These are unusual times for the faithful. With a total ban on public gatherings to curb the spread of COVID-19, churches are reaching parishioners at home, broadcasting masses online. At Toronto’s St. Michael’s Cathedral, Thomas Cardinal Collins, has been celebrating mass online since the ban began, and will be online again Sunday. He shares what the experience is like:
Easter services aren’t just online. OMNI and Citytv will broadcast the Pope’s Easter Mass at 10 a.m. on Sunday in Italian and English respectively.
Beginning Good Friday through to Sunday, OMNI will also air in Italian the Holy Week celebrations led by the Pope from St. Peter’s Basilica. In response to the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pope held Holy Week services without the public for the first time and will continue to do so for the Easter events.
Good Friday, April 10:
The Way of the Cross will air in Italian on OMNI.1, OMNI East, OMNI BC, OMNI Pacific, OMNI Edmonton, OMNI Calgary and OMNI Prairies from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET/PT/MT.
Saturday, April 11:
Easter Vigil Mass will air in Italian on OMNI.1, OMNI East, OMNI BC, OMNI Pacific, OMNI Edmonton, OMNI Calgary and OMNI Prairies from 8 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. ET/PT/MT.
Easter Sunday, April 12:
Easter Sunday Mass with the Pope’s message and blessing will air in Italian on OMNI.1, OMNI East, OMNI BC, OMNI Pacific, OMNI Edmonton, OMNI Calgary and OMNI Prairies from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET/PT/MT. The mass will also broadcast on Citytv (all markets except Saskatchewan) in English from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. local time.
However you are celebrating this weekend, stay safe and #CelebrateAtHome