Archbishop of Bombay: More Masses during Lent to ensure social distancing

Believers at a Mass at Mount Mary. Pic/Shadab Khan

With Ash Wednesday marking the commencement of Lent, churches across the Bombay Archdiocese are expected to increase the number of their daily Masses, as requested by Cardinal Oswald Gracias earlier this month. The Cardinal had met the Council of Deans and released guidelines for the period of solemn religious observance.

Lent lasts for approximately six weeks, up until Easter Sunday. During this period, many Christians take up fasting, denounce luxuries, and add a stronger/more spiritual discipline to their Catholic faith. The Archdiocese of Bombay said, "We felt the most convenient option is that at the end of Mass, people come in line towards the altar and get a pinch of ash sprinkled on their head. Then they can exit for Holy Communion. The ashes are sprinkled at the end of the Mass and not after the homily." However, for smaller congregations, this change may not be necessary. The Cardinal also stated that everyone should wear masks and maintain strict social distancing norms.

People attend a Mass at Our Lady of Salvation Church in Dadar. Pic/Bipin Kokate

Father Nigel Barrett, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Bombay, said, "Yes, we have asked for more Masses to be conducted so that there is greater social distancing maintained inside churches and people are not crammed into one place at any given time. When you have multiple Masses, it allows lesser
people into Churches at a particular time."

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Approx. no. of weeks Lent goes on for