BEGINNING today, there will be strictly no masses, devotions or church gatherings of more than 20 people conducted in Catholic churches around the country and in their communities.
That’s the assurance from Archbishop Peter Loy Chong following the announcement of the ban in mass gatherings of 20 or more people as part of containment efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Archbishop Chong said as Catholics, they had an obligation to contribute to the common good of all.
“Therefore, I urge all Catholics to obey with the Prime Minister’s instructions,” he said.
“We encourage you to keep the Sabbath Holy by having Bible Sharing or Celebration of the Liturgy of the Word in your families or small communities (not more than 20 people). I attach the format for the Liturgy of the Word.”
“We ask you to pray the coronavirus prayer and other prayers (rosary, novena, etc) to end coronavirus.”
Catholics around the country have also been urged to join a live-stream mass at 5pm Saturday and 9am Sunday on Mai TV on Sunday.
“We are facing a worldwide pandemic which requires the support of all individuals and communities. I appeal to all Catholics in Fiji to join in preventing the spread of coronavirus as well as praying for God’s protection.
“The early Christian communities gathered in homes to listen to the Word of God and break bread. We can still worship God in Spirit through praying the bible and practice charity by joining with the rest of the world to stop coronavirus.”
Fiji presently has only one confirmed case of COVID-19.
