ZAGREB, April 9, 2020 – The spokesman of the Bishops’ Conference of Croatia (HBK) said on Wednesday that the bishops’ decision not to celebrate Mass in churches with the faithful due to the coronavirus pandemic stemmed from the feeling of co-responsibility for the protection of life at all of its stages.
At the National Civil Protection Authority’s press conference, the HBK spokesman Zvonimir Ančić noted that Holy Triduum would start on Thursday evening, describing it as the most solemn part of the liturgical year when Christians remember the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“This year, we are aware that the celebration is taking place in significantly different circumstances, due to well-known reasons,” he stated.
Ančić said that the decision to cancel all Masses, sacraments, and most things pertaining to Church life, was one of the most difficult decisions Croatian bishops had ever had to reach, adding that it stemmed from the feeling of co-responsibility for lives of Christians and all citizens, and from respect for the competence of experts and civil authorities.
The spokesmen emphasised that the decision was reached because we had to take care of each other.
Ančić offered condolences to all families who have lost their loved ones due to the coronavirus epidemic. “To all of you who are following us and watching us I wish a happy and blessed Easter,” he said.
Masses and other ceremonies have been broadcast on television and social media since gathering in churches was banned due to the outbreak of the infection.
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