Blessed Wishes from Overseas
POPE FRANCIS:
Dear brothers and sisters,
In these trying days, while humanity trembles due to the threat of the pandemic, I would like to propose to all Christians that together we lift our voices towards Heaven. I invite all the Heads of the Churches and the leaders of every Christian community, together with all Christian of the various confessions, to invoke the Almighty, the omnipotent God, *to recite at the same time the prayer that Jesus, our Lord, taught us. I, therefore, invite everyone to do this several times a day.
To the pandemic caused by the virus, we want to respond with the universality of prayer, of compassion, of tenderness. Let us remain united. Let us make our closeness felt toward those persons who are the most lonely and tried. Our closeness to the doctors, the healthcare workers, nurses, volunteers… Our closeness to the authorities who must impose stringent measures, but for our own good. Our closeness to the police, to the soldiers who try always to keep order on the streets, to ensure that the things the government asks to be done for the good of all are implemented. Closeness to all.
I express my closeness to the populations of Croatia, struck this morning by an earthquake. May the Lord give them the strength and solidarity to face this calamity.
And do not forget: today, take the Gospel and read calmly, slowly, the ninth chapter of John. I will do it too. It will do us all good.
INDIA:
Prayerful greetings from Miao!
The whole world is battling the corona virus. Cases reported from our own country are rising each day. Our Prime Minister in his address to the nation has advised serious caution and to take every possible preventive steps. Our State government and local administration have asked us to use some of our facilities as quarantine centers if needed. We will do everything possible to assist the local authorities in this crisis.
I humbly request you to make this not a time of universal defeat, but of really making our life an extended HOLY WEEK. Let us make this a time to get closer to the Lord through our prayer. Let this also become an opportunity for us to get closer to all people in the true Spirit of prayer and spiritual connection. Let us pray for each other and together, each of us to join in from home, in the true spirit of prayer. We can offer then our concerns and needs to the Lord together, though physically we are apart.
As we have time away from other people and organized liturgies, let us make the way of the cross daily, by ourselves or with our family, where we walk with Jesus and the people who are trying to ward off or are suffering from the corona virus. The ordinary way of the cross can be made into one in the corona context. A copy is attached for you to use for yourself and with your family.
Though not externally a happy one may we all have a Happy Easter, where with Jesus who defeated sin and death, we rise to a new life defeating this evil that threatens life. Through Him, With Him, In Him we can, we will, we must.
May God bless us all.
+George Pallipparambil sdb
MEXICO:
Beloved benefactors of Aid to the Church in Need:
May Saint Mary of Guadalupe, Queen of the Americas, keep each of you and your families in her motherly heart. In times like these that we live, let the words of Santa María de Guadalupe echo in our hearts:
“Let your heart not be troubled, do not be afraid of this illness, or any other anguish; am I not here, am I not your mother.” We also follow with faith Pope Francis’ advice “Pray the Rosary and do not be afraid.”
We, the Capuchin Poor Clare Sisters, accompany each one of you in prayer. We pray to God that instead of living in panic and despondency, the events we are experiencing help us to contemplate the greatness of God and the little ones of the human being, that we take advantage of each day to prepare diligently, and so, when God calls us to his presence (not precisely because of the pandemic), our lamps are lit with the oil of love.
Prayers and Blessings for each of you.
Fraternally, Sr. María Elena Salas Nieto, Mexico
ARGENTINA:
“I want to tell you, on behalf of all the Sisters who make up the Argentine Carmel Association, that we pray for all of you who are affected by this pandemic. Here in Argentina we have reacted in time. We hope it does not continue to expand.”
Our Lady of Luján, Discalced Carmelites of Argentina
HAITI:
I hope you are doing very well by the grace of God. I have to tell you that I am really worried about the spread of the corona virus around the world. In this sense, I would like to hear from you. Indeed, this virus creates a certain apprehension, a climate of fear in all the children of God. Here in Haiti, in celebrations, it was forbidden to join hands during the sign of peace.
Also, I know that the Church in need has helped the Haitian people a lot. As a pastor, I am sending this message to you to tell you that we are thinking of all benefactors. Faced with this situation, you can count on the prayer of the clergy and all the faithful of the parish of Saint Jean Baptiste. Because our God is great.
May God through the intercession of the Virgin Mary in her infinite love protect you and bring healing to all those who are infected with the corona virus!
P. Benedick Lazar, smm
BURKINA FASO:
I am Father Roger Sanou of the Archdiocese of Bobo-Dioulasso, Diocesan Chaplain of Family Pastoral care first from 2011-2016, then since 2018, after my study stay at the Pontifical Theological Institute John Paul II of 2016 – 2018.
Hoping that you are in good health, I assure you all of my prayers not only that we are all safe from the global scourge of coronavirus, but also that a medical solution can be found there as soon as possible.
Good preparation and good climb to Easter. With the assurance of my prayers, with the families.
United in prayer and in action
Père Roger SANOU
CENTRAL AFRICA REPUBLIC:
Greetings from Bangui,
For the past two weeks, our entire formation community, we have been carrying you in our prayers. We pray for all countries where there is already the Corona Virus. May God keep you in his love. We do not give up hope.
I pray for you and I count on your prayers
Père Edouard Tsimba, cicm (Rector)
