This evening, Friday 27th March 2020, Pope Francis will preside over a time of universal prayer for an end to the Pandemic. The ceremony will consist in readings from the Scriptures, prayers of supplication, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and will conclude with Pope Francis giving the Urbi et Orbi blessing, with the possibility of gaining a plenary indulgence for all those who listen to it live through the various media. The blessing is normally only given on Christmas and Easter.
You can participate in the broadcast via the Vatican website or by setting aside a time for private prayer.
Bishop Paul McAleenan has called on the government and Catholic community to ensure that vulnerable migrants and refugees are not overlooked in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
“In supporting the Government’s recommendations to curtail the spread of COVID-19 the Church keeps in mind migrants and refugees. We must never forget that they are included among the vulnerable.
Staying at home will lower one’s chances of infection. Therefore the requirement placed on some migrants and refugees to report at immigration centres or police stations should be suspended and those held in detention centres while their cases are explored should be released.
Nor should we forget at this time casual workers and those who rely on frequent income to keep their accommodation. They must be included in supportive economic packages to prevent destitution and homelessness.
Catholic charities are doing all they can to provide support for migrants, refugees and others in need in the present crisis. Through prayer and through contributions to these charities the Catholic community and all people of goodwill can offer help to those who need it. We are encouraged to protect ourselves and others.
I ask those who, through policy and through charity can make a difference to the lives of others, not to neglect the well-being of migrants and refugees when thinking about COVID-19.”
Cecilia Taylor-Camara, Senior Advisor for Migration and Refugee Policy at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference added:
“We are particularly concerned about the lack of emergency accommodation for people to self-isolate and socially distance themselves. Many undocumented migrants and people who have been refused asylum have nowhere to go, leaving them at extraordinary risk and undermining efforts to prevent transmission. Those same people will also struggle to access healthcare and may be unclear about whether they can seek help from the NHS.
At the same time it is important not to forget refugees in other parts of the world, many who are facing this crisis in overcrowded conditions with little access to healthcare at all.”
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has sent us a message after the Prime Minister’s historic announcement last night (23 March) strengthening restrictions in an attempt to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The Cardinal stresses that we must all play our part to safeguard the NHS and to save ‘precious lives’.
“We’re going to play our full part in it. That was the call of St. Paul that we ought to be good citizens and today we ought to be good citizens playing our part in the protection of the vulnerable, in our support for the NHS and in the preserving of human life, which is so precious to God in the face of this virus.”
Cardinal Nichols also points to the Sunday just gone to demonstrate the strength of the Catholic community’s response and its committment to keeping prayer and worship at the heart of a new pattern of life:
“We’re beginning to reflect on the experience of the streaming of the celebration of Mass on Sunday and on yesterday’s week day. There are many, many encouraging signs. I’ve heard of congregations being 10 times the normal size. I’ve heard of families preparing together at home. Families having their own little children’s liturgy during the reading of the Word…
“…So we have to deepen our prayer. We have to use the Internet, and all the other things that we have, to encourage one another.”
Today is the 40th anniversary of the martyrdom of Oscar Romero. Our Mass and Ecumenical Service this week in London have been cancelled, but we can still join our brothers and sisters around the world in remembering his witness and being inspired by his simple message of solidarity with the poor and oppressed. The article below is by blogger Alfredo Barahona from Canada:
…But perhaps my favourite Oscar Romero teaching … is this one: “A church that doesn’t provoke any crises, a gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a word of God that doesn’t get under anyone’s skin, a word of God that doesn’t touch the real sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed — what gospel is that?”
A letter from the President and Vice-President on behalf of all the Bishops of the Conference
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, so many aspects of our lives must change. This includes the ways in which we publicly express our faith. It is very clear that, following official advice and in order to keep each other safe, save lives and support the NHS, at this time we must not gather for public acts of worship in our churches. This will begin from Friday evening, 20th March 2020, until further notice.
Our churches will remain open. They are not closing. They will be a focal point of prayer, where you will find solace and strength. In visiting our churches at this time, we will observe with great care the practices of hygiene and the guidance on social distancing.
However, the celebration of Mass, Sunday by Sunday and day by day, will take place without a public congregation.
Knowing that the Mass is being celebrated; joining in spiritually in that celebration; watching the live-streaming of the Mass; following its prayers at home; making an act of spiritual communion: this is how we share in the Sacrifice of Christ in these days. These are the ways in which we will sanctify Sunday, and indeed every day.
We want everyone to understand that in these emergency circumstances, and for as long as they last, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is removed. This is, without doubt, the teaching of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2181). This pandemic is the ‘serious reason’ why this obligation does not apply at this time.
You will find more details about the pathway of prayer and sacramental life we are now to take here:
Your own bishop and parish priest will provide further support, encouragement and information about our way of prayer together in the coming weeks.
The second vital aspect of these challenging times is our care for each other. There are so many ways in which we are to do this: being attentive to the needs of our neighbour, especially the elderly and vulnerable; contributing to our local food banks; volunteering for charitable initiatives and organisations; simply keeping in touch by all the means open to us.
During these disturbing and threatening times, the rhythm of the prayer of the Church will continue. Please play your part in it. The effort of daily kindness and mutual support for all will continue and increase. Please play your part in this too. For your commitment to this, we thank you.
Diocese of Westminster Justice and Peace Commission 