The Congregation for Divine Adoration and the Discipline of the Sacraments has published a decree authorizing priests to celebrate up to four Masses on Christmas Day to facilitate the participation of the faithful in the Holy Liturgy. The concession is also granted for January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, and for Epiphany.
By Vatican News
A decree published on the website of the Congregation for the Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments aims to offer more masses on Christmas Day, to encourage the participation of the faithful in the Holy Liturgy. The Decree of December 16, 2020 was signed by the Prefect of the Congregation, Cardinal Robert Sarah, and the Secretary, Archbishop Arthur Roche.
“Given the situation caused by the global spread of the pandemic,” the decree reads, “by virtue of the powers conferred on this Congregation by the Holy Father Francis, and because of the continuing widespread contamination of the society, called Covid-19 virus, we are happy to give the local Ordinary permission to priests living in their dioceses to celebrate four masses on certain days during the Christmas period. Only this year, permission will be granted to say extra mass on the following days: Christmas Day (December 25 ); the Solemnity of Mary, the Most Holy Mother of God (January 1); and Epiphany (January 6). The concession is granted “always [the Ordinary] considers it necessary in the interest of the faithful. “
According to the Code of Canon Law: “If there is a shortage of priests, local custom may allow priests to feast twice a day for a just cause, or if pastoral necessity requires, even three times on Sundays and public holidays. . ”(Can. 905, par. 2). Normally, therefore, a priest may not celebrate more than three times in one day.
With the current decree, and only at these particularly important feasts during the pandemic, the possibility has been added to celebrate a Fourth Mass for Christmas Day, the Solemnity of Mary, the Most Holy Mother of God, and Epiphany, in order for more people to participate in the liturgies – in compliance with current anti-Covid regulations.