Due to the Coronavirus situation, the Maltese and Gozitan Bishops issued a number of directives regarding Holy Week and Easter Sunday, as well as regarding feasts, First Holy Communion and Confirmation celebrations.

The Malta Independent had previously reported on the cancellation of processions, however the directives now make it official.

They said that this year no public manifestations on Our Lady of Sorrows and throughout the Holy Week - including Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday will take place.

Detailed directives will be sent to parish priests, religious superiors and priests will be sent regarding celebrations in Church regarding Holy Week.

The Easter Sunday procession will not be taking place this year. If the situation permits, the Our Lady of Sorrows procession can happen in September, with the Feast on 15 September.

First Holy Communion celebrations and Confirmation celebrations that were planned for before the summer of 2020 are postponed to a later date, when the situation improves.

Feasts

All feasts that were planned in parish churches until the end of 2020 can only take place after the health authorities give permission for people to be able to gather in public activities, and in every case for 2020, occur only in the following form:

On a Sunday or a Public Holiday a procession of prayer and thanks; On that day a mass will be heard in the Church celebrating the feast; there will not be any celebrations inside or outside.

More details will be given as the situation develops.