Solemnity of the Annunciation of our Lord
25th March 2020
News
DIOCESE OF DUNDEE
POSTNET SUITE 95, PRIVATE BAG X6603, NEWCASTLE 2940
KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA
TELEPHONE: (034) 312 6591 – TELEFAX: (034) 312 6592
e-mail: dundeediocese@gmail.com
NPO 243-382 PBO 930000779
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Following the proclamation of a Nationwide Lockdown from 26th March midnight to Thursday l 6’h April, I would like to issue the following directives.
- All Sunday and Weekday Masses and Sunday services in the absence of a Priest are suspended.
- All Priests are directed to remain in their Parish Presbyteries to show solidarity with their People. They are encouraged/ requested to celebrate daily Mass for the Faithful and for the World for the eradication of the pandemic.
- All the Faithful are invited to renew their appreciation of the importance of Prayer at Home and in private. We are encouraged to avail of a “Spiritual Communion Service” and other Services provided on the Internet. In particular, I invite us all to unite in praying the Rosary daily between 17h00 and 18h30. (Pope Francis’ Prayer for Healing of the 2011, March is included.)
- Public celebrations of Holy Week and Easter Triduum are suspended. The Ch1ism Mass ‘is postponed.
- Since we are not able to celebrate Penitential Services, we are aH invited to make an Examination of Conscience, a sincere Act of Contrition and to resolve to go to Confession when it becomes possible.
- All Baptisms, First Holy Communions, Confomations and Weddings are suspended. The reception of RCIA Catechumens and Candidates is postponed.
- All Meetings and all Parish activities are suspended.
- Funerals are to be conducted according to the directives given by the State.
I support fully Pop,e Francis’ appeal that the doors of our Churches remain open! May our hearts remain open to the invitation of our Lord who does not abandon us. The words of the Angel “Do not be afraid, Mary” spoken on this great Solemnity, speak to us today.
United with you dear Brothers and Sisters in this unique Lenten time.
