Cork priest shortage could see Masses replaced by public prayers

The Diocese of Cork and Ross is facing a priest shortage crisis and some Masses could be replaced by public prayers with no communion in the years ahead, writes Rob McNamara.

Father Charlie Kiely, director of pastoral development in Cork and Ross revealed the extent of the problem, as it emerged that Mass will not be said at any church in Limerick today, the first time this has happened in any Irish Diocese in 188 years since Catholic Emancipation in 1829.