COVID-19 pandemic: 'It's not ideal' as church celebrates Easter without congregation

The coronavirus pandemic forces people in the world to have new normal habits, including not going to their places of worship. Then how should Catholics celebrate Easter this year amid the COVID-19 spread?

Aranda de Duero's priest chairs a mass on occasion of Palm Sunday at the Santa Maria church in Aranda de Duero, Burgos, Spain, 5/4/2020 without any congregation Source: AAP Image/EPA/Paco Santamaria

The coronavirus pandemic has forced people around the world to have a "new normal", including not to go to the places of worship.

In this Easter period, which is the most important time in the liturgy, the Catholic Church also has a new normal routine where mass is not attended by congregation but instead it is broadcasted on television or online through social media.

Source: SBS

SBS Indonesian speaks to Petrus Suroto as the Chief Pastor of the Catholic Indonesian Community (CIC) in Sydney, which is under the diocese of Sydney, about how people and churches celebrate Easter this time around.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.

If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information in Indonesian is available at sbs.com.au/language/indonesian/coronavirus-updates

Listen to SBS Indonesian every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3 pm. Follow us on Facebook and catch us on podcasts.