Every diocese in the United States currently prohibits public Masses, but the bishop of Las Cruces, New Mexico, has become the first prelate in the country to lift the ban.
His Excellency Peter Baldacchino, bishop of Las Cruces, who himself offered drive-in liturgies during the Triduum, today said priests will be able to offer public Masses, as long as guidelines from the state are followed. This includes weddings and funerals.
In a letter today, the bishop said: "While it is true that we need to take every reasonable precaution to reduce the spread of Coronavirus, it is equally true that we offer the greatest 'essential service' to our people. The past few weeks have brought to light many unintended consequences of the 'stay-at-home' order."
Catholic News Agency has the story here. Local media report on the development here and here.
