Churches to Resume Services from July 6, but No Sunday Masses till August 2 in Udupi
Udupi: The Udupi Diocese and United Christian Forum for Human Rights, Udupi have decided not to celebrate the Sunday Mass/ Worship including Saturday evening masses till August 02.
In a press release issued by the Bishop of Udupi, Dr Gerald Lobo and the president of the United Christian Forum, Udupi it has been stated, “Even though the Government of Karnataka had allowed the churches, which were barred from having any communitarian religious celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, from resuming worship and other activities from 08 June 2020, considering the health and safety of our people as of paramount importance, the United Christian Forum for Human Rights, Udupi, had decided not to conduct common worship and other religious activities in the churches of Udupi District till 30 June 2020.
The United Christian Forum for Human Rights, Udupi met on 30 June 2020 at the Bishop’s House, Udupi to discuss the further course of action. As the faithful are without the Holy Mass/ Worship since almost a hundred days, most of them are yearning for spiritual nourishment. The COVID-19 situation is worsening day by day. The only alternative we have is to learn to live with the virus with all the precautions. The government has allowed most activities in the state. However, the 5 Sundays beginning with July 5, will be locked down as a precautionary measure. Based on this, it is decided that the Churches of Udupi diocese will be opened for people to participate in the Mass/ Worship from Monday, July 6, 2020. The parish priests shall discuss with the Parish Pastoral Council in regard to the mandatory guidelines before resuming the masses.
Due to the lockdown, Sunday Mass/ Worship (including Saturday evening) cannot be celebrated for the faithful till August 2. Once the lockdown is lifted, masses on Sundays can be resumed. Churches falling inside the Containment zones shall wait till the situation is improved and only then after discussing with the Parish Pastoral Council members may continue weekday masses/ worship.
The parish priests/ pastors shall supervise the arrangements for the celebration of masses. They shall be responsible for adhering to the mandatory norms laid down by the Centre, State and District administrations.