CARTAGO, COSTA RICA (ANS) -- A recent government decision to cancel a major religious pilgrimage because of an outbreak of H1N1 “swine” flu has resulted in a sharp exchange between a prominent Costa Rican bishop and health officials.

Fearing a widening spread of the influenza that has already claimed 17 lives, the Costa Rican government health ministry cancelled the August pilgrimage to a major cathedral in this town just outside of the capital, San Jose. Up to two million people, nearly half of the country’s population, participate in the event each year.

“We consider the action radical because on the same day that the doors of the basilica were closed to pilgrims, the gates of the Fello Meza stadium were open to a football (soccer) game,” said José Francisco Ulloa, the bishop of Cartago.

Responding to the bishop’s strong condemnation, Maria Luisa Avila, Costa Rica’s Minister of Health, said that while the pilgrimage would involve up to 2 million people concentrated in a cathedral in a small town, a football game would involve only 20,000 people.

“Unfortunately, the monsignor has a terribly negative attitude,” she said.

Bishop Ulloa suggested that the government health officials had singled out the church for restrictions. “I don’t know what the ministry has against the church,” he said. “Movies, concerts and other activities are open.”

Health minister Avila responded, “I have absolutely nothing against Cartago nor against anybody. It is sad that the monsignor was not in the country when we made this announcement and we were in a critical time for our country.”

Health officials and church leaders at the cathedral earlier agreed to cancel the August 1 and 2 event because of fears that a large gathering of people would lead to a spread of the deadly disease. Officials estimated that up to 20,000 people could catch the flu at the cathedral if the event was held.

In July, the government extended a two-week mid-year school break for an additional week citing the vulnerability of children, especially those with asthma, to the disease. Officials also considered cancelling all religious services in the country for one week and prohibiting large gatherings such as sporting events, theater schedules and other assemblies.

The yearly pilgrimage, known locally as a “romero,” features participants walking from distant parts of the country to the Cartago church where they worship a “black Madonna” which is the object of veneration for many faithful Catholics.

As an alternative to the yearly event, church officials plan to transport the statue to five cities throughout the country where special outdoor services will be held.

The flu outbreak has brought changes in religious practices in other countries.

In April, officials in Mexico cancelled all Sunday services and pilgrimages because of an outbreak of the disease. A pilgrimage in Chile, similar to the romero en Costa Rica, was also cancelled.

Roman Catholic leaders in Brazil have suggested that church members refrain from hugging during the passing of the peace and that parishioners receive communion hosts in their hands rather than in their mouths.

Anglican leaders have asked priests to consider not using a common cup in Eucharistic services.

And, in Saudi Arabia, officials are issuing fewer visas for participants in the annual Hajj to Mecca and Medina. In addition, pilgrims who are elderly or pregnant or suffer from asthma have been asked not to participate in the event this year.