Archbishop Comensoli to celebrate Mass for those lost during COVID

In recognition of the significant impact of COVID on families and the local community, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli will celebrate a memorial Mass on Sunday 22 May at St Patrick’s Cathedral for all those who have died during the COVID pandemic and could not be mourned properly due to pandemic restrictions.

The pandemic upended the lives of so many, especially the sick and vulnerable, and sadly there exists one too many stories of families unable to visit loved ones during their final days or mark their passing due to COVID restrictions. Sunday’s Mass will be an opportunity to gather and remember these people as the community continues to emerge from the pandemic and reflect on the experiences of the past two years.

Names of the departed

In the lead-up to this Sunday’s Mass, parishes and individuals are invited to submit the name(s) of those they would like remembered during the Mass via this online portal. The names will then be placed in a basket and placed at the base of the altar, to be prayed for during all Masses at St Patrick’s Cathedral over the weekend of 21–22 May.

Parishes are also encouraged to mark the occasion at their local Masses across the weekend, focussing prayerfully on those who have died during this time of the COVID pandemic. A number of resources, including prayers and liturgical inclusions, have been prepared to assist parishes and can be found here.

Caring for the vulnerable

Earlier this month, on the feast of St Joseph the Worker (1 May), Archbishop Comensoli celebrated a special Mass for health, aged and disability care workers who, during the height of the pandemic, ‘took on the dangerous, fatiguing, yet noble task of ensuring the good care and safety of some many’.

‘They are the ones who stood on the frontline of the COVID pandemic to bring their professional and pastoral care to some of the most vulnerable people in our city over these past two years,’ he said.

Whether clinicians or administrators; nursing or care staff; cleaners or receptionists; wardens and facility workers – you have served to ensure the care, safety, comfort and support of our most vulnerable people. Thank you!’