Church officials are overhauling the way in which a priest can prove in an unfamiliar setting that he is entitled to celebrate the Sacraments. Priests traditionally carry a letter from their local bishop known as a Celebret (from the Latin 'may he celebrate').
However, this is to be phased out in favour of a more up-to-date photographic identity card that will show the bona fides of a priest where he is not known to the local clergy.
The card will indicate that the priest is in good standing and is not suspended or under any other penalty in Church law that would prevent him from celebrating the Mass.
Easy to verify
As well as a photograph, the card, which is the size of a credit card, contains contact details for diocesan authorities, and make it easy to verify the identity of a priest and ensure his suitability.
The plan was discussed at the bishops' conference however, it was left to individual bishops to implement within their own diocese.
Several dioceses, including Ferns and Armagh, are in the process of rolling out the scheme.
The ID cards are particularly useful in places of pilgrimage like Knock Shrine in Co. Mayo or Lough Derg in Co. Donegal where it would be impossible for local clergy to know every priest.
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