Italian Episcopate criticises government decisions regarding the celebration of Mass
On Sunday, Italian Prime minister Giuseppe Conte described the "second phase" of the fight against the pandemic, which will be implemented from the 4th of May. However, there will be no change in the way Masses are to be celebrated. In other words, the celebration of the Eucharist will still take place but without the participation of the faithful. Italian Bishops protested against this government decision in an official announcement.
A communiqué published on the website of the Italian Episcopal Conference recalled the words of Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese, who last week gave assurances that the government was analysing new regulations that would allow easier access to worship.
“We remind the Presidium of the Council of Ministers and the Scientific and Technical Committee of their duty to distinguish responsibility – to give accurate health guidelines – from the responsibility of the Church, which is called to organise the life of the Christian community, respecting the established measures, but in full autonomy,” they write.
“Italian bishops cannot accept that the exercise of religious freedom is put at risk. It should be clear to everyone that the commitment to the service of the poor, so important in this emergency, results from a faith that must be cultivated, especially sacramental life,” they emphasise.
From the 4th of May, it will be possible, among others to go for a walk, play sports, order take-outs. Some factories will also open.
Source: pch24.pl
