Archbishop: All Masses canceled

Wednesday night confessions scheduled for the upcoming three Wednesdays are canceled. Stations of the Cross and any other gatherings for prayer must also be canceled.
 

All St. Joseph Altars that have not already been canceled or postponed must cancel as of today.
 

Let us pray for those who have died because of the virus, and for the healing of those who have been affected.
 

Let us turn to our loving God and implore his protection. This is a time to lean on our faith and to act responsibly as has been requested by our government officials. May the healing power of Jesus be with you and all you hold in your heart.
 

Be assured of my prayers daily and I will pray for you in my private daily Mass.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us.
 

Wishing you God’s blessings, I am
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond Archbishop of New Orleans



The following letter dispensing Catholics from their obligation to attend Sunday Mass was written by Archbishop Aymond on March 13. Please note that Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards on March 16 further limited the size of public gatherings to fewer than 50 people. Casinos, bars and movie theaters were closed, and restaurants were limited to delivery, take-out and drive-through orders only. 

March 13, 2020 
To the Clergy, Religious, and Laity of the Archdiocese of New Orleans: 
Today, Governor John Bel Edwards issued an executive order asking people to refrain from attending gatherings of more than 250 people in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and closing schools for the next 30 days. It is important for us as people of faith and citizens of Louisiana to cooperate with the Governor’s order for the health and well-being of our community. 
 

Therefore, I am dispensing the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of New Orleans from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday, effective immediately, through the next 30 days. 
 

We are closing our Catholic schools for the next 30 days in cooperation with the executive order. These dates may be updated as needed. 
 

I highly encourage those who are elderly, sick, experiencing symptoms of illness or who are at high risk of illness to not attend Mass these weekends. The virus has been contracted with serious issues by those 60 and older. Those in that age group must take seriously the caution to implement “social distancing.”

 

For those who cannot and choose not to attend Mass, I remind you that the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass from St. Louis Cathedral is broadcast live on WLAE-TV and live-streamed at TheDailyMass.com and TheDailyMass.com Facebook page. We will share the live stream of Sunday’s Mass on the Facebook page of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans and my own Facebook page. There are also other opportunities for televised Mass via Catholic TV and EWTN.
 

As we face this unprecedented public health challenge, may we call on the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor as we have done over many years to intercede for us. 
 

Let us pray:
Lord, we live in fear and uncertainty as we experience the Coronavirus. Be our strength and our hope. Give healing to those affected and protection to all of us. We ask you to calm our fears and trust in You. We also ask the prayers of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, St. Joseph and Blessed Seelos to strengthen us in this time of need.
 

We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.