Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) – The Secretariat of Health has issued a public alert on the outbreak of the swine flu, which has led the Mexican Bishops' Conference (CEM) to issue a statement to the faithful and the population in general, asking that they follow the indicated health precautions, as it says in the text published by the Bishops' Conference and signed by Auxiliary Bishop Jose Leopoldo Gonzalez of Guadalajara, Secretary General of the CEM.
The Archdiocese of Mexico City, which is among the most affected by the outbreak, has also issued a statement expressing its profound concern for the alert issued by the Secretariat of Health. According to the statement, Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, Archbishop of Mexico, is “deeply concerned and saddened by the number of victims of the swine flu that is affecting Mexico City and the various parts of the country and, in responsible solidarity with the federal and local authorities,” made the serious decision to “ask all priests of the Archdiocese, with obligation, to cancel Masses for the Third Sunday of Easter in all parishes, rectories, and places of worship in the Archdiocese of Mexico, whose territory includes the political demarcation of the Federal District.” The decision of exception rendered the Catholic faithful exempt of the Sunday precept, and the Cardinal therefore asked all to participate in a Mass that would be celebrated (without a congregation) in the Cathedral and aired on television and radio. However, the lifting of the Sunday precept does not imply closing all churches, as “it is precisely in these moments of affliction that the faithful trustingly take refuge in divine assistance, through which God shows us His compassion and His infinite mercy,” the statement reads.
He thus asked the faithful to hold celebrations of the Word of God in their homes and has asked the entire Archdiocese of Mexico City to join in a Novena, which began yesterday, April 26, asking Our Lady of Guadalupe to free the city and the country from this threat. Lastly, the document encourages the Catholic faithful to be attentive to the health precautions that are constantly being issued by the authorities, “to play a responsible role in helping to fight this crisis quickly and effectively.” He also mentioned how Caritas of the Archdiocese of Mexico, as well as the parish pastors and rectors of the various places of worship in the city will be at the disposition of the faithful who need them, recalling that “the faith is our strength and charity is our primary duty towards our brethren in need.”
During the day yesterday, Sunday, April 26, the Masses in the Cathedral and the Basilica of Guadalupe were the only Masses celebrated in Mexico City. They were aired on radio, Internet, and on several television channels. During the Mass, the Archbishop of Mexico said that “as serious as the current situation may be, we should never lose hope,” and Christians should “believe that our loving God will cure our ailments.” In the presence of only a few religious and priests, a Mass was held in the Basilica of Guadalupe, presided by the Rector of the Shrine, Monsignor Diego Monroy, who prayed for Mexico, calling on the help of the “Virgen Morena, in this difficult moment for our nation.”
A procession was held, led by a statue of the “Christ of Good Health”, which since 1850 has not left the Cathedral area. Priests and members of the faithful joined in the procession with prayers and hymns for Mexico, as a petition for a prompt resolution to the health crisis that it is experiencing.
The swine flu outbreak continues to spread throughout the country and outside the country. According to Mexico's Health Minister, Jose Angel Cordova, the official number of probable deaths from the virus on Sunday evening was 103, although there are only 22 proven cases of death from the swine flu. He also indicated that there are about 1,600 people suspected of having the disease, 400 of whom have been hospitalized. The President of the country, Felipe Calderon, has made an appeal to the people to “react quickly, however keeping calm and collaborating with authorities” and to “go to the doctor in time and take all medical precautions.” The authorities in the capital have issued a list of measures to take to avoid public gatherings, including the cancellation of court activity, schools, cultural events, and public activities. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert on Saturday of possible pandemic and asked the international community to heighten vigilance. This Monday, they are expected to offer more information on the situation and have prepared “measures for rapid containment,” including the use of antiretroviral treatment, if necessary, to combat the “disturbing” outbreak of swine flu that is spreading through Mexico and the United States. The United States has declared a health state of emergency and has already found at least 20 confirmed cases of the flu. Other countries are taking measures to avoid its spread. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 27/4/2009)
