As cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to climb in California and across the country, the United in Christ Eucharistic procession scheduled for the Feast of Christ the King, Nov. 22, has been cancelled. 

In a Nov. 19 statement, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Office of Life, Justice and Peace said that they had made the difficult decision to cancel “out of an abundance of caution to limit the spread of COVID-19 infections, and for the safety and well-being of our communities.” While the procession had been planned to take place entirely outdoors, with appropriate social distancing measures in place, the recent guidelines issued in California strongly encourage people to remain in groups of their own household, no matter where they are. 

“We ask the faithful to come together in prayer at your local parish celebrations following all safety and prevention protocols, or virtually online through livestreamed parish Masses,” the statement said. “United as one family in Christ, we are assured that Christ reigns as king today and always.” 

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has provided prayers and resources to commemorate the Solemnity of Christ the King at lacatholics.org/christtheking.