Rome Newsroom, Mar 12, 2021 / 13:01 pm
The Archdiocese of Malta and the Diocese of Gozo have suspended the celebration of public Masses through April 11, the Octave of Easter, as a measure to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
The directives went into effect March 11. The Church is restricting religious functions "to protect the health of the people," a press release said.
Under the month-long suspension of public Masses, churches may remain open for private prayer. Funerals and wedding Masses may take place with limited attendance depending on the size of the church, but not exceeding 100.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta invited people to pray for the safety of the Mediterranean island country as the number of coronavirus cases rises.