Religious celebrations such as baptisms, weddings, communions or confirmations, the latter usually held in the months of April and May, have been postponed in the Canary Islands until the state of alarm decreed in Spain to try to combat the coronavirus concludes.
Both Dioceses, the Canary Islands and the Nirvariense, agree that all celebrations have been suspended until all institutions can return to work.
In this sense, the vicar of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, Hipólito Cabrera, told Europa Press that when the state of alarm is lifted, all the dates will be "reorganized", something they hope will occur "soon." In addition, he added that they cannot currently perform any sacrament.
For its part, the Nivariense Diocese, which groups the four islands of the western province, points out that with the declaration of the state of alarm, all ecclesiastical activity and celebrations have been suspended to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Sources from the Bishopric of Tenerife comment that they are following the "general instructions" of the state Royal Decree and are "waiting for events" to see what happens in the months of May or June, the most common for the celebration of communions.
Along those lines, he points out that for now they have not been canceled, although each parish priest also has the power to do so, as has already happened in some that were going to be held in April.
The same occurs with the celebration of weddings and baptisms, which are beginning to have cancellations and "schedule changes", especially in the month of May, also due to the "problems" that the health crisis is generating in the field of restoration.
Finally, both dioceses recall that the events of Holy Week are also included among the religious celebrations that have been affected by the current situation and, therefore, are suspended.
