People wearing protective masks pray during Mass at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Manila, Philippines, Feb. 5, 2020, following confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country. (CNS photo/Eloisa Lopez, Reuters)
By Patrick Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald
On Feb. 5, Father Pascal Abaya, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, told the congregation at the noon Mass that the blood of Christ would no longer be distributed communally by cup, a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of germs during flu season.
The change is temporary, he said, and in no way diminishes the “body, blood, soul and divinity” received by the host alone.
Father Abaya’s restriction is only for the cathedral, not diocese-wide. In fact, Deacon Modesto Cordero, director of the Office of Worship, on Jan. 31 issued a memorandum to all clergy and parishes that, “to date, it has been decided not to put any restrictions at Mass.”
Instead, the Office of Worship urged Mass-goers to exercise caution when drinking from the cup or exchanging the sign of peace if they have cold or flu symptoms.
The office issued the memo, Deacon Cordero said, because it had received calls about the flu season and the coronavirus outbreak in China and its detection in places around the world, though not yet in Hawaii.
“The annual cold and flu season and unexpected outbreaks always offers us the opportunity to teach the faithful about the use of common sense in sharing the sign of peace and the chalice,” Deacon Cordero said. “For example, a smile or a bow, or simply the words ‘Peace be with you’ might seem more appropriate (than a handshake) during the exchange of peace.”
No one should feel required to shake hands or drink from the cup, he said.
He said priests should remind parishioners that they are not obligated to attend Sunday Mass if they are ill.
“It is a sign of consideration for those with flu-like symptoms to remain at home,” he said.
That goes for priests too. Parishes should have a list of substitute priests to call upon when the parish priest is sick, the memo said.
Deacon Cordero recommended other “good habits” such as keeping restroom soap dispensers full, placing a dispenser of hand sanitizer in the church vestibule, keeping the holy water clean, and using disinfectant on things in the church that are touched frequently.
The memorandum also included suggested bulletin and pulpit announcements explaining the precautions.
