Bishop Ronald W. Gainer announced Thursday that “no public Masses will be celebrated for Palm Sunday, Holy Week, or Easter,” in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
The Harrisburg Diocese decision follows suit with the “decree” issued by Pope Francis. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced Wednesday that Holy Week public worship and Easter public services in the southeastern part of the commonwealth have also been suspended.
Gainer said in a statement that it would be “irresponsible” of him to open Harrisburg parishes “while still in the midst of this pandemic.” He said he’s going to follow the recommendations coming from state government leaders.
“Our Diocese, our nation, and our world are experiencing the unthinkable with the coronavirus,” Gainer said in a statement. “With this global pandemic in mind, the Holy See, Pope Francis, has decreed that all Holy Week and Easter Masses will be celebrated, but that countries impacted by coronavirus and in cases where restrictions regarding the assembly and movement of people are in place, the bishop and priests may celebrate without the presence of the faithful.”
He continued: “Please know the impact of this announcement is not lost on me. I too am deeply hurting by not being able to gather with the faithful for the celebration of Mass. Although we cannot come together for public Masses during this holiest time of year, our priests will celebrate Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter Masses. Many of our Parishes are live streaming these Masses and I encourage the faithful to participate in Mass through these online means.”
Palms that would be used on Palm Sunday are going to be made available at a later date, according to the Harrisburg Diocese. Other changes also announced Thursday include a postponement of the Chrism Mass.
Parishes within the Diocese have been asked to prepare worship aides and distribute them to parishioners, allowing them to more actively participate in the Holy Week and Easter Masses remotely.
Live stream options and resources for parishioners are available on the Health Alerts page of the Diocesan website, www.hbgdiocese.org/coronavirus.
- Read more: Megabus ends bus service in and out of New York City through April 9; could Pa. halt other travel from there?
- Read more: In coronavirus crisis, Pa. should be prepared 'to be in this for the long haul’: Gov. Tom Wolf