A RELIGIOUS ORDER in Ireland has tragically seen 10 of its priests pass away in less than a month.
The order, known as the Holy Ghost fathers, are said to be "overwhelmed" by such devastating losses in such a short space of time.
It's understood that eight of the priests who died last month tested positive for Covid-19. The cause of death for the other two are unspecified.
Six were in their eighties and four were aged between 90 and 97, and all sadly passed away between January 8 and January 31.
The Irish Spiritan Province said they were feeling a mix of "extreme sadness" and "bewilderment," saying in a statement:
"We sympathise with all who have lost loved ones in the current climate where all families and communities are unable to grieve as they normally would. For us mourning so many, each of whom also had an extended family, in such quick succession in the present circumstances, feels overwhelming."
According to the Irish Times, it isn't the first time the Holy Ghost Fathers have suffered a spate of deaths during the pandemic.
During the first wave, they lost seven priests - three of whom were diagnosed with coronavirus, and three others who had Covid-related symptoms.
