Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to increase across the globe leading countries to alter their activities and normal business programs, Catholic Churches through various conferences as well as the Vatican through the Congregation for Divine Worship, have issued guidelines on the celebration of the forthcoming Holy Week liturgies to stem the spread of Coronavirus.
“Given that the date of Easter cannot be transferred, in the countries which have been struck by the disease and where restrictions around the assembly and movement of people have been imposed, Bishops and priests may celebrate the rites of Holy Week without the presence of the people and in a suitable place, avoiding concelebration and omitting the sign of peace,” reads in part a decree of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
The guidelines recommend that the Catholic faithful be informed of scheduled times for the celebrations so that they can join from wherever they are if possible.
“The faithful should be informed of the beginning times of the celebrations so that they can prayerfully unite themselves in their homes…In any event it remains important to dedicate an adequate time to prayer, giving importance above all to the Liturgia Horarum (Liturgy of the Hours).
The document decrees that, “Episcopal Conferences and individual dioceses will see to it that resources are provided to support family and personal prayer.”
During Holy Week, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments suggests that on Palm Sunday (April 5), “The Commemoration of the Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem is to be celebrated within sacred buildings; in Cathedral churches the second form given in the Roman Missal is to be adopted; in parish churches and in other places the third form is to be used.”
“Chrism Mass, “Episcopal Conferences will be able to give indications about a possible transfer to another date,” hence each conference will evaluate situation depending with each country. While on Holy Thursday (April 9),“The washing of feet, which is already optional, is to be omitted,” the decree states adding, “At the end of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper the procession is also omitted and the Blessed Sacrament is to be kept in the tabernacle. On this day the faculty to celebrate Mass in a suitable place, without the presence of the people, is exceptionally granted to all priests.”
The following day on Good Friday(April 10), “In the Universal Prayer, Bishops will arrange to have a special intention prepared for those who find themselves in distress, the sick (and) the dead. The adoration of the Cross by kissing it shall be limited solely to the celebrant.”
On Easter Vigil (April 11) celebration is “only in Cathedral and parish churches. For the “Baptismal Liturgy” only the “Renewal of Baptismal Promises” is maintained.
In a separate letter dated March 26, 2020 the Ordinary of the Archdiocese of Nairobi His Eminence John Cardinal Njue has issued recommendations for his Diocese, dispensing the Catholic faithful from attending the Easter Triduum celebrations giving reference to the Canon law.
Following the “Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) guidelines, not to put the faithful at safety risk, I decree that the Religious Sisters; brothers and lay Christians residing in the Archdiocese of Nairobi be dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays; Easter Triduum and other Holy days of obligation Cf. canons 87 and 1247,” reads an excerpt from the statement by the Cardinal.
“This unprecedented occurrence has been necessitated by the protocols demanding of us to observe physical distance due to the uncontrollable spread of the deadly disease of Covid-19 (Coronavirus). I therefore urge all of you to be guided by the Archdiocese of Nairobi’s special pastoral guidelines for activities during this current situation,” he added clarifying that the “dispensation remains in effect until it is revoked.”
The prelate advised all the Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese to remain in prayer, reflecting on the passion of Christ, and to follow live-streamed Masses via the Catholic media.
“Take this moment to deeply reflect on the passion of Christ who suffered death and resurrected to give us new life, by meditating on the scriptures, fervently praying the rosary; devotional and novena prayers as a family,” he said and added, “Follow the live streamed Mass in our Catholic radio Waumini; Radio Maria Nairobi - 99.9FM; the local vernacular station of Coro radio and KCB television; Capuchin TV (for international channel watch EWTN).”