By Louis Rodrigues –
Belagavi: In a bid to control the spread of coronavirus, the dioceses of Belagavi and Karwar will not have Eucharistic celebrations and prayer services in the churches till March 31.
Pursuant to directives by the Central and State authorities and an appeal by the district administration, Bishop of Belgaum Derek Fernandes has urged all Christians in both dioceses to pray from home, instead of attending the daily and weekly prayer services in the churches.
The appeal by Bishop Fernandes, who is also the Apostolic Administrator to the Diocese of Karwar, comes at a time when Christians are observing the lent season, one of the important and holiest period of over 40 days observed till Good Friday.
He also said that Christians will be also supporting the call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to observe the Janata Curfew Day on Sunday. It may be recalled that the diocese had also called off the religious programs at the famous Miraculous Cross atop Nandgad hill.
“The situation is worse than what we foresaw a few days ago and may still be worsened if we do not take stringent measures. Yes, we need to have recourse to God, who alone can save us from the deadly virus, but we too need to play our role in containing it, failing which even God will not help us,” Bishop Fernandes said, expressing grief for those who lost their lives and concern over scores of people who are suffering across the globe.
“Let us be good citizens and follow the prescriptions given by the government strictly. Create awareness among people regarding the virus and the precautions to be taken,” he said.
Bichop Fernandes further decisions regarding observing of the Holy Week including Good Friday would be taken at the end of the month, based on the assessment by civil authorities.
Accordingly, Bishop Fernandes has exempted the faithful from the Sunday obligations and said that priests may celebrate private Mass, adding that public religious functions, prayer services, etc. have been cancelled.
“If there is a possibility of following the celebrations on the electronic media, people are welcome to do so. It is advised that as a civic duty it is better for the people to stay indoors, especially the children and those above 65 years of age who are more vulnerable,” Bishop Fernandes said.
He has also urged Christians to keep praying during these circumstances and do whatever possible the next couple of weeks. “Fasting and penance during these days would certainly be in order,” he added.