Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Jun 30: The bishop of Udupi diocese and president, United Christian Forum, Udupi, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo has permitted the churches in the diocese to celebrate Holy Masses and hold other religious services from July 6.
In a circular he said, ““Even though the Government of Karnataka had allowed the churches, which were barred from having any communitarian religious celebrations due to Covid-19 pandemic, to resume worship and other activities from June 8, considering the health and safety of our people as of paramount importance, the United Christian Forum for Human Rights, Udupi, had decided not to conduct common worship and other religious activities in the churches of Udupi district till June 30.
Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo
“The United Christian Forum for Human Rights, Udupi met on June 30 at Bishop’s House, Udupi to discuss the further course of action. As the faithful are without the Holy Mass/ Worship since almost a hundred days, most of them are yearning for the spiritual nourishment. The Covid-19 situation is worsening day by day. The only alternative we have is to learn to live with the virus with all the precautions. The government has allowed most activities in the state. However, the 5 Sundays beginning with July 5 will be locked down as a precautionary measure. Basing on this rationale, it is decided that the churches of Udupi diocese will be opened for people to participate in the Mass/worship from Monday July 6. The parish priests shall discuss with the Parish Pastoral Council as regards the mandatory guidelines before resuming the masses.
“Due to lockdown, Sunday Mass/ Worship (including Saturday evening) cannot be celebrated for people till August 2. Once the lockdown is lifted, masses on Sundays can be resumed. Churches falling inside Containment zones shall wait till the situation is improved and only then after discussing with the Parish Pastoral Council members may resume weekday masses/ worship.
“The parish priests/ pastors shall supervise the arrangements for the celebration of masses and shall be responsible to adhere to the mandatory norms laid down by the Centre, State and district administrations,” he said in the circular.
It may be recalled, the bishop had issued directives to be followed in the churches and religious institutions in view of the coronavirus outbreak back in March had exempted Catholics from attending church.