MANCHESTER (CNS): Catholic churches across Europe are suspending the sign of peace during Mass in an attempt to halt the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
Updated guidance issued by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales recommended a range of new measures to prevent the transmission of the virus, similar to those already implemented in other countries. The English and Welsh bishops also advised parishes not to pass around collection plates or baskets, though they remain silent on how the faithful should contribute financially during Mass on Sundays.
Besides dropping the sign of peace, they included the suspension of Communion under both species, with the host to be given in the hand only. They also include the removal of holy water fonts, the suspension of the use of shared hymn books and missals, and of large parish gatherings where people might use shared utensils or plates of food and drinks.
Elderly and weak people, as well as those showing any signs of sickness, should be advised to stay at home, says the guidance, which was published on the bishops’ conference website on March 9.
The guidance also tells Catholics to wash their hands before and after taking part in a church liturgy. It advises against kissing or touching of crosses, statues, pictures and relics during Holy Week.
On March 14, Italy tallied 17,660 Covid-19 infections in two weeks and 1,266 fatalities, while the United Kingdom had 1,140 cases and 21 deaths.
However, Jenny Harries, the chief medical officer of the United Kingdom, cautioned media, that a large-scale outbreak is inevitable with “many thousands of people” expected to become infected “in due course.”
The guidance from the bishops of England and Wales is an update to the second of three phases, with the final phase envisaging the suspension of Sunday Masses.
The Church in France, Germany and Spain issued similar advice in early March.
The German bishops are advising Catholics to avoid the sign of peace and any other direct contact with fellow worshippers.
KNA, the German Catholic news agency, reported no church services would be held in parts of the western city of Bielefeld until March 20 because priests have been ordered to self-isolate. This follows the discovery that a member of the pastoral team of a parish in Bielefeld Ost contracted the Covid-19 coronavirus during a trip to the Holy Land.
Churches are continuing to celebrate Masses, however, in the Heinsberg district of North Rhine-Westphalia, the worst-hit part of Germany, where there are more than 150 confirmed coronavirus cases.
In Germany, there have been 3,062 Covid-19 cases as of March 14 and eight deaths, with 5,753 cases in Spain and 136 fatalities. Similarly, France reported 3,661 cases with 79 deaths.
Advice issued on March 5 by Father Thierry Magnin, the general secretary of the French Bishops’ Conference, advised the suspension of the sign of peace and the emptying of holy water fonts.
He said that during Masses concelebrated by several priests the practice of intinction is acceptable among the celebrants.
The municipal elections for the country are still slated for March 15 and 22. The French government has issued guidelines to polling stations across the country, asking that people are kept at least a metre away from each other at all times.
