TOKYO (UCAN): In response to the spread of the Covid-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) in Japan, the Archdiocese of Tokyo announced the suspension of public Masses, except for small communities, for two weeks from February 27, the day after Ash Wednesday, to March 14. Archbishop Isao Kikuchi issued the directive on February 25.
This is in response to the Japanese government’s basic policy for measures to protect against the outbreak of Covid-19 that sought reconsideration of holding large gatherings. The Japan Professional Football League, or J-League, has postponed all matches until March 15.
As of March 7, 407 people in Japan had been infected and six have died. This does not include 706 cases on the quarantined cruise ship, Diamond Princess, of which there have been six deaths. Confirmed cases in the northern island of Hokkaido and Tokyo have reached 70 and 37 infected patients, respectively.
“It is not easy for the Church to make this decision to suspend Masses, which should be offered daily,” Archbishop Kikuchi said in his statement, asking for people’s understanding of the gravity of the situation that led the decision.
“Recalling the words of our Lord commanding ‘Do this in memory of me’ would lead us to think that the suspension of the Mass is for us a spiritual defeat. We must offer more prayers than usual during this time of crisis,” the archbishop said.
All the faithful in the Archdiocese of Tokyo are exempted from attending Sunday Masses on March 1 and 8. “I recommend everyone find time to read the Bible and offer prayers,” Archbishop Kikuchi said.
The archdiocese is looking at the possibility of broadcasting Masses via the Internet. “In such a case, I encourage participation by viewing the live Mass in the act of spiritual communion,” the archbishop said.
Unless there is a major change in the situation, the Mass suspension will be lifted after March 15. In that case, the archbishop asked that people continue to take note of measures recommended in earlier advisories issued by the archdiocese on January 31 and February 20.
The Diocese of Sapporo, which covers Hokkaido, issued the same instruction and the 14 other dioceses in Japan are expected to issue directives about the cancellation of Sunday Masses soon.
