It is one thing to require extraordinary measures in the conduct of a Mass, or indeed to offer general dispensation to absentees, accompanied by grave pastoral advice that one should exercise caution when deciding to attend—as might be done in China or North Korea, say, or under any overtly hostile regime. It is quite another thing to tell the faithful they may not attend, or to accede to government orders to that effect.
The bishops could have granted a disposition from the obligation to attend Mass, leaving it up to the individual parishioner to attend or not. Most, I suspect, would not. I would have. My church was open for private devotion. I was there this morning, as I have been every Sunday morning since our archbishop announced the suspension of public Masses. I have communicated my dissatisfaction to the archbishop.
I’m sure he doesn’t give a damn. But then I wonder what he does give a damn about.
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