Allow above 65 yrs to attend church: Catholic Cardinal

Thiruvananthapuram: On the eve of easing of lockdown norms, starting from Monday, when the places of worship are to be thrown open to public, the decision to not allow those aged above 65 years, has left the former president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India disappointed over the decision.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Cardinal Moran Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, head of the capital city headquartered Syro Malankara Catholic Church, wished that the decision would allow all to come to the Church, when everything else is now opened.

"Today the situation is, following the easing of lockdown norms, shops, malls, restaurants, liquor vends all have opened, but there is a restriction on places of worship, especially with the cap on above 65 years age, which is not fair," said the 60-year-old Cardinal.

"We are ready to make special arrangements for such people when they come to the Church by even earmarking a special time for them," added the Cardinal who had cast his vote for electing the present Pope Francis.

He also pointed out that following the restrictions imposed during Covid times, all adhered to the directives including the Church. " We served the 'holy communion' in the hands and not in the mouth," added the Cardinal when elevated to the post eight years back was one of the youngest.