The Irish archbishop calls for the "Family Rosary Crusade" to fight the pandemic

One of Ireland's leading prelates has called for a "Family Rosary Crusade" to fight the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

“I invite families from all over Ireland to pray the Rosary together at home every day for the protection of God during this period of coronavirus,” said Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland.

October is the traditional month dedicated to the rosary in the Catholic Church.

The Republic of Ireland has had 33.675 cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic in March, with 1.794 deaths attributed to the disease. Northern Ireland saw 9.761 cases and 577 deaths.

The entire island of Ireland has seen a slight increase in cases in recent weeks, leading to a re-imposition of some restrictions by the Irish and Northern Irish governments to try and stop the spread of the disease.

"These last six months have reminded us of the importance of the 'domestic Church' - the Church of the living room and the kitchen - the Church that meets every time a family gets up, kneels or sits down to pray together!" Martin said in a statement.

"It also helped us understand how important it is for parents to be the primary teachers and leaders of their children in faith and prayer," he continued.

During the family rosary crusade, Martin is called upon to Irish families to pray at least ten of the rosary every day during the month of October.

"Pray for your family and loved ones and for all those whose health or livelihoods have been seriously affected by the coronavirus crisis," he said.