In connection with the recommendations of the Chief Sanitary Inspector that there should be no large gatherings of people, I ask to increase – as far as possible – the number of Sunday Masses in churches  so that a number of believers can attend the liturgy at once, according to the guidelines of the sanitary services” – wrote the President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki.

At the same time, Archbishop Gądecki stressed that hospitals cure diseases of the body and churches serve, among other things, to cure diseases of the spirit. “Therefore, it is unthinkable that we do not pray in our churches” – said the President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference.

Archbishop Gądecki reminded that the elderly and the sick can stay at home and follow the Mass broadcasting on Sundays in the media. “I would like to remind that there is no requirement to exchange the sign of peace by shaking hands during Holy Mass” – he wrote.

Archbishop Gądecki asked to pray for those who died as a result of the coronavirus. “Let us pray for the health of the sick and for the physicians, medical personnel and all services that work to stop the spread of the virus. Let us pray for the epidemic to end. In accordance with the tradition of the Church, I especially encourage to pray with the supplication +Holy God, Holy Mighty…+” – stressed the President of the Polish Episcopate.

Press Office of the Polish Bishops’ Conference

10 March 2020