Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Port Moresby (Agenzia Fides) - "The use of the mask as a tool to protect against Coronavirus is essential, even if it is very uncomfortable to wear for a long time during the day. It serves to protect myself and others", said Father Edward Revilla, SDB missionary, currently serving at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Boroko.
To date, COVID-19 has brought destruction and death around the world. The discovery of the vaccine and its launch in Papua New Guinea have not been accepted in the country. Since herd immunity is very far away, it is necessary to apply the basic protocols, reads the note from the Secretariat for Social Communications of the Bishops' Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands sent to Fides. "I am at the forefront and at the service of our people. The faithful all wear masks when they come to see me", continued the 84-year-old priest. The days of Fr. Revillla are divided among meetings with students, confessions of the faithful in the parish of St. Joseph in Boroko, and the entire Sunday morning at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. During all this time he is constantly in contact, listening and praying, with people. "I believe that the vaccine is for the good of all", said Fr. Revilla who is awaiting the second dose. The priest said he was worried that many people do not respect the protocols and also about the mutation of the virus that with the delta variant, discovered in India, has spread all over the world and is now present in about 80 countries. Revilla spent several years in Papua New Guinea, he was in Rabaul in Kumgi and now Port Moresby always at the service of the Catholic faithful. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 26/7/2021)
