Mysuru/Mysore: Following a Government advisory on preventive steps to check the spread of Coronavirus, Bishop of Mysuru Most Rev. Dr. K.A. William has announced that the holy mass conducted on Sundays and days of obligation have been suspended till Mar. 31, for the safety of the people.

The Bishop has asked the Priests to observe Mar. 22 and 29 (Sundays), as days of prayer and fasting personally, in family, religious communities and in small groups. He has encouraged the people to watch the Holy Mass on television and YouTube with due preparation and devotion. He has advised them to turn off other devices and refrain from doing household work during the prayer. Instead of receiving Holy Communion, the act of spiritual communion can be recited.

The daily mass can be continued, provided there are less number of participants (around 50). If there are more people attending, especially in city and important places of worship, a portion of the people can be allowed to attend holy mass during the week in nearby religious communities. Mission preaching, retreats, conventions, stations of the cross, conducting of holy hour, catechism classes, other meetings be cancelled.

Funeral masses can be cancelled if there are more than 50 participants. Churches should be kept open from morning till evening and the people can visit in limited numbers (less than 50).