Masses Cancelled This Weekend At Catholic Churches In Southwestern Ontario

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All masses in Catholic churches within the Diocese of London in Windsor-Essex and throughout Southwestern Ontario have been cancelled this weekend, due to the situation with the spread of COVID-19.

In a statement, officials said:

Some Medical Officers of Health across the region are banning gatherings of 250 people or more. In light of this and the continuing concern for the health and safety of our parishioners, Bishop Fabbro announced today that all Masses shall be cancelled for this weekend. We will continue to monitor the situation and consult with public health officials to determine the course of action for next weekend and subsequent weekends.

For this weekend and as long as necessary, Bishop Fabbro grants the faithful dispensation from their Sunday obligation. Churches should remain open for private prayer and Eucharistic Adoration. Daily Mass will continue during the week. All other directions from Bishop Fabbro remain in effect at weekday Masses, with the additional direction to ensure proper “social distancing,” maintaining a 2 metre distance from others as a precaution.

The announcement comes after Anglican churches in the area suspended public worship services.

The cancellation applies to the entire Diocese, which is comprised of 104 parishes and approximately 444,000 Catholic parishioners, according to the Diocese of London’s website.