HO CHI MINH CITY (UCAN): The Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, the most active archdiocese in southern Vietnam, called off daily Masses and other liturgical services at churches to contain the worsening Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic.
On March 25, Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Nang called for all local churches and chapels to temporarily suspend Masses and all other religious activities starting at 4.00pm on March 26, until further notice.
He asked priests to celebrate daily Masses in private “to appeal to God to grant mercy to all humankind as Masses are always the centre and pinnacle of Church life, the source of redemption, and people’s blessing and peace.”
Priests are allowed to celebrate funeral Masses at churches with only the deceased’s relatives in attendance. However, churches are to remain open for people to come and pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
He urged Catholics to be aware of their duty of praying privately or with their family members by daily contemplating God’s word, reciting the rosary and attending Masses which are livestreamed twice a day via the archdiocese’s website. They are also asked to suspend weddings during the pandemic.
Archbishop Nguyen said the cancellation of Masses and liturgical ceremonies was a difficult decision, especially Holy Week and Easter, because the archdiocese has never suspended services in its 176-year history. He said local Catholics and others have to try their best to defeat the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, adding that the cancellation of religious services not only ensures their safety but is an act of love and responsibility because they are part of the nation and the world.
Archbishop Nguyen said the deadly pandemic may be a flood that purifies humankind and renews the world. “We should trust in God and pin our hopes on Jesus’ words: ‘It is I, do not be afraid’,” he said.
Noting that the Covid-19 pandemic in the country’s largest commercial city is worsening and entering a new stage, the archbishop said he took the latest preventive measures at the government’s request.
On March 24, Ho Chi Minh City’s authorities ordered beauty salons, entertainment venues, gyms, restaurants and beer bars that serve over 30 customers to close until March 31. Violators would be heavily punished.
Nguyen Thien Nhan, party chief of the city, asked people to wear face masks when going out, limit shopping trips and cook at home to keep the number of Covid-19 cases under 500 across the country.
On March 26, the health ministry warned people against leaving their homes unless necessary and that those over 60 should remain at home all the time.
The ministry called on people to report those who have entered the country since March 8 but have not isolated themselves.
It reported that the country has 148 confirmed coronavirus patients, including 17 who have recovered, and some 46,500 suspected cases who are quarantined or monitored at public facilities and homes.
