PANJIM: Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Most Rev Filipe Neri Ferrao, has issued a circular to the Clergy, Religious and Lay Faithful of this Archdiocese on seeking Heavenly Mother Mary’s intercession in the present COVID-19 situation.
“The ongoing unprecedented spike in Covid-19 cases and deaths in our country and in the state is indeed a matter of grave concern. We earnestly pray that this wave of suffering, involving thousands of victims and their families as well as medical staff and frontline workers, recedes soon,” said the Archbishop.
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“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. We would do well also in following the sound medical advice that is being offered in this regard”, he added.
In the circular, the Archbishop has asked the Faithful of the Archdiocese to embark on a marathon of prayer, particularly seeking the help of Mother Mary by praying the family Rosary, during the month of May.
“The month of May is also celebrated in a special way by the prayer of the Rosary, which was traditionally recited in our families, neighbourhoods and places of worship. This year, however, because of the special situation that has come up on account of the pandemic, we will need to limit ourselves to praying the Rosary in our homes. 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,” he added.
While 7th May has been declared by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) as a day of prayer and penance throughout the country, the 13th of May, celebrated as the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, will be observed as a day of prayer and fasting in this Archdiocese, to implore from God an end to the present crisis.
“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. I have requested the Diocesan Family Service Centre to send some aids for the family Rosary to be used on that day,” the Archbishop added.
“In view of meeting the crisis situation in our parishes, our 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.
On that note, the Archbishop emphasised that he is taking this opportunity to express hi deep appreciation for the ‘self-sacrificing dedication with which a large number of our Priests, Religious and Lay Faithful have served the people in their pastoral and even human needs during this 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 added.
“Finally, I place each and every member of this Archdiocese under the powerful mantle of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother, pleading with Her to obtain for us strength and courage during these life-challenging times,” the Archbishop concluded.
