KOCHI: Major curfews are being curtailed this year based on a 21-day lockdown announced by the prime minister, state government, district administration and law enforcement agencies to curb the spread of coronavirus and thereby ensure public safety. Bishop Mar George Alencherry. He issued a circular in this regard to the dioceses under the Syro-Malabar Church. The Circular issued in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Vatican Office for the Oriental Churches describes the service of the Church every day during the Holy Week without the participation of believers.
Fathers should perform the rituals in the Cathedral Churches and in the Parish Churches with the participation of only the required ministers (not 5). Wherever possible, the sacred weekly rituals should be broadcast live for believers from the cathedral or in the parish. When the priest ordains the Holy Mass on Osana Sunday, it is only necessary to offer blessings (if available) to those who participate in the liturgy. No need to spread sparrows to others.
V. The Moron sacrament is not to be performed in Holy Week. Then it can be done one day (e.g., Pantakastha on the feast day). Passover service on Passover week should be avoided. Homemade bread-making service on Passover Sundays should be limited to individuals in each household. Bread crunching based on family partnerships or joint ventures should be avoided altogether. The Crucifixion / Sleeve Kiss on the Friday of the Tribulation and the Way of the Cross and the Redemption of the Exodus should not be performed. This day’s corrections can be made on the feast day of the praise of the Cross (September 14).
There is no need for water to be given to the people when performing rituals on the big Saturday. At a later stage, people can be provided with water. There is no need to perform rituals at night. Instead, that morning V. It is enough to make the Mass. Our families must take special care to turn the days of the Holy Week into days of prayer. All together, family prayers should be held actively. For each day of the week, read the appropriate Bible passages as part of your family prayer.
Family members reciting prayers, the way of the cross, and the Mercy Tree together will help to keep the spirit of Holy Week alive. The Major Archbishop’s circular concludes with the reminder that all these limitations are God’s will in the present context and that we can endeavor to acquire the experience of the Lord’s saving grace.
