People maintaining social distancing attend Mass in the Basilica of St. Mary in Kevelaer, Germany. Photo: CNS The Vatican decreed that priests can celebrate as many as four Masses on several important feast days, including Christmas, to accommodate the participation of the Faithful.
Worldwide
In a decree published in Latin December 16, Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, said the decision was made “in view of the situation brought about by the worldwide spread of the pandemic.”
“In view of the situation brought about by the worldwide spread of the pandemic,” the decree reads, “by virtue of the faculties conceded to this Congregation by the Holy Father Francis, and due to the persistence of the general contagion of the so-called Covid-19 virus, we willingly grant to the local Ordinary” permission to allow priests resident in their dioceses to celebrate four Masses on certain days during the Christmas season. This year only, permission is granted to say extra Masses on the following days: Christmas Day (25 December); the Solemnity of Mary the Most Holy Mother of God (1 January); and Epiphany (6 January). The concession is granted “whenever [the Ordinary] deems it necessary for the benefit of the Faithful.”
According to the Code of Canon Law, while a priest “may not celebrate (Mass) more than once a day,” a bishop may “for a good reason allow priests to celebrate twice in one day or even, if pastoral need requires it, three times on Sundays or holy days of obligation.”
The decree would allow for more Catholics to be able to participate at Mass, especially in churches with limited seating due to social distancing measures.
In Italy, new restrictions enacted to slow the spread of the coronavirus have prompted the Catholic Church to find different ways to celebrate Mass during the Christmas season while observing current regulations.
Christmas Mass
The Vatican announced December 10 that Pope Francis will celebrate the Christmas “Mass during the Night” December 24 at 7:30 pm local time so that the few people invited to attend can get home in time to observe Italy’s 10 pm curfew.
The announcement comes on the back of a rise in Covid cases in multiple countries around Europe, with Germany, Poland and England among others either implementing or stating an intention to implement heavier restrictions in an effort to combat this.
The restrictions have raised concerns about the availability of Christmas Masses, with many countries searching for innovative solutions in an attempt to balance public worship with adherence to public health guidelines.