The seminarians of St Pius College Goregaon, Mumbai, have conducted a survey on the experience of people attending online masses. The survey is commendable. Such surveys must be encouraged as they are a valuable source of feedback to the church. They can reveal the strengths and weaknesses in our institutions and help us make course corrections if and when required and show us the way forward.
I believe online masses have helped people become more spiritual. For one thing, more people are attending masses. If even one person in the family is in the habit of attending daily mass, he/she will surely attend online masses too. Other members of the family will also begin taking part in the Eucharist.
The last question in the survey regarding the continuance of online mass after the pandemic is very significant. I believe that the virus will be around for a long time as a pandemic or epidemic or as a flu, mild or severe. The old and infirm will not like to be exposed to the virus, hence online masses must continue as a choice for them. Others may attend online masses but without the facility of Spiritual Communion. Finally, I sincerely request seminarians and clergy to conduct more such surveys. They are much needed today.
