Celebration of Public Mass in Ivory Coast to Resume Sunday with 200-Person Congregation

The various gatherings of the people of God, the Bishops have further directed, “remain subject to compliance with the preventive measures, namely: wearing of face masks, washing hands at the entrance of churches, respecting a distance of at least one (1) meter between people, and omitting gestures of peace (greetings, hugs) during celebrations.”

At the end of a meeting chaired by President Alassane Ouattara on Thursday, May 14, the National Security Council (CNS) in Ivory Coast announced the lifting of the curfew in Abidjan and its suburbs from Friday May 15.

Schools are expected to reopen on May 25, according to CNS.

Following initial measures taken by the government at the end of CNS meeting of March 17, Bishops in Ivory Coast suspended the celebration of public Mass in the country; they had called on the faithful to scrupulously respect measures put in place to curb the possible spread of COVID-19.

In their May 15 statement, the Prelates congratulate the Catholic faithful, Religious and Clergy for their “exemplary observance of the measures and encourage them to persevere in their trust in the Lord, who alone is able to deliver us from this pandemic.”

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In a separate statement issued Friday, May 15, the Bishops in Ivory Coast have suspended the annual national funds drive, which had been scheduled to take place at the end of the month.

“Following the coronavirus pandemic which has disrupted all our habits and pastoral activities, we wish to inform you that the traditional collection of the National Catholic Solidarity Fund, scheduled for 30 and 31 May 2020, has been temporarily suspended,” the Bishops said in their collective statement signed by CECCI President, Bishop Ignace Bessi Dogbo.

“In the face of the health crisis caused by COVID-19, which our country is experiencing like other nations, we share the financial and economic difficulties of all those who have had to stop work. We do not forget the ecclesial institutions, the parishes, the families and all the Christian communities,” the Bishops explained in their statement.

“We invite you to pray to the Risen Christ, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for an end to this pandemic,” the Church leaders concluded.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.