DILI, 8 March 2021 (TATOLI) – Archbishop of Dili, Dom Virgilio do Carmo da Silva is suspending all masses and congregational gatherings for a week starting from march 9 to march 15, 2021 in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
In a letter sent from the Archbishop state officials have recommended that religious officials suspend all events that involve large crowds.
“I intend to inform the parish priests, priests, religious and faithful that, starting from march 9 to march 15 we will suspend all regularly schedule public celebrations of mass in the archdiocese as well as dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday masses and notary services in Parishes in Dili,” Dom Virgilio do Carmo da Silva said.
According to the Metropolitan Archbishop, the suspension of religious activities aims to contribute to the implementation of sanitary fence and the mandatory confinement for a week.
According to one of the Government’s resolutions, the holding of any social, cultural, sporting or religious events that involve the gathering of people is prohibited.
Journalist: Arminda Fonseca
Editor: Cancio Ximenes
