The Catholic Church of Belgium - Corona virus update 12/03/20

1. The Catholic Church of Belgium suspends all public liturgical celebrations Due to the spread of the epidemic of the Corona virus, the bishops of Belgium today decide to suspend all public liturgical celebrations in our country. This decision is effective as of the weekend of March 14 and will remain in effect until Friday April 3 at least.  Baptisms, weddings and funerals may take place in a restricted circle. For other meetings and pastoral meetings, the greatest caution will be required. Churches will remain open for prayer or personal meditation. The bishops call believers to live this Lent as a time of prayer, conversion, fraternal sharing, and of greater attention to others. The usual biblical texts of the liturgy will continue to inspire individually or as a family our progression towards Easter. The websites of Cathobel, Kerknet, KTO, RCF, Kerk en Leven, celebrations in radio-tv, RTBF and VRT, live-streaming broadcasts can contribute to this. For questions relating to the consequences of these decisions, contact the bishoprics / Vicariates. The bishops express their gratitude to all those who are doing everything in their power to stop the spread of Covid19 and who surround with their best care those affected by the disease.