Mangaluru: The diocese of Mangalore suspends public access to holy masses at churches in the district till March 31 as a precautionary measure in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic.
However, churches will remain open for private prayer, meditation, visit to the blessed sacrament and private/individual adoration.
Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore said that the top priority remains the health and safety of families, children and the vulnerable community members.
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"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.
“Rejoice in hope, endure in afflictions, persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12). It is a time to encourage families to give more time for prayer in their own houses, and practice fasting and penance, and to centre their homes on prayer and reliance upon God’s mercy," the statement from the diocese read quoting the words of Saint Paul.
The spiritual programmes with the congregation such as public retreats and all conferences, seminars, summer camps and parish events stand cancelled.
