Fr Ray... 'Wash the hands, wear the mask and we'll all get through this together'

Fr Ray Kelly, star of 'Britain's Got Talent' and 'Dancing with the Stars' and parish priest of Oldcastle has said the message of Christmas does not change despite what Covid-19 has thrown at us in 2020.

Speaking from his Oldcastle Church this week where he is preparing for Christmas services, he said the message of Christmas has not changed despite the pandemic.

"I think that's the most important thing to realise, that we still love to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who is our Savior and and you know that message is always alive and should always stay alive in our hearts wherever you are."

"I'm very conscious of the fact that so many people won't get home to their loved ones for Christmas and you know, even Skype or our whatever you know, does not replace the human touch and the human love."

In a specially recorded message for the Meath Chronicle, Fr Ray, who racked up millions of views with his version of the Leonard Cohen hit 'Hallelujah' on Youtube, shows his support for families forced to stay separated for Christmas.

"If you can come home, great. If you can't be with your family, then you know, 2021 is only around the corner as well. And we hear so much now about vaccines and it will be a new year for all of us and please God it will be a wonderful new year. So remember, wash the hands, wear the mask when necessary and we'll all get through this together."

Fr Ray took the opportunity to record four songs too which you can enjoy here

Listen to Fr Ray's message here

Fr Ray was born in Tyrrellspass, Co Westmeath and he will be returning home to there on Christmas Day, when he has finished Masses in Oldcastle.

“I won't be staying very long because I'll have to be back in Oldcastle for the following evening's Mass.”

Fr Ray, who is known the world over as a talented singer, will be releasing a new album for Easter entitled 'Hallelujah Days', which was recorded in London prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While things are a lot quieter on the entertainment front for Fr Ray this year, he is expecting to be very busy with parish duties over Christmas.

“There are priests coming home on holidays, so I have them booked to help out. Of course everyone will have to wear masks, communion can only be given in the hand.”

“We are revising our ceremonies for next year, but by early spring that might have changed. The vaccine may allow us all get back to normal but I think people will be slow to come out and resume normal life”.

It has been a tough year but Fr Ray's message this Christmas is to continue those efforts to keep healthy and well. “It is important to keep safe and enjoy it as much as possible. I hope everyone has a happy, safe and peaceful Christmas,” he said.