ZAMBIA: Bishop Phiri Guides On Holy Week and Easter Celebrations

Valentine Mukuka

As the Church gets into Holy Week, Catholic Diocese of Ndola Bishop Rt. Rev. Benjamin Phiri has guided parishes in his Dioceses on the celebration of the passion of Jesus Christ and Easter.

Bishop Phiri has decreed that during Holy Week and Easter celebrations, more than one Mass can be held in parishes.

“Following the note issued by the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on 25th March, 2022 to Bishops and Episcopal Conferences on the celebration of Holy Week 2022, with worship and health safety in mind, I have noted some aspects to be followed in our Diocese,” Bishop Phiri wrote in his latest communication accessed by Radio Icengelo News in Ndola.

“Thus, I decree the following general measures on the named days in this period: It is worth mentioning that all the celebrations can be multiplied, meaning that more than one Mass can be held. Furthermore, other refining details of the celebrations will be left to the discretion of the individual priest and his parish team to determine what suits their situation.

Regarding Palm Sunday, Bishop Phiri said many Masses can be celebrated but there should be just one procession per parish.

On the Passion of the Lord for both Palm Sunday and Good Friday, Bishop Phiri said Parishes should sing the shorter version of the Passion of the Lord.

On Holy Thursday, washing of feet will be done in parishes using medicated water that is mixed with disinfectant.

Bishop Phiri has further announced the resumption of movements, visitations and retreats within and beyond the Diocese gradually after Easter Sunday.

The Bishop of Ndola urged everyone to religiously follow the guidelines set out by the Government on Covid-19 prevention.

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