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Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Minister of Culture Susanne Raab (both ÖVP) appeal to the population to refrain from joint visits to cemeteries in view of the coronavirus crisis on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Archbishop Franz Lackner shows understanding for this. Kurz advised the population to refrain from family celebrations this weekend.
Chancellor Kurz and Raab express “large understanding” for the fact that All Saints Days and All Souls Day are important celebrations. Especially this year, the weekend has a special meaning for those who could not say goodbye to relatives or friends in case of deaths during the first coronavirus wave.
Support from Archbishop
But unfortunately it is important this year to celebrate this festival differently than usual out of consideration for each other and for the health and jobs in Austria. Raab therefore appeals to visit the graves only with those people with whom one lives in the same household. This concern was also discussed on Tuesday during a meeting with Lackner, the chairman of the Austrian Bishops’ Conference.
The Archbishop of Salzburg regretted that the situation had become so acute in recent weeks and that rules now had to be made with regard to joint cemetery celebrations: “As the Catholic Church we want to continue to deal responsibly with the difficult situation and therefore comply with the request of the government and the provincial governors that the Christian remembrance of the dead should only take place on a very small scale this year.
No joint services
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference specified that because of the pandemic on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day no joint services will be held in cemeteries. “However, the graves will be blessed, even if not in the context of a common celebration”, according to Kathpress, in an appeal by the Bishops’ Conference to the parishes. The faithful should visit the graves, but avoid larger family gatherings.
Source: ORF.at/agencies. Picture: stockilyapp.com
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