The Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference was informed that a new epidemic protocol will come into effect on Monday, 4 May 2020; therefore, we modify our earlier provisions as follows:
1. Churches as a place of spiritual recovery and prayer are of special importance; therefore we keep our churches open. According to Canon 838 of the Code of Canon Law, the diocesan bishops will make a decision about open liturgies and the administration of Sacraments based on local conditions and opportunities, while taking health care provisions into account. In Budapest and in other locations, where state regulations remain unchanged, earlier Church provisions stay in effect.
2. We shall adhere to the epidemic control measures of relevant authorities. We especially ask our elderly, endangered and sick brothers and sisters to keep staying at home.
3. Due to the still effective state of emergency, the stipulations of our communication 637/2020 dated 17 March remain valid until revoked; therefore, we grant a dispensation from the obligation of attending a Holy Mass on Sunday and absolution may be imparted in a general manner until this extraordinary situation ends.
4. We are still encouraging our brothers and sisters to engage in prayer – by reading the Bible, praying the liturgy of the hours or any other prayer – for an appropriate amount of time personally or in a family. Several places broadcast Holy Masses online. Public TV channels broadcast Holy Masses on Sunday and on feast days. We will inform you about these broadcasts.
5. We shall follow state epidemic protocols – keeping in mind that the regulations may differ from diocese to diocese – during provision for the sick, confessions and extraordinary communion.
6. We shall still adhere to state provisions in our educational, social and health care institutions at all times. We shall always cooperate with the authorities and comply with the general guidelines provided by them.
7. We are still encouraging parish and monastic communities to organize continuous prayer for those affected by the epidemic, while adhering to the provisions of the public health authorities.
This disposition concerns the Latin rite dioceses of Hungary.
We thank our brothers in priesthood for their service, everyone for their commitment and the members of our Church for their understanding. Let us remain generous and pay special attention to each other.
Budapest, 1 May 2020
Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference