All around the world
Coronavirus has meant
that church doors remained locked
during Lent.

But don’t they say
that when one door closes
another one opens?

This has certainly been the case
as I have explored a new way
of practising my faith –
on the Internet!

I’ve been able to attend
Sunday morning Mass
in a virtual sort of a way
here, in Belfast.
And, at the start of Holy Week,
daily Mass from Letterkenny
and Lisnaskea.

Then there were the Easter ceremonies –
wow – so much choice!

Last Supper Mass
from Newtowncunningham,
Tenebrae from Tallaght,
Stations of the Cross from Newry
then back to Newtowncunningham
for Taizé Prayer around the Cross –
an extra-special treat!
Finally,
Mass on Easter Sunday morning
from St Bernard’s in Newtownabbey –
a Mass specially for children
that was so simple
and joyful!

While I have really missed
attending the Holy Week ceremonies
in my own parish of St Agnes,
I have to admit that, this Lent,
I’ve been absolutely
spoilt for choice!

Thank you, Lord,
for opening this absolutely enormous
virtual door
when church doors
have had to close
to keep us all safe.

© Claire Murray, 12th April 2020