PANAJI
In a significant decision, the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman has revoked the general dispensation granted to the Faithful in the Archdiocese regarding the participation at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, as well as the SOPs on social distancing and restriction in the number of persons in sacred places.
In a Circular Letter to the clergy ministering in the Churches, Chapels and other Places of Worship in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman on Monday, Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão stated that for the last two years or so, social, cultural and liturgical life had been severely curtailed due to the threats posed by the pandemic and the restrictions imposed by authorities.
“These threats, at present, seem to have minimised. People are seen moving freely in public and at social gatherings and life appears to have returned to normal. It is expedient that we too return to our normal liturgical and community life as a Church, gathering physically around the Altar of the Lord to celebrate our faith and our life.”
“Keeping the above in mind, we hereby revoke the general dispensation that was granted to the Faithful in this Archdiocese regarding the participation at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation as well as the SOPs on social distancing and the restriction in the number of persons in sacred places.”
“Holy Communion is to be administered on the hand or on the tongue, the choice lying with the communicant. It is left to the individual faithful to take the desired precautions concerning hygiene and other related acts,” stated Cardinal Ferrão in his circular.
He has requested the clergy ministering in the Churches, Chapels and other Places of Worship in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman to make known the contents of his Circular Letter to the Faithful under their care.
