewing figures I spotted lately, the deadly hidden menace that has swept the world is bringing folks back.

I’m not just talking about people stuck at home because they are over 70, or the infirm, or the residents of nursing homes where daily masses will be screened even if it’s just to give them something to view while they are waiting for Tipping Point or The Chase and the soaps.

There’s also the one million or so out of work and hoping desperately their jobs will somehow be rescued. Some of them seem to be returning to prayer, and not just on Sundays but every day as well.

The other day I read a report that over 1.2 million people watched live streams from Knock shrine in Co. Mayo since the middle of March.

Now, it seems, plans are in place to facilitate virtual pilgrimages to the Marian Shrine.

Staff in Knock devised methods to enable the faithful to take part in the usual pilgrimages, from the comfort of their own homes.

Companies streaming parish services say there’s been a tenfold increase in traffic over the last month or so, with over half a million people tuning in for Sunday masses, broadcast from churches in every corner of the country.

One of the providers, Church Services TV, says it is now broadcasting masses from over 150 churches in Ireland.

I haven’t seen it myself, but I have been told that some priests who are cocooning have been transmitting daily services from their own homes. Continue reading

Paddy Clancy has held high executive positions in Irish and British national papers and radio. During a 30 year celebrated career, he has covered many major stories at home and abroad.