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Vatican decree “in time of Covid-19” explains changes to Holy Week celebrations

Vatican decree “in time of Covid-19” explains changes to Holy Week celebrations

ROME REPORTS in English
March 20,2020

The Vatican has decided what to do for this year’s Holy Week celebrations, amid the coronavirus crisis.

It clearly states that the date of Easter “cannot be transferred to another time,” due to its central importance in the liturgical year.

Instead, Chrism Mass and processions traditionally observed during Holy Week can be postponed to a later date, to be decided by bishops. One recommended date is Sept. 14, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

For the Paschal Triduum, where public celebrations cannot be held, bishops and parish priests are asked to inform the faithful so they can follow live (not recorded) broadcasts.

On Holy Thursday, parish priests can celebrate evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, without the traditional washing of the feet nor the procession with the Blessed Sacrament to the place of repose.

For Good Friday, where possible, the bishop or parish priest will celebrate the Passion of the Lord to the extent possible.

For the Easter Vigil, the lighting of the fire will be omitted. The Baptismal Liturgy will be limited to the renewal of baptismal promises.

These changes are valid for the year 2020 only.

Link to decree: here

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS – François-Régis Salefran

Vatican Issues Guidelines for Easter Celebrations: Issued by Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments

MARCH 20, 2020 17:53 BY

The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on March 20, 2020, issued the following guidelines for bishops in dealing with Eastern and its various celebrations during the current coronavirus pandemic. The document was presented by the Prefect of the Congregation, Cardinal Robert Sarah.

Read the source: https://zenit.org/articles/vatican-issues-guidelines-for-easter-celebrations/

5 ways to live out Lent virtually, during coronavirus lockdown

March 20,2020

Drastic times around the globe permit helpful measures by Catholics, who are offering services to all those on lock-down.

Whether it is virtual Masses, adoration, prayers or free Lenten meditations, here are some ways the quarantine can be lived faithfully.

1. VATICAN

Pope Francis is setting the example with his virtual daily Masses, weekly General Audience and Sunday Angelus. He engages Catholics around the world with his messages and daily prayer intentions, which can all be found on Rome Reports‘ website.

2. MASSES

Likewise, priests and bishops are following suit by live-streaming their Masses. Various dioceses are posting the Eucharistic celebration, led by their priests, but there are also outlets offering more.

For example, CatholicTV has daily Mass, the readings of the day, prayers and an archive of past Masses in both English and Spanish.

The Catholic Information Center in Washington, D.C. posts their daily Mass, Adoration and Rosary on their YouTube channel.

The Jesuit Community in Spain are also posting their daily Masses, and have created a new hashtag #encasaconDios or “at home with God” in English.

3. NEWS

Rome Reports continues to offer breaking news, straight from Rome, giving updates on how the pope is encouraging faithful virtually, as the coronavirus is plaguing the country.

For up-to-date, Catholic-based coverage, the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York’s Currents News is the place to go. Not only do they offer information on the coronavirus in the United States, but share election news and Catholic-centered stories for viewers.

4. PRAYER

Praymorenovenas.com is offering a novena that begins March 20 for an end to the coronavirus pandemic. The prayers are posted on their website, for everyone to follow along.

The Magnificat, a book containing daily readings, prayers and reflections is being offered free for the month. It is available in English and Spanish.

5. RETREATS

An online conference launches Friday, March 20, called Be Not Afraid. It provides participants with daily inspiring content straight to their email in order to confront this difficult time.

While group activities and going out are being limited this Lent, it is the perfect time to step up one’s prayer routine and pray for a conversion of hearts, as well as an end to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Melissa Butz

Do you have a special, virtual initiative for Catholics during the coronavirus period? Contact us!