Luxembourg's churches have been empty for more than two months. Good news for worshippers: the holy institutions will be able to resume public masses this weekend.
Churchgoers now have to register for a mass in advance. To do so, you can contact the local cleric or church representatives via phone. The list of attendants will be destroyed after the mass for data protection reasons. To register for masses at the cathedral in Luxembourg City you can simply ring 22 29 70 24.
A number of precautionary measures also apply inside the churches. Worshippers have to keep a 2m physical distance from each other. There will not be communal songbooks and churches will have disinfectant readily available so that churchgoers can sanitise their hands before entering.
Worshippers will also have to be seated for the duration of the mass. It will not be allowed to stand. Volunteers will make sure that these new rules are respected.
The government has also recommended to keep face masks on during a mass. Holy water basins have to remain empty and worshippers will not be allowed to shake hands at the sign of peace. The eucharist will only be distributed in the hand, not the mouth. The priest is also required to use hand sanitiser and to wear a face mask during the communion ritual. Collection baskets will be placed at the exit of the church rather than being passed around. Processions that were scheduled to take place before the summer holidays have been cancelled.
Penitents can still confess to priests but are not allowed to do so in confession booths. Baptisms and weddings will not be celebrated at church until September. Funeral services can still be held. Families will be informed about seating capacities.
The popular hopping procession has also been cancelled for the first time since WWII.
