Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) – The situation in Mexico seems to be returning to normal little by little, although the population must remain on guard as there are still threats of new waves of the A-H1N1 virus.
Cardinal Norberto Rivera, Archbishop of Mexico City and Primate of Mexico, has issued a statement expressing his sincere gratitude to parish pastors and administrators for following his instructions, when he was “obliged to make the difficult decision to cancel the Mass for two consecutive Sundays.” He observes that precisely “the sacrifices made by the Archdiocese in complying with health advisories from civil authorities have borne fruits, as is evident in the statistics that show a decrease in the number of cases of infection and death in the city.” At the same time, he also warns that they should remain on guard and continue taking necessary precautions in placing an end to the epidemic. Thus, he makes an appeal to all the faithful to continue collaborating with the authorities and with the pastors in fulfulling the new advisories from experts. He also asks that the faithful continue imploring Our Lady of Guadalupe for her maternal intercession, “that evil may come to an end, not only in our country but in the entire world.” As a result of the positive results in the health campaign, the Archbishop has also called for the reestablishing of the celebration of Sunday Mass and other pastoral and parochial activities in the Archdiocese of Mexico City, “entrusting Our Lady of Guadalupe with the health and future of our homeland, which has shown responsibility and solidarity in difficult times and that has been strengthened as Christians and as Mexicans,” the Cardinal concluded.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe also issued a statement for the reestablishment of liturgical celebrations in the main nave of the church, beginning May 7 (yesterday), however it will also “prolong the preventative measures to avoid the spread of the virus.” They also thank God and Our Lady of Guadalupe for “controlling the virus” and pray for the dead and their families. The statement continues: “Likewise, we celebrate the unity and effort that our country has shown at this time, and we continue our petition that Mexico may continue forward, overcoming this and other ailments, with strength and fortitude.”
Cardinal J. Francisco Robles Ortega, Archbishop of Monterrey, has also declared a reestablishment of Mass celebrations in his Archdiocese. “Now, as authorities indicate the reopening of establishments, I also advise you that we will also reestablish the celebration of Mass and pious activities, and all other previously canceled liturgical events, in all the churches of the Archdiocese.”
Bishop Rodrigo Aguilar Martinez of Tehuacan commented on the fact that this return to normal life should be an opportunity “to realize what we have and often do not appreciate as we should.” For example, “the lack of the Eucharist on Sunday in many places, which for some meant nothing and yet for others, left them with an emptiness that nothing could fill...From now on, as long as there is no word to the contrary, we can return to the regular Mass schedules, however I reiterate the importance of following hygiene recommendations.” He also asked that the people pray the Rosary especially in this month of May and as “they can offer their prayer for the afflictions of so many people and groups throughout the world – for example those affected by this flu.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 8/5/2009)
