The bishop of Portsmouth, England, has encouraged his flock to remain steadfast in prayer during the COVID-19 outbreak, telling Catholics they will remember how they lived this Lent “for many years ahead.”
“As Catholics, we must tackle this crisis with spiritual as well as human resources,” said Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth in a letter to his diocese on Thursday, March 19, the feast of St. Joseph.
“Let us work for an end to this scourge. Let us keep our churches open for prayer and offer daily Mass for the Church and the world. Let us proclaim God’s Word, administer the Sacraments and offer pastoral care to God’s people in their need,” he said.
“Indeed, the ministry of prayer at this time is crucial.” Egan instructed his diocese to pray for a “speedy solution” to the virus, as well as for the sick, vulnerable, and workers in the UK’s National Health Service.
While many have been left asking “why God in his providence has allowed this pandemic to occur,” Egan said it is clear that “He has given us the victory through the death and resurrection of His Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and poured into human history the power of the Holy Spirit to guide all things in the right direction.” CNA
