Dear Brothers,
Peace and good health be with you!
We have been hearing so much about the corona virus. It is an evil that plagues the world. Many lives were lost and families have been separated due to this pandemic effect. Up until this time, the vaccine to control and minimize this deadly virus is not yet developed. This virus has not only affected our health, but above the normalcy of our daily routines. In various parts of the world, masses have been suspended until further notice. In Italy, the virus has tremendously affected our people economically. The health and spiritual life of our people have also been challenged.
We are of course not left helpless. We should ensure that we observe proper hygiene all the time, such as frequent washing of hands, and do what is necessary to strengthen our immune system, such as sufficient sleep, proper nutrition, and intake of vitamins and other important nutrients. We must also avoid places with big crowd to minimize or at least avoid the transmission of the virus.
The first thing is not to panic and avoid being the source of negative or fake news. Let’s urge our people and our community members to cooperate well with our health organization. Pray, with our own community members and urge our parishioners and friends to stay home and spend time with their families. Let us especially urge them to pray the rosary which is the common family prayer. This is a time for us to listen and quiet our busy schedule specially during this time of lent.
During this time, I urge you to communicate with one another through all forms of online communication. We must be thankful for the technology that allow us to be united. We are reminded from the Sacred Scriptures that during these difficult and challenging times, we must rely on and remain firmly rooted in our faith “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23. Let us beg our Lord to increase our faith so that this virus will be eradicated and we will be healed.
Nevertheless, this is the time we are mandated by Jesus to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. (Matthew 10:8).
Concretely, we minister to them through our prayers and the strengthening of our faith and theirs. In our history, so many of our CRM religious worked in plague infested areas to bring the love of Jesus to others. Through our prayers and ministry, we too must do our part.