Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Jose (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops' Conference of Costa Rica has issued a statement cancelling the pilgrimage to Cartago and inviting the faithful of the country to live the feast of Our Lady with the novena, in their homes and communities, or through the media.
According to the information released by the Health Minister, the number of cases of the AH1N1 flu have increased, and with them, the number of deaths, and the virus is appearing with greater strength in the area “Meseta Central.” Considering this information, along with the fact that the pilgrimage would bring together over two million people in the Basilica of the Angels, where the climate and fatigue of the pilgrims would make them more susceptible to catching the flu, the Bishops have asked all the faithful to refrain from making the pilgrimage to the Basilica and ask that greater precaution be taken in the country's churches, in terms of hygiene.
Following recommendations from the Health Minister, the Bishops have decided to close the Basilica of the Angels on the days with the greatest number of faithful, July 25-26, as well as August 1-2. They also support whatever decision the Bishop of Cartago will make as to the traditional passage of the image of the Virgin Mary to the Cathedral of Saint James the Apostle, set to take place August 3. The Bishops conclude by asking all the faithful “to intensify their trusting prayer, that through the intercession of the Our Lady of the Angels, we may be freed from this world epidemic.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 22/7/2009)
