A call has been made for the Catholic Church in Ireland to present a credible roadmap to civil authorities for the commencement of public Masses.

An editorial in the Irish Catholic newspaper says the closure of churches for worship is draconian and the timeframe of starting public Masses on July 20 lacks ambition.

“Are we really to believe that churches must wait for weeks and weeks after libraries and restaurants for some semblance of normality to return? The answer is ‘no’ and Church leaders must lobby the Government for a timeframe that is realistic, ambitious and keeps public health to the fore,” it says.

The paper adds that it is not appropriate to leave this entirely in the hands of well-meaning public officials many of whom may be unfamiliar with the patterns of liturgy and Church life.