Cancellation of Masses and directives on funerals are necessary as the Church puts its shoulder behind the national effort to protect the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

‘It is good at this moment of prayer to remember the missionaries who may be in difficult situations because of war and civil unrest. I particularly ask that you remember a colleague of mine, Fr Pier Luigi Maccalli SMA, kidnapped in Niger,’ says Archbishop O’Reilly.

Pope Francis invites us all to ask ourselves 'What can I do for peace?'

Fr Mullaney has served as Registrar, Vice President and most recently Acting President of Saint Patrick’s College, and has also helped out as a curate in the parish of Holycross/Ballycahill at weekends.

“It is going to become more and more a normal feature of life ... because many of those ordained will be coming in contact with us at funerals and weddings, baptisms, etc.”

“When you serve the poor, help the suffering or those in need, God will find you,” Fr Peter McVerry tells Transition Year students in County Tipperary.

Four men to be ordained this weekend for the dioceses of Armagh, Cashel & Emly and Clogher.

Fr Des Hillery, parish priest of Nenagh, to oversee the running of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.