Communication of the HCBC

As new epidemic control measures lifted lockdowns and enabled open liturgies nationwide, the Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference shall modify its earlier dispositions enacted for the state of emergency.

1. Our earlier instruction 637/2020 dated 17 March – stating that we grant a dispensation from the obligation of attending a Holy Mass on Sunday and absolution may be imparted in a general manner – will be generally revoked from 14 June 2020, Solemnity of Corpus Christi unless the competent diocesan bishop disposes otherwise. General moral principles regarding the attendance of Holy Masses remain valid, i.e. our elderly, endangered and sick brothers and sisters and those who are performing their duties are not subject to the above obligation.

2. According to Canon 838 of the Code of Canon Law, the diocesan bishops will continue to make decisions about open liturgies and the administration of Sacraments based on local conditions and opportunities, while taking health care provisions into account.

3. We shall still adhere to relevant state provisions in our educational, social and health care institutions at all times.

This disposition concerns the Latin rite dioceses of Hungary.

We would like to thank our brothers in priesthood for their service, the members of our Church for their persistence and prayer and everyone for their commitment on all walks of life in these extraordinary times. We shall keep praying and continue to pay special attention to each other.

Budapest, 3 June 2020

Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference