His Eminence John Cardinal Tong
Apostolic Administrator, Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong

Temporary Suspension of Public Masses on Sundays & Weekdays
and Cancellation of the Liturgy of Ash Wednesday

13th February 2020
______________________________________
Temporary Suspension of Public Masses
on Sundays and Weekdays
and
Cancellation of the Liturgy of Ash Wednesday

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Peace be with you! The next two weeks will be a crucial time to suppress the epidemic. To avoid gatherings, the Diocese has decided to suspend all the public Masses on Sundays and weekdays for two weeks, including the Liturgy of Ash Wednesday, from 15th to 28th of February. Some Church members may be disappointed. However, I hope that everyone can understand this is not an easy decision.

At this difficult time, everyone should not panic. We must deepen our trust in God and implement our Christian love for our neighbors and all people. In addition to fulfilling our Mass obligation by participating in the Mass online, receiving Holy Communion spiritually, meditating on the Scriptures, or saying the Rosary, at home we can care more for the health of our family, especially the elderly and the children. In the community, we can help one another, share anti-epidemic materials, live the Gospel virtues of faith, hope and love, and pray for each other.

Dear brothers and sisters: Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary, may the Lord listen to our prayers that the epidemic will soon disappear, and grant us good health and well-being! God bless you!

+ John Cardinal Tong
Apostolic Administrator of Hong Kong
13th February, 2020