A Christmas unlike any, as Mumbai misses midnight mass
While special masses for Christmas were planned by churches in Mumbai hours before midnight and most attended the masses online, the “community dimension” was missing, Astrid Lobo said. December 25, 2020 1:23:19 am
Evening mass at St John Church at Ballard Pier on the eve of Christmas. (Photo: Ganesh Shirsekar)
Every year on the eve of Christmas, Astrid Lobo, a scientist, would have an early dinner, pick out her best dress, and make sure she reaches the Holy Name Cathedral in Colaba on time. This year, however, she was in her Mahalaxmi home with her husband, two children and house help attending a prayer service online. Lobo, who has been part of the church choir, said there is much to miss this Christmas.
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Mumbai: For Christmas mass services to be held on December 24 and 25, churches across Mumbai have made it mandatory for all attendees to wear masks and maintain distancing, as precautionary measures against Covid-19. Hand sanitisers will be provided and body temperature checks will be initiated at every church. Communion for Christians will be offered outside the church.
In a letter to the churches of Mumbai, Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, has asked them to follow all the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety measures against Covid-19 during the Christmas and New Year s eve mass services. The archbishop stated, To facilitate attendance at Christmas Mass, more than one vigil mass may be celebrated in our churches. Distribution of Holy Communion at a suitable place outside the church seems to be the best option at present.