Card Coutts praises priests and faithful for Easter 'creativity'
Because of the lockdown imposed for health reasons, Catholics feared they would be deprived of Mass and other devotional practices. Thanks to Facebook, YouTube and local cable TV, many were able to follow religious services from home. Some priests walked the streets of their parish carrying a large crucifix,
Karachi (AsiaNews) – Priests and worshippers in the Archdiocese of Karachi found creative ways to participate in Holy Week and Easter services as well as help the poor, writes Card Joseph Coutts in a message in which he praises and thanks his priests for reaching out to the faithful during the current crisis.
The Archbishop of Karachi noted that the lockdown, imposed for health reasons, was a new experience for everyone, but for Catholics, there was the fear that they might be deprived of Mass and other devotional practices.
The cardinal praised the generous help provided to the poor with what people had as well as thanked Muslim groups, NGOs and all those who joined in to help at this time of crisis.
For Pakistan, this is truly a time of unity as a nation, something that is also useful for interfaith dialogue.
In particular, the prelate noted that many Muslims contacted him saying they wanted to help poor Christians, a gesture he “appreciated and accepted.”
“Our people are locked down, and so I call on everyone to open their hearts and arms to help the poor without looking at their faith.”
Nothing, he added, can distance us from the love of God. Nothing can prevent us from worshiping our Lord.
“One of my faithful told me that his eyes were full of tears from joy and happiness when he saw the Blessed Sacrament at his door; it was truly a blessed moment for him.”
Through Facebook, YouTube and local cable TV, many people were able to follow religious services from home.
Some priests also took to the streets of the parish carrying a large crucifix (pictured) in areas inhabited by Christians, to bless homes and residents, who stood at open doors, windows and some even on roofs.
In one parish in the Archdiocese of Karachi with a large concentration of Christians, the priest walked the streets and alleys for two days, early in the morning, to ensure that every Christian home received the blessing of the Blessed Sacrament.
Lastly. Card Coutts said that he hoped and prayed that the beginning of the hot season would stop the spread of the virus. He also noted that he had given orders to Church leaders to follow the directives issued by the government and public health authorities.
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08/11/2018 14:47
