Mumbai, April 5, 2020: Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, has advised his people to refrain from scheduling ceremonies like wedding, baptism and first communion immediately after India lifts the 21-lockdown on April 14.
“Please do not schedule any baptisms, first communions and marriages immediately after April 14. It would not be prudent to so do,” the cardinal stated in his latest address to his people.
According to him, all those ceremonies would have to be postponed if the lockdown continues.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed the lockdown from March 25 as part of the nation’s efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
As on April 5, India said the deaths from the coronavirus reached 77, while the number of diagnosed cases is 3,374.
Health officials said 3,030 cases are active and 267 patients have been discharged from hospitals. Most cases have been reported in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 79,950 samples have been tested as of April 4 at 9 p.m.
Experts believe actual cases could be higher in the country of 1.3 billion.
Since appearing in Wuhan, China, on December 31, the novel coronavirus has spread to at least 181 countries and regions.
Data compiled by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University shows worldwide infections surpassing 1.2 million with nearly 65,000 deaths. More than 246,400 have recovered.
A priest at the residence of Cardinal Gracias in Mumbai said the Indian Church respects and cooperates fully with civic authorities.
“If there is a total lockdown, there will be no marriages and baptisms. If there is a partial lockdown, we shall have to see if the celebrations can be done with the minimal number of persons needed,” the priest told the Times of India.
Marriages are not solemnized during the 40-day Lenten season, which ends on April 12, Easter Sunday.
As for funerals, Cardinal Gracias said the municipal commissioner of Mumbai has ordered that bodies of all coronavirus victims must be cremated and mourners restricted to just five.
Similar steps have been taken by the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. A set of guidelines from Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao says a minimal number of persons – the priest and close family members should be present for funeral rites.
The prelates wants funeral services conducted directly at the cemetery, without Mass. Children below 12 years, people above 60 years and those with medical conditions have been discouraged from attending funerals.
The Goa Church, which has centuries of link with Portugal, has also advised against physical touch while sympathizing with the bereaved family. Priests have been instructed not to visit the house of the deceased to escort the body to the cemetery.