Masses cancelled: Covid-19 causes Churches to cancel Masses

Two countries in Asia have cancelled the celebration of Holy Masses in their churches due to the threat of coronavirus.

The prelates of the two countries Hong Kong and Singapore have cancelled public masses and encouraged the faithful to continue their obligation through broadcasts online.

Cardinal John Tong Hon, apostolic administrator and bishop emeritus of Hong Kong has announced February 13 that all public masses from February 15 to 28 would be suspended.

The Archdiocese of Singapore also suspended all public masses from February 15 until further notice.

“The Church, being a member of society, has the duty to maintain public hygiene and promote the common good. Therefore, Parish Priests, the other parish clergy and the faithful are to strictly comply,” Cardinal Tong said, adding that they could watch Sunday Mass online, make spiritual communion, reflect on the liturgical text, read the Bible or pray the Rosary each Sunday.

“Parish churches and affiliated chapels are to remain open to the faithful for personal prayers and visits to the Blessed Sacrament,” Cardinal Tong said.

Individual members of the faithful may also pray daily or on specific days in parish churches where the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed.

He also encouraged them to pray that the coronavirus will be contained.

Originating in Wuhan in China’s Hubei province, the new strain of coronavirus can cause fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing. In some cases, it can lead to pneumonia, kidney failure, and severe acute respiratory syndrome.

As of February 13, authorities worldwide have diagnosed more than 63,000 cases of COVID-19, a respiratory disease caused by coronavirus, and more than 1,300 people have died. Most of the reported cases are in China, but it has spread to over two dozen countries worldwide.

Hong Kong has around 500,000 Catholics in a population of over 7 million, while Singapore Catholics compose up to 300,000 of the city-state’s 5.6 million population. (John Frances C. Fuentes/DCHerald with reports from CNA)