Churches reopen for mass
Churches open their doors for mass again today, after a period of being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of today, parish churches across the Maltese Islands are allowed to open their doors to hold mass while following mitigation measures against the coronavirus.
Priests stopped celebrating mass inside churches for the public on 12 March as part of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. Since then, the faithful had been asked to follow mass on television. While now individuals have the option to go to mass, those who cannot make it or are vulnerable can still follow mass, which will continue to be broadcasted on television and radio.
Last week Archbishop Charles Scicluna had announced that the celebration of mass across all parishes in Malta and Gozo will resume on the feast of Corpus Christi; which marks the solemnity of the Body of Christ.
Churches will reduce the number of people who can attend to ensure that there is social distancing. It is important that all individuals wear a mask or a visor while in Church. For Holy Communion, people will be asked to stay in their place and the priest will give Communion in the hand. The Archbishop had advised those receiving Holy Communion to wear a visor to be able to receive the Eucharist in a more ‘dignified’ manner.
Individual’s temperature will be taken before entering the Church and anyone with a high temperature or showing any symptoms cannot enter. Individuals are to keep their distance and only those in the same household can sit next to each other. It is important that individuals keep a distance of two metres between one another. Any booklets or papers which are usually distributed amongst individuals must be removed, and information must be provided through an alternative method.
The Archdiocese of Malta has posted a video showing what to do to attend mass and to follow all the Health regulation to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. The Archdiocese of Malta website also posted the times of mass of different parishes.
A number of parish priests have taken to social media to inform individuals regarding the new times which mass will be taking place and the measures in place. Certain parish churches which have an outdoor area will also be providing outdoor mass. Some will also open the church for personal prayer at certain time slots. Some are asking that individuals reserve a place for mass or to arrive earlier than usual. Most will continue to live-stream their masses for those unable to attend in person.
Mosques will allow no more than 75 people outside courtyards.
The Mosque in Paola has opened its doors a day earlier than most Parish Churches, where it opened its doors on Friday. The Mosque Centre was to allow 1000 people on the Mosque grounds (including outside), but after being contacted by the Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci, that number was reduced to 75 people.
Imam Mohammed Elsadi, administrator of the Mosque posted frequent updates on his own personal social media page. He notified individuals that the Islamic Centre will split prayer times into four different time slots; 1:15, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00pm. He advised that individuals are to bring their own prayer personal carpet, and must wear a mask or visor at all times. It is advised that children are not to attend prayers and that anyone who is not well is to stay at home. Individuals must also follow other mitigated measures to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.