The announcement by the Northern Ireland Executive that Churches may reopen for public worship from 29 June next, the same day as in the South, has been welcomed by the Catholic Archbishop of Armagh.

Dr Eamon Martin said the date is particularly helpful as parishes in cross-border communities will be able to plan together for a safe return to Mass at the same time. Numbers allowed in will be limited and social distancing will apply.

“I have been heartened by the amount of preparation which is already ongoing in our parishes to ensure that our sacred spaces will be as safe as possible when we begin to gather again together in prayer. I expect that we will be beginning in a cautious way at first, and there will be a need for ongoing patience and careful monitoring of the situation, he said.