Archbishop Kelly: 'pray at home rather go to Mass' during severe weather

The Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Reverend Patrick Kelly, has issued a statement calling on people to take care and put safety first during the current spell of severe weather. In particular he asks parishioners to pray at home rather than go to Mass this weekend unless they are certain it is safe to do so.

The Archbishop himself has had to change plans because of the weather. He was due to leave last Tuesday evening (6 January) to lead a conference of Catholic Bishops in the Holy Land but after an initial postponement of 48 hours he has now had to call off his journey due to flight cancellations.

The Schools Epiphany Celebration planned for tomorrow (Friday 8 January) at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool has also had to be cancelled due to the weather.

In his statement Archbishop Kelly also offers thanks to those who work in the media who are constantly updating people with information on the conditions. He also asks for prayers for those who are sick and those who serve them and for all affected at this time.

Statement issued by the Most Reverend Patrick Kelly, Archbishop of Liverpool:

'We have good reason to be very grateful for all those in the media, particularly in Local Radio at this time. I think we will be concerned above all for those who are sick and those who serve them.

The weather affects every aspect of our life. I have spoke with Bishop Brian Noble of Shrewsbury and we together offer this advice: unless you are certain it is safe for you to do so, whether it is by foot, car, or public transport, do not attempt to go to Mass; if in doubt stay at home and pray there, especially for those most affected at this time.

I ought to be in the Holy Land today, but cancelled flights have made that impossible. Also, at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool, the Epiphany celebration, planned for 1.45 pm tomorrow, Friday 8 January, and involving many schools, has been cancelled in the interest of the safety of the children who had hoped to take part.

I also encourage you at this time to be very understanding about funerals, if it is impossible, as many of you would wish, for the body to be carried into the church and the undertakers are only able to use their specially designed trolleys.

Care for one another is the priority in these days.'


Source: Archdiocese of Liverpool