The Catholic bishops in Scotland have postponed the restoration of the Sunday obligation because of the worsening pandemic.
Earlier this year, the Scottish bishops decided to restore the obligation from January. The Irish bishops and the bishops of England and Wales however agreed to postpone any such restoration.
In a statement today, the Scottish bishops said: “At the beginning of Advent the Bishops of Scotland looked forward to welcoming the faithful back to Holy Mass and anticipated that the restoration of the Sunday obligation might be possible as we begin the New Year.
“Sadly, there has been a serious worsening of the situation and the restoration of the obligation will be postponed until a more favourable time.
“For us Sunday is always a Holy Day and we invite those who are unable to be with us in person to continue to join with us in prayer and spiritual communion either by personal or family prayers or by online celebrations of Mass.
“We ask everyone to continue to pray for a speedy end to the Pandemic and for the good health of you and your loved ones in 2022. We also pray for all those who passed during 2021 and those who grieve. May Our Lady Health of the Sick pray for us and may Saints Andrew and Margaret protect us.”
Pope Francis, in his Christmas greetings to Vatican employees today, urged people not to forget grandparents and the elderly at this time of year.
He said: “Don’t forget the elderly, because this throwaway culture always leaves them aside. Excuse me, but it is important to me to talk about grandparents, and I would like everyone to go down this path.
“Dear friends, I would like to wish you that Christmas will bring you some serenity, especially if you are experiencing a heavy period, with worries. Every family has them, but sometimes there are more difficult situations. I pray that those who need it most will receive the gift of serenity, personal and family. The pandemic has caused many problems for families, both economic and psychological. I am thinking of children and adolescents who have been particularly affected by periods of isolation and distance learning. But every age has had its hardships with the pandemic.”
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