17 Aug 2020: Archbishop Peter Machado recently issued a circular regarding opening of churches, in consultation with the Government of Karnataka, we have been granted permission to keep the churches open in the city parishes from the 18th of August 2020. However there will be no public services or gatherings considering the current situation. This is because the Government anticipates community spread of COVID-19. Archbishop emphasised that it's our utmost duty and responsibility not to be part of spreading the virus in any form and any place, including our churches. All precautionary measure are being taken to sanitise our churches.
The situation will be reviewed again after the 10th of September 2020.
Let's stop taking orders from a pagan government. Just follow what the Catholic Church has taught for centuries.
It appears there is no will on the part of our Shepherds to express our true faith publicly
with the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass publicly.
People are congregating everywhere around our cities and towns. However, only our Shepherds decide it is dangerous to congregate for Holy Mass.
I was in prayer, a week ago, saying the Hail Marys, invoking Our Lady, and I got a strong impression that we SHOULD PRAY for the opening up of churchces and resume the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Without the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, as is the usual norm, we cannot expect tangible blessings on the world. Bible says, Our faith conquers the world... we need to operate by faith and GOD will go with us ... confirming our faith .... with signs and wonders ...
Head of churches in India should take constructive decision to resume holy mass. If government have allowed citizen to live normal life and informed the risk, why not our churches follow the same.
Churches all over the world are finding innovative (in parking lots, safe distancing, etc.) and safe ways to hold Holy Mass services following all the safety precautions. Here in India unfortunately, we have seen almost no such attempt. Very disheartening.
Let the Government enforce human laws. Let the Catholic Church enforce the laws of God. Will all the churches be shut if no suitable vaccine or cure is found. Will all churches
be shut if there is a new pandemic in the future? Troubling trend.
We have to abide by government regulations and exercise abundant caution. There are no two ways about it. The need of the hour is to find a way to commence Church services given the current situation and limitations. Hoping to see some creative ways of catering to this need without compromise