Coronavirus, the Vatican studies contrast measures. The Church of Rome stops activities

The Vatican is also at the forefront of Coronavirus containment measures. Responding to journalists, the director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said that in relation to “the activities of the Holy Father, the Holy See and the Vatican City State in the coming days, measures are being studied to avoid the spread of covid-19, to be implemented in coordination with those adopted by the Italian authorities “. Bruni then reiterated that the course of the cold diagnosed to Francis “proceeds positively” and that the Pope “continues to celebrate Holy Mass daily and to follow the spiritual exercises, according to what was communicated in recent days ..”

Stop the activities for the Diocese of Rome

The Diocese of Rome is moving in a similar way. Christian initiation, preparation courses for marriage and accompanying couples, retreats and spiritual exercises, pilgrimages, association and oratorial activities, faith courses for young teenagers and adults, and in general all the activities of group”.

Yes to the celebrations but with caution

The measures prepared, it should be noted, refer to the Decree issued yesterday by the Prime Minister to deal with the Coronavirus emergency. To be allowed are “weekday and festive liturgical celebrations, provided that the place of worship allows to comply with the precautionary measures deemed fundamental by the competent Authorities, in particular that of keeping at least a meter of distance between people”. It is also suggested to “organize outdoor celebrations” and the faithful are invited, especially in the Center Sector, to participate in the celebrations in the larger churches. The indications provided by the Vicariate last March 3 remain in force: “omission of the sign of the exchange of peace, reception of Holy Communion on the hand and emptying of holy water fonts”.

Charity does not stop

Furthermore, visits to the sick are made by respecting the conditions of minimum distance and hygiene even more rigorously, using the appropriate masks and “limiting the opportunities for interaction with the same weak subjects to the administration of sacraments and sacraments”. Parish communities are therefore invited not to interrupt charitable services, coordinating with the diocesan Caritas. In particular, “initiatives of proximity to lonely elderly people who live in their territory at least through telephone contacts” are encouraged. Caritas, solidarity emporiums and food distribution centers are therefore recommended to make appointments with assisted people and not to encourage indiscriminate opening, in order to avoid gatherings. No to the interruption of the canteen, reception for the homeless and asylum seekers, but with the attention to scrupulously follow the safety instructions.

Call to responsibility

The recommendations released today – reads finally – “want to give concrete form to the way of living the ordinary instruments of the Lenten journey – prayer, fasting, charity – in the current context, calling to a particular responsibility” the whole ecclesial community. The Diocese of Rome entrusts the path to Easter to Salus Popoli Romani.