Responding to the Decree regarding the celebration of the Easter released by the Vatican on March 19 and following the instruction of Prime Minister on Covid-19 prevention and control, Catholic Dioceses in Vietnam have issued notifications guiding pastoral affairs and religious practices in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As reported on March 25, the Catholic Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City announced the suspension of all daily masses and religious rites in a move to prevent the infection of the pandemic.
By March 26, all 27 Catholic dioceses in the country have issued guidelines on pastoral affairs in the face of new virus epidemic in the localities asking for adjustments of religious services and strengthened measures for nCoV prevention and control, including the face mask wearing when attending masses, and avoidance of close contacts during ceremonies.
The Dioceses urged parishes in localities to promote live-stream mass and encourage lay people to pray at home. The notifications also discouraged people below 15 year olds and above 65 year olds to attend the Sunday Mass and avoid gatherings in crowded places.
Nguyên Hải
