In an interview on RTL Radio on Wednesday morning, Leo Wagener, the auxiliary bishop and vicar general of Luxembourg’s Catholic church, stated that the situation was “tense” and that the coronavirus had wreaked havoc in pastoral life.
Activities within the parishes completely collapsed in some parts, and 1/3 of the usual attendees was now missing during masses. The vicar general added that this also caused a significant financial burden for the church.
However, Wagener also pointed out that masses were by now taking place as usual again, and religious education was also scheduled to start very soon. Everything, naturally, under strict hygiene measures.
Many choirs still refrain from meeting up again due to a number of uncertainties as well as members who are considered “vulnerable”. Wagener admitted that the fear of infection was still very prevalent.
Video report in Luxembourgish:
The auxiliary bishop also talked about the more “creative” measures taken by the church to deal with the situation, such as the introduction of masses via radio or video stream.
The church intended to further improve and develop these features in the future. On the other hand, Wagener also admitted that a negative side effect of this was the “privatisation” of faith and the lack of community for members of the church.
At the moment, the church is conducting very few weddings and baptisms with Wagener adding that not all masses will be postponed to a later date. Funerals were taking place in a very orderly manner.
Wagener especially regretted the omission of the rite of peace, i.e. that worshippers are not allowed to shake hands or hug each other anymore, stating that it was “impoverishing” people.
Wagener concluded by stating that the virus was changing the church rapidly, transforming it into a more streamlined and thus “accelerated” church. According to the vicar general, it was important to remain realistic but nevertheless hopeful at the same time.
