Chapala curate José Octavio Moreno Olivares announced that the San Francisco Parish and all other churches and chapels in the community have closed their doors, effective April 21 through May 30 as a measure to prevent Covid-19 contagion.
The decision stems from an order emitted Monday, April 20 by Cardinal José Francisco Robles Ortega, the archbishop of Guadalajara, instructing all churches and chapels in the diocese to remain closed for the same period.
Although public attendance at religious services has been suspended since mid-March, until now church buildings have remained open for individual contemplation and prayer.
Father Moreno and other priests assigned to Chapala will continue celebrating the Holy Eucharist, rosary services and other standard rituals inside the Capilla del Santísimo on the regular schedule, allowing the faithful virtual presence via live transmissions on Facebook.