Mumbai, March 18, 2020: Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, has exempted Catholics in the archdiocese from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until March 31 in the wake of social distancing measures to help contain the spread of COVID-19.
Cardinal Gracias, in an official communication on March 17, also urged all those sick or having a weakened medical condition not to come to church for Mass. In addition, anyone with fever or cough or over the age of 60 and vulnerable to contracting coronavirus has been urged to stay away from Mass.
The cardinal also issued a video on YouTube on this.
The cardinal also said that since the period of Lent was on, the faithful should, particularly on Sundays, pray together at the family rosary, make the way of the cross or have a meditative reading of the Bible for 15 minutes.
Cardinal Gracias also informed that he was asking the Liturgical Commission to prepare a liturgy of the Word which parishioners can use at home. He also urged that for all those convenient, he would be offering Sunday Mass that would be streamed on the Eucharist on YouTube.
“These norms will be revised in early April and further directions will be given. In the meantime, you are advised to reduce socializing and stay at home as much as possible. Do use this opportunity to bond with the family and listen to the lord in silence and prayer,” Cardinal Gracias said in his official communication.
Source: thehindu.com