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The decree of the Congregation for Divine Worship has been published with the concession linked to the spread of the pandemic, to facilitate the participation of the faithful. The exemption will also be valid on January 1 and Epiphany.
VATICAN NEWS
More masses to encourage the participation of the faithful. This is what we read in the decree published on Wednesday, December 16 on the website of the Congregation for Divine Worship, signed by Cardinal Prefect Robert Sarah and the secretary, Archbishop Arthur Roche.
“Given the situation triggered by the worldwide spread of the pandemic – read the Latin text of the provision – by virtue of the powers attributed to this Congregation by the Holy Father Francis, we gladly grant the local Ordinary – for reasons of the persistence of the general contagion with the so-called Covid “-19 – allow four Masses to be celebrated this year during the Christmas period” on Christmas Day (December 25), the Day of Mary Most Holy Mother of God (January 1) and Epiphany (6 January) “to the priests residing in their dioceses, whenever they deem it necessary for the benefit of the faithful …”
According to the Code of Canon Law, in the event of a shortage of priests, the bishop “may grant that priests, for just cause, celebrate twice a day and also, if pastoral need requires it, three times on Sundays and holidays of obligation. “. Therefore, three is the maximum number. Now with this decree, and only on the occasion of these special holidays in times of pandemic, the possibility of celebrating also a Christmas day, the first of the year (feast of Mary Most Holy Mother of God) and the fourth mass, in order to multiply the possibilities of the faithful to always participate in it in full compliance with anti-Covid regulations.
