The Diocese of Gozo has issued a statement on Friday with the theme – “Towards mature participation in an authentic Liturgy.”
The Diocese has said that:
1. “Now that the pandemic has subsided, Christians are obliged again to take part in their presence in the Church for the Eucharist of Sunday and of the Commanded Holidays. Christians are encouraged to participate wholeheartedly in all the celebrations of Holy Week in their parishes and churches.
2. Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Saturday demonstrations and Easter Sunday which are not prescribed as part of the Church’s Liturgy, are not allowed to be performed during the true and proper Liturgy.
Any kind of pageantry, or unveiling of statues or pictures of the Resurrection are made only after the true and proper Liturgy is completed, right before the last blessing.
3. All persons and political entities are always invited and welcome to the Pontifical led by the Bishop on the various occasions throughout the year. Therefore, from today onwards there is no need to make invitations formal every time.
4. Christian brides and grooms who wish to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage in the Churches of Diocese of Gozo are obliged to respect the Directives that came into force in January 2023.
These relate to the choice of singing in the celebration, the decency of clothing of the bride and everyone who takes part, the photos and the filming, as well as what is allowed and what is not allowed in the celebration.”
A copy of the Directives is given to the a couple in the Way of Preparation for Marriage and Family Life, and it is also online: https://laikos.org/gz01.pdf [1]
Photo: Diocese of Gozo