Only 50 people will be allowed in church: Archbishop of Bombay

The new rules come in the wake of BMC’s latest COVID guidelines

In a "hurried video message" addressed to Fathers across the Bombay Archdiocese on Friday night, Archbishop Cardinal Oswald Gracias urged them to limit the number the number of participants at Masses to 50 at a time in Church, enforce the wearing of masks, and social distancing. He also informed them that women beat Marshalls would be deployed along with the men at churches to monitor that all the guidelines are being strictly adhered to.

Stating that he had just seen the directives issued by the BMC commissioner imposing restrictions on the number of participants at religious services, Cardinal said: "Roaming without a mask, gathering of more than 50 people at a time, or any such violation will lead to punitive action," he said, quoting from the circular. "Hence, while we were permitting larger congregations for church services earlier, the number is now restricted to 50, and to indicate the seriousness of this directive, it is stated that in order to monitor all places of worship, women marshals will also be deployed along with male Marshalls."

"There is a rise in the number of COVID cases in the city. While the number is not yet alarming, the situation is serious enough to necessitate caution. For the safety of all, the parishioners and your safety, I urge you to follow these instructions of the civic authorities."

He added, "Please have your ushers monitor that there is social distancing in the church and that all people in the church wear masks. Wash your hands frequently."