The Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP) announced today that masses with the presence of the faithful will resume on Monday, the 15th, avoiding processions or Easter visits.
“The Permanent Council reflected on the current situation of the pandemic and decided that the celebrations of the Eucharist with the presence of the assembly be resumed from March 15th, observing the guidelines of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference of May 08, 2020, in line with the standards of the health authorities”, reads a statement.
The same document, released after a meeting of the Permanent Council of the CEP that took place online, adds that, as for the celebration of other sacraments, it is necessary to observe "the safety and health standards referred to in the same guidelines."
"At this stage, processions and other expressions of popular piety will be avoided, such as Easter visits and the symbolic exit of crosses, in order to avoid risks to public health," the statement said, adding that the Plenary Assembly of Catholic Bishops between 12 and 15 April, “will reassess these guidelines, taking into account the pandemic situation in the country”.
Masses, as well as catechesis and other pastoral activities that involve contact, have been suspended since 23 January in mainland Portugal, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
As for the Holy Week celebrations, and following the note from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, the bishops present some guidelines.
For Palm Sunday, the gathering of the faithful is to be avoided and “the delivery or exchange of branches is never allowed”.
Already at the chrysmal mass, celebrated on Maundy Thursday morning or, according to the custom of some dioceses, on Wednesday afternoon, "if a significant representation of pastors, ministers and faithful is not possible", the diocesan bishop must evaluate the possibility of transferring it to another day, "preferably within Easter time".
For Maundy Thursday, in the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper, the CEP asks to omit the washing of feet and, the following day, the bishop should introduce “in universal prayer an intention for the sick, the dead and the suffering that suffered some loss». The act of adoration of the Cross through the kiss is limited to the president of the celebration,
Finally, the Easter Vigil “may be celebrated in all its parts as foreseen by the rite”.
The CEP guidelines, from May 8th of last year, to resume community celebrations and services, include social distance of four square meters, mandatory hand disinfection at the entrance, marked places, masks for all and no gesture greetings of peace among believers.
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