Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) - "You must be aware that the one transmitted by coronavirus is an equally dangerous disease like Ebola", say the Bishops of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a statement sent to Agenzia Fides in which they urge the Congolese "to do their part to counter this pandemic".
The Congolese Bishops thank the authorities for the measures taken to deal with the emergency and express their "spiritual closeness to those who have been affected by the disease worldwide and in our Country".
In inviting parish priests and the faithful to respect hygiene and health standards to counter the spread of the virus, the Bishops recall that Masses can be celebrated in a private form by priests while the fact that the community celebration of masses is suspended does not mean that the faithful may refrain from prayer, which must be intensified to face this difficult moment.
Finally, it is recommended that in seminaries and religious communities, meetings and common moments should be limited to what is strictly necessary and not open to people outside the community. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 20/3/2020)
