NEW ORLEANS — The catholic church has taken another step this week to help limit the spread of COVID-19, cancelling all public masses.
Confessions and other gatherings have also been cancelled until further notice.
"Let us pray for those who have died because of the virus, and for the healing of those who have been affected. Be assured of my prayers daily and I will pray for you in my private daily Mass," Archbishop Gregory Aymond said in part.
The cancellation includes all St. Joseph and St. Patrick's Day gatherings.
As of Tuesday, there were 171 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Louisiana, with four people dead from the disease -- at least three of whom were residents of New Orleans.
The city is second only to Seattle in per capita cases of the virus, forcing Governor John Bel Edwards to close bars, movie theaters and restaurant dining rooms for at least a month, starting Wednesday.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has prohibited all private and public gatherings and closed all bars, nightclubs, gyms, health clubs, shopping malls and dine-in restaurants. These social distancing rules went into effect at midnight last night.
► Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.
Read Aymond's full message below:
Dear Friends in Christ:
In light of the announcements from President Trump and Governor Edwards today, effective immediately, public Mass cannot be celebrated. Priests may celebrate Mass privately.
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.