Bombay Archdiocese urges
self-curfew on Sunday against coronavirus
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| A bus stop displaying preventive measure against the coronavirus in Mumbai, India (REUTERS) |
In a video message on Friday, Cardinal Oswald Gracias of
Bombay suspends public Masses until the eve of Palm Sunday, and urges the
faithful to respect India’s nationwide curfew on Sunday.
By Robin Gomes
Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay is encouraging his
Catholics to adhere to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to a
nationwide self-curfew on Sunday.
“It is evident that the deadly coronavirus is still
spreading, posing an extremely serious danger to all,” Cardinal Gracias noted
in a video message posted on Friday on the archdiocesan website.
In an address to the nation on Thursday, Modi appealed to
fellow citizens to observe a self-curfew from 7 am to 9 pm on March 22, as part
of a trial-run to test social isolation to battle the coronavirus pandemic in
the nation with a population of around 1.3 billion.
India’s health ministry confirmed on Friday that the number
of infections in the country crossed the 200 mark to 206. Four deaths
have been reported so far. Several state governments have imposed
stringent measures to check the spread of the disease.
The Archdiocese of Bombay, in the western state of
Maharashtra, includes Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India’s financial, commercial
and entertainment capital, as well as the country’s largest city with a
population of more than 12 million.
Suspension of public Masses
“Heeding our Prime Minister’s call and in the interest of
the safety of our people, which need is paramount,” Cardinal Gracias said, “I
have decided to cancel all public Mass in the Archdiocese of Bombay with effect
from midnight tonight, Friday, March 20, 2020 until April 4, 2020, the eve of
Palm Sunday (inclusive)”.
The cardinal who is also the president of the Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), suggested the faithful could avail
themselves of the Masses telecast by TV channels such as EWTN, Goodness TV and
Shalom but there is no obligation.
However, the Cardinal himself will celebrate a Mass on
Sunday, which will be streamed live on the archdiocesan
YouTube channel at 9 am, for the diocesan community.
He said he would also attempt to organize live-streamed
Masses regularly during the period of suspension.
Noting that “this is a trying and tense period for all of
us,” the cardinal said, “We need to turn to God.” Churches in the
archdiocese, he said, would remain open for at least for a few hours every day
to allow private prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
Reaching out amid social distancing
The Archbishop of Bombay urged his faithful to “stay at home
and avoid socializing”.
“At home, bond more with others. Keep your eyes open to
notice those who may need your assistance because they have no one to care for
them. Use the telephone and email to keep in touch with those neglected and
forgotten.”
The cardinal commended the government’s efforts to contain
the disease, urging Catholics to cooperate.
Tribute to caregivers
In response to the prime minister’s suggestion, Cardinal
Gracias has asked all church bells in the archdiocese to ring on Sunday at 5
pm, in appreciation for caregivers.
He urged for prayers so that the country returns to
normalcy.
The cardinal had released a video message to his faithful
earlier on March 18 and issued a circular to the Catholic Church in the country
on March 10 on the coronavirus pandemic.
NE Indian dioceses take action
Other dioceses in India have also adopted preventive
measures against the virus.
The North East India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC) have
issued a set of guidelines dispensing Catholics from attending Sunday
Mass. The faithful have been asked to avoid gatherings, the sign of peace
at Mass, kissing the crucifix or using a single towel to wash the feet on Holy
Thursday. Holy water fonts in churches must be emptied and Holy Communion
should be given in the hand.
However, churches will remain open for individuals to pray.
The NEIRBC, which includes 15 dioceses, took the decision
after a recent two-day meeting at the pastoral centre in Dibrugarh,
Assam.
NEIRBC president, Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati,
has urged the faithful of NE India “to follow the guidelines and instructions
of their respective States" and to take necessary precautions to
“avoid panic, as fear is more dangerous than the virus itself.”
In some parishes, the local pastors are issuing guidelines
for Easter Triduum celebrations. On Holy Thursday, priests will use disposable
wipes, not the same towel to wash the feet. On Good Friday the faithful must
avoid kissing the cross.
The NEIRBC also asked priests to avoid physical contact when
at a sick person's bedside or when they receive offerings.
To date, 245,132 coronavirus infections have been confirmed
worldwide, with 10,022 reported deaths. Currently, Italy has the heaviest
caseload with 41,035 cases and 3,405 deaths.
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