The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Darjeeling has decided to live-stream the Sunday Mass to ensure that the faithful can participate without gathering at the church.

A statement issued by the church, which is situated on the premises of the Loreto Convent School in Darjeeling, says: “We are streaming live Holy Eucharistic Sunday Mass on Facebook Live exactly at 8am on Sunday due to outbreak of Covid-19 and suspension of gatherings at the church.”

The church has asked the faithful to follow the Facebook page of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Darjeeling to receive updates.

Earlier, Bishop Stephen Lepcha of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Darjeeling had requested that all spiritual programmes like the Public Retreat, the Way of the Cross, common penitential services, parish events, processions and jubilees be suspended “until further notice”.

Bishop Lepcha had asked the priests to conduct Easter Masses “in their respective parishes without congregation”.

“As per the Paschal Tridum and Eastern Liturgy, priests will conduct the same in their respective parishes without congregation. We pray and hope that this precarious situation will come to an end before the Holy Week,” Bishop Lepcha had said.