ArchbishopFilipe Neri Ferrao has issued a circular asking all the priests to fully openchurches and chapels latest by November 15 without any further delay to helpthe laity return to the active reception of the Sacrament. Unfortunately, somepeople seem to be very upset with this latest decision of the Archbishop andare seen advising not to open the religious places by giving their own sillyexcuses. Well, when people in general (young and old) have returned to theirdaily chores, openly roaming in marketplaces, malls, cinema halls, pubs,discotheques, restaurants and fearlessly travelling in public transport thenwhy should our places of worship remain closed? The Archbishop is not trying toopen churches or chapels for his own pleasure or to start collecting money butto help the faithful reignite themselves with a positive hope and to put theirtrust in God to overcome the pandemic. I therefore strongly feel that thepeople who don't have faith in God, but who still believe in living withnegative thoughts, should henceforth decide to sit at home permanently insteadof frightening others by talking of possible spike in coronavirus cases duringthe upcoming winter season. Targeting the Archbishop is condemnable.
