Female Irish Culture Minister led Mass in Dublin last weekend

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The regular priest was out of town and the replacement was a no show, so a female Irish politician had to step up to the plate.

A minister who was to the forefront of the campaign to legalise abortion stepped up to ‘say Mass’ in her local parish over the weekend after a priest failed to show.

Culture Minister Josepha Madigan was scheduled to give a reading at her regular Saturday evening Mass but ended up taking a more central role, the Irish Independent can reveal.

When contacted yesterday, Ms Madigan said it was a “sad reflection of the times we live in that there are no priests available to say Saturday evening Mass in one of the busiest parishes in Dublin”.

“A lack of ordinations and the age profile of priests mean a shortage is inevitable. And it’s not just here, I know this is an issue for many parishes across the country,” she said.

She didn't read the gospel or consecrate the sacraments but sounds like there was enough reserved sacraments for communion to be distributed.

I got the popcorn out and ready for all the pearl clutchers who will be out in force now over Ms. Madigan doing this.

[No Vested Interest]

1. What you have described as Ms. Madigan's actions is not at all unusual.

Those who are regular members of the Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity group ( a protected group on DU, as are a number of other groups) know that a Communion Service, with appropriate readings, is often given in the absence of a priest.

Perhaps it is not common in Ireland, I don't know, but it is not uncommon in the US.
I applaud Ms. Madigan for taking the lead to serve her fellow parishioners when the situation presented itself.