Catholics are being given dispensation from attending Sunday Mass as part of measures taken by the Maltese Curia to stop the spread of Coronavirus.
All religious functions, including Mass and catechism classes, are being suspended with immediate effect.
With regard to funerals, the Church said that there will be ceremony to bless the remains at the cemetery, which is an outdoor place. Only the closest relatives should attend, while the priest then says Mass for the dead person in private.
Churches will remain open during normal times for private prayers.
These measures will remain in place until further notice.
The Church urged Cathiolics to join Mass to be said on TVM2 and knisja.mt as indicated:
Friday 13 March at noon; Mass to be said by Archbishop Mgr Charles Scicluna from the Curia chapels.
Monday to Friday – 9.30am, Rosary at 5.30pm.
Saturday and Sunday, TVM 2 from Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary and other churches.