Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, Metropolitan Archbishop of Poznań, President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference:

In the current situation, I wish to remind you that just as hospitals treat diseases of the body, churches serve, among other things, to treat diseases of the spirit; therefore, it is inconceivable that we should not pray in our churches.

  1. In view of the recommendations of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate that there should be no large gatherings of people, I ask that, wherever possible, the number of Sunday Masses in churches be increased so that the number of worshippers participating in each liturgy complies with the guidelines of the sanitary services.
  2. I remind you that, in the current situation, elderly and ill people may remain at home and watch broadcasts of Masses, which are available on Sundays through the mass media, for example at 7:00 a.m. on TVP 1, at 9:00 a.m. on Polish Radio – Programme One, at 9:30 a.m. on Telewizja Trwam, at 1:00 p.m. on TV Polonia, as well as local broadcasts.
  3. I remind you that there is no requirement to exchange the sign of peace by shaking hands during Holy Mass.
  4. Let us commend to the Good Lord those who have died as a result of coronavirus. Let us pray for the health of the sick, and for doctors, medical staff and all services working to stop the spread of this virus. Let us pray for the epidemic to end. In accordance with the Tradition of the Church, I especially encourage you to pray the supplication “Holy God, Holy Mighty One…”.

What do you think? We invite you to join the discussion.