Diocese of Rome cancels all public Masses, announces day of fasting and prayer
The Diocese of Rome has cancelled all public Masses until April 3 in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The announcement by the vicar general of the diocese, published Sunday evening, follows a decree by the Italian government suspending all public religious ceremonies. Priests living in Rome and Vatican City can continue to offer Mass in private.
“The Church of Rome … assumes an attitude of full responsibility towards the community in the awareness that protection from contagion requires even drastic measures, especially in interpersonal contact. Therefore, until the same date of April 3, the communal liturgical celebrations are suspended,” Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, vicar general of Rome, said in a statement March 8.
“The season of Lent helps us to live this great trial evangelically. I bless you by entrusting you all to Our Lady of Divine Love,” the vicar general said.
The announcement by the Rome diocese mirrors national action adopted by the Italian bishops’ conference. Parishes in Rome will remain open for personal prayer before the tabernacle, the diocese said.
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