In the wake of the Nipah outbreak, the Thamarassery diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church has issued a circular to the parish priests to serve the communion during the mass only on the hand. The custom of serving the communion on the tongue by priests will be discouraged as part of the efforts to support the Health Department’s drive against the viral disease. The decision comes as the majority of those attending the holy mass receive the communion and that chances are high of the spread of the virus from infected persons.
As reported by The Hindu, Abraham Kavilpurayidathil, Chancellor of the diocese remarked that “The Thamarassery diocese had voluntarily taken the decision to extend support to the preventive measures taken by the Health Department. The custom of serving communion in the hands was there earlier for hygiene reasons. It was brought back mainly to avoid the chances of misuse.” The circular issued by His Excellency Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil of the diocese informed that the Sunday catechism classes in the parishes would be suspended until July 10.
His Grace Bishop Inchananiyil of Thamarasery diocese also urged the parishioners to cooperate with the Health Department in adopting the precautionary measures put in place and adhere to the related guidelines. Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans.
Source: The Hindu
