AMERICA/PARAGUAY - The Bishops: "the first work of charity today is to follow the indications of the civil and ecclesiastical authorities"

Monday, 21 September 2020 coronavirus   local churches  

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Villarrica (Agenzia Fides) - "Our Country is going through a very difficult period because of the number of infected and dead due to the Covid-19 disease, a situation that is particularly serious in Asunción, Central and Alto Paraná. Faced with this painful reality, the Church once again calls the Christian faithful and all people of good will, and urges everyone to follow the recommendations of the health authorities and to adopt measures of personal and community assistance". Thus began the exhortation of the President of the Episcopal Conforenza of Paraguay, Mgr. Adalberto Martinez Flores, Bishop of Villarrica, entitled "Called to the practice of charity", "In their anguish they cried to the Lord and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed, he rescued them from the grave" (Psalm 107, 19-20).
The Bishop expresses spiritual closeness and solidarity with the affected families, prays the Lord to "welcome the deceased into his Kingdom and to grant comfort and relief to their families" and recalls the message of last March, at the beginning of the quarantine, where the Bishops affirmed that "the first work of charity to which we are called today is to follow the indications of the civil and ecclesiastical authorities to contribute, with obedience and respect, in mitigating the contagion and the loss of human life".
Then Mgr. Martinez Flores emphasizes: "Never like now are we called to realize how much personal responsibility is good for everyone" and recalls the words of Pope Francis, who calls authorities and citizens to be united in a common effort, in favor of people's health and life. He then expresses appreciation and gratitude to those who are on the front line to defend the life and health of Covid-19 patients: doctors and nurses, all health personnel and those who collaborate with them in this battle, some of whom "have offered their lives in this selfless and risky service".
Finally, the President of the Bishops' Conference exhorts: "Let us intensify our prayers so that the Lord helps us to live the virtues of faith, hope and charity, which will be the necessary antidote to successfully overcome the crisis caused by Covid-19. Let us pray the rosary within the family. Let us entrust ourselves to the Virgin of Sorrows, who as Mother protects us, may she be our defense, refuge and shelter against the disease. Let us implore for each person, for each family, for our beloved Paraguay the blessing of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit". (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 21/9/2020)


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