In the notification, the Vinh Diocese decided to suspend the pilgrimage during the feast day of Saint Anthony expected to be held in June 13, and organize online masses through the diocese’s social network instead, for preventing risks of a pandemic spread. This timely response was widely supported by parishioners and non-religious people.

Notification no. 0921 issued on June 5 by Vinh Diocese

The diocese also urged Catholic parishes in Nghe An province to strictly observe prevention measures against Covid-19 pandemic, asking parishioners to strictly observe the 5K recommendation of the Health Ministry, cancel religious gatherings at deaneries and parishes, organize masses at local chapels instead of parish churches, and request Catholics returning from localities imposed with social distancing or regarded as epidemic zones to strictly observe self-isolation at home as well as submit health declaration to local health units.

Early, the Vinh Diocese issued on May 7 a notification requesting Catholics to seriously implement prevention measures against the pandemic and this request has been strictly observed by mostly Catholic parishes in the locality.