Liturgical changes in Sierra Leone in wake of Ebola

September 11, 2014

To help prevent the spread of Ebola virus disease, Catholics in Sierra Leone now wash their hands with treated water before entering Mass, according to the West African nation’s leading prelate.

Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles of Freetown told the Fides news agency that “we have abolished handshaking during the sign of peace at Mass, and we now distribute Holy Communion in the hand until the virus is put under control.”

 

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Further information:

• Archbishop of Freetown: “at each mass I speak about Ebola and how to avoid infection” (Fides)