The Vatican has updated its guidelines on live-streaming Masses and Easter services in the current coronavirus pandemic.
The unprecedented changes are spelled out in its second decree in just a few days, titled: "In time of Covid-19 (II)".
The congregation says bishops and priests in countries that are in lockdown with churches closed, bishops and priests may celebrate the rites of Holy Week without the presence of the people.
All seminaries, clergy houses, monasteries and religious communities are also instructed to follow the decree, signed by Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect of the congregation, and his secretary, the English prelate Archbishop Arthur Roche.
Regarding the Chrism Mass, bishops' conferences may be able to transfer celebrations to another date. Expressions of popular piety and processions, normally a familiar part of Holy Week, can also be transferred to other suitable days to be decided by the local diocesan.
Other services around Easter cannot be moved however, so the congregation has given specific instructions as the feast approaches.
They must find a "suitable place" for Masses, avoiding concelebration and they must omit the sign of peace.
The faithful should be informed of the beginning times of the celebrations, "so that they can prayerfully unite themselves in their homes."
Live-streaming can be done where possible: "Means of live (not recorded) telematic broadcasts can be of help," the decree says. In any event it remains important to dedicate an adequate time to prayer, giving importance above all to the Liturgy of the Hours, the congregation says.
The congregation urges bishops' conferences and dioceses to make sure the faithful have the resources to support family and personal prayer.
On Palm Sunday, the commemoration of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem should be celebrated within "sacred buildings", using the second form in the Missal in cathedrals and the third form in churches and other buildings.
On Maundy Thursday, the congregation notes that the traditional washing of feet is already optional and this must now be omitted altogether. At the end of the Mass of the Lord's Supper, the procession should also be omitted and the Blessed Sacrament kept in the tabernacle.
"On this day the faculty to celebrate Mass in a suitable place, without the presence of the people, is exceptionally granted to all priests," the congregation says.
On Good Friday, in the universal prayer, bishops must arrange a special intention for those who the sick and the dead, and for those in distress, and only the celebration can kiss the Cross in the adoration.
The Easter Vigil itself can be celebrated only in cathedrals and parish churches.
To find a church live-streaming Holy Mass, see Isolated but not Alone, The Tablet's compilation of online resources for Catholics during the Covid-19 pandemic.