THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Stating that the ongoing unprecedented spike in Covid-19 cases and deaths in the country and in the State is a matter of grave concern, Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Ferrão has appealed to the Catholic community for prayers and to strictly adhere to protocols to protect themselves and others from danger.
In a circular letter to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the archdiocese on Wednesday, Archbishop Ferrão also praised the priests, religious, laity, doctors, nurses and frontline workers for their dedication and selfless service.
PRAYERS
Archbishop Ferrão said the people must “earnestly pray that this wave of suffering, involving thousands of victims and their families as well as medical staff and frontline workers, recedes soon.”
He appealed to the community for prayers to Mother Mary through the Rosary in homes, particularly in May.
“Facing this new reality with a spirit of faith, let us take this occasion to gather daily as a family and recite this exalted Marian prayer with great fervour. Our beloved Pope Francis has invited Catholics around the world to dedicate the month of May to a marathon of prayer for an end to the pandemic.”
Archbishop Ferrão said the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has asked the Catholic community to observe May 7 as a special day of prayer and penance for relief from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“While we join the Church in India in observing that special day, I would also propose that we spend May 13, the day of Our Lady of Fatima, as a special day of prayer and fasting in our Archdiocese.”
“On that day, I would like to appeal particularly to our Priests and Religious to spend at least one hour before the Blessed Sacrament, praying earnestly for this intention.”
Archbishop Ferrão has also requested the Diocesan Family Service Centre to send some aids for the family Rosary to be used on that day.
PROTOCOLS
“One of the most effective ways to meet the situation appears to be by imposing on ourselves severe measures against the spread of the infection and strictly adopting an appropriate social behaviour, so that we protect ourselves and others from danger,” said Archbishop Ferrão.
“We would do well also in following the sound medical advice that is being offered in this regard.”
In view of meeting the crisis situation in parishes, Archbishop Ferrão said priests have been instructed to take appropriate decisions for the good of their flock, after proper reflection, consultation with their close collaborators and discernment of the situation.
“Most parishes have in fact already adopted suitable plans in this direction,” he added.
PRAISE
Archbishop Ferrão expressed his deep appreciation for the self-sacrificing dedication with which a large number of priests, religious and lay faithful have served the people in their pastoral and even human needs during the whole time of Covid-19.
“No words of appreciation and thanks will be enough for the real heroes of this long season: the doctors, nurses and frontline workers who, putting the interests of others above their own and their own lives at risk, have served the sick, the lonely and the suffering with loving care and exemplary selflessness,” he said.
