the goan I network
PANAJI
The Archdiocese of Mumbai has advised the laity to receive Holy Communion in the hand and has discouraged them from kissing the Cross on Good Friday, as part of a series of measures to be followed in the archdiocese till April 12 (Easter) in a bid to control the spread of coronavirus.
In a circular dated March 5 to parish priests, priests-in-charge and heads of religious institutions in the Archdiocese of Bombay, Cardinal Oswald Gracias has also asked priests to advise people not to panic and to recite daily a special prayer prepared for the intention.
“The rapid spread of coronavirus which has affected several countries, including India. There is no sign that it has reached its peak and more deaths are being reported each day,” stated Cardinal Gracias.
“The first faith response is to turn to God,” said the cardinal, who has recommended a special prayer to be said every day. “An intention for this could be added in the Prayers of the Faithful.”
As part of various recommendations for the control of coronavirus, Cardinal Gracias has asked priests and sisters to encourage people not to shake hands at the sign of peace but to greet each other with folded hands (namaste) and to receive Holy Communion in the hand.
“On Good Friday at the Veneration of the Cross, discourage people from kissing the Cross. The blessing with a raised Cross would be adequate. Those who desire, they could come in a queue make reverence with a bow and go back.”
“Before distribution of Holy Communion, the Priest/Minister could purify their hands in a bowl of water/ sanitizer. Holy water stoops may be kept dry.”
Cardinal Gracias stated that these recommendations are temporary arrangements and would be reviewed from time to time.
“At the moment, these norms can be followed till Easter, April 12. If there is any indication that an individual in the community is infected, Parish Priests can temporarily suspend meetings of cells, sodalities, associations, etc.”
Urging the priests to advise people not to panic, Cardinal Gracias added: “Government authorities are doing their best to face this challenge. All of us need to cooperate so we can combat this effectively.”
A specially prepared prayer has beseeched God for a quick control of the outbreak, for a healing of those affected and for the victims and their families. The diocese has also prayed for doctors doing research so that an effective vaccine to combat the sickness is found quickly, while prayers also go out to the government and health authorities so that they take appropriate steps for the good of the people.
Cardinal Gracias, who is also president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) said he would, after appropriate consultation, send a similar note to the Church in India.
