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COVID-19: Mangaluru Bishop suspends mass, way of cross programmes till March 31

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Mangaluru: Mass has been suspended for the Catholics in Mangaluru till March 31 on orders of Mangalore Diocese Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Bishop released a directive to priests, religious and the lay faithful in this regard on Wednesday, March 18.

“When public access to Sunday Mass is unavailable, the faithful are dispensed from the Sunday obligation of Mass. As Sunday continues to be a holy day, the obligation of private and family prayer along with spiritual communion with the Lord and with others remains. Regular Masses will not be held. I am hereby exempting all our faithful in the Diocese of Mangalore from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays till March 31, 2020,” the Bishop said in the directive adding that priests may offer mass “even without the participation of the congregation”.

Bishop Saldanha added that “spiritual programmes with the congregation such as public retreats, way of the cross, the common penitential services, and other devotions held in common should be cancelled”.

In the directives, the Bishop said, “As a Diocese, our top priority remains the health and safety of our families, children, the vulnerable of our community and all people around us. We need to cooperate and work with the government in the mission of protecting the vulnerable from the Corona virus pandemic.”

He also added that this is being done in accordance with the order issued by the district Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate on March 17.

In the directives, Bishop Saldanha clarified that the “churches will remain open for private prayer, meditation, visit to the blessed Sacrament and private/individual adoration”.

The directives prohibits the public from entering the churches, congregating and exiting in groups, in the interest of health and safety.

Bishop Saldanha said that it is the responsibility of the parish priest or a designated individual to “ensure that the church is not crowded at one time and people are maintaining ‘social – distancing'”.

He also advised those who are ill, considered vulnerable, people with chronic illness, immune system deficiencies or other underlying health conditions to “refrain from visiting churches and other places”.

“We are profoundly saddened that we are not able to celebrate our sacraments as a community for the time being but we know Christ remains with us at all times- especially in this tragic situation,” the Bishop concluded, adding that he is praying for everyone.

COVID-19: Mangaluru Bishop suspends mass, way of cross programmes till March 31
COVID-19: Mangaluru Bishop suspends mass, way of cross programmes till March 31
COVID-19: Mangaluru Bishop suspends mass, way of cross programmes till March 31

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