Category: News

Circular No. 20-19

TO ALL THE BISHOPS AND THE DIOCESAN ADMINISTRATORS

Your Eminences, Your Excellencies, and Reverend Administrators:

RE:   Supplement to the Recommendations for Holy Week and Paschal Triduum Celebrations in Time of Covid-19

This present Circular is a supplement to our previous recommendations, Circulars No. 20-14  and No. 20-15. At the same time, the Congregation For Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments (CDWDS) has also released two (2) Decrees/Instructions relevant to our Holy Week and Paschal Triduum Liturgical Celebrations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will refer to these two documents as Vatican Guidelines.

All these instructions on the liturgical celebrations of the Church during this time of world crisis should help us find the balance between the worthy celebration of the liturgy of the Rites of Holy Week and the call of our health and civil authorities to help stem the rapid transmission of the Corona Virus Disease.

Relative to the above, especially with the recent instructions from the Holy See, we have this present Circular containing additional observations and suggestions of Fr. Genaro Diwa, Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Liturgy, for the celebrations of  Holy Week and the Paschal Triduum:

On the Liturgical Celebrations of Holy Week

1.              Avoid Concelebrations: The recent Vatican Guidelines specifically instruct us to avoid concelebrations since our celebrations must also show our sincere efforts at avoiding the gathering of people.

2.             Omitting the Sign of Peace: The recent Vatican Guidelines indicate “omitting the sign of peace”. But we can still do the giving of the sign of peace since in our recent practice it is done now through the nodding or bowing of the head. (cf. CBCP Circular No. 20-05, dated January 29, 2020: Discourage our faithful from holding hands during the singing/praying of the “Our Father” and shaking of hands during the Sign of Peace).

3.             The Vatican Guidelines emphasize that all our Holy Week and Paschal Triduum Celebrations be made available to our faithful:

• a.     That the Holy Week and Paschal Triduum Celebrations should be brought to our faithful through radio, television, and social media;
• b.    That the schedules of these broadcasts should be known to our faithful so they can follow, in spirit, these celebrations;
• c.     That these scheduled celebrations made available to the faithful should be LIVE coverages.

4.             On our Previous Suggestion (cf. CBCP Circular 20-15): For the presider of the celebrations to go around the parish after every celebration whether to bless the Palms, bring the Blessed Sacrament and the Cross:

This should be considered with great caution, having in mind not to give an opportunity for our faithful to congregate outside their homes. In such a scenario, it will be very difficult to implement the “social distancing” measure.  Moreover, such a scenario will be in contradiction to the lock down and “stay at home” measures now enforced in many places.

On this matter, close coordination with local government and health authorities should be done.

5.             Palm Sunday: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

• a.     “The Commemoration of the Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem is to be celebrated within the church, the sacred building.” (Vatican Guidelines, March 25, 2020).
• b.    The same Vatican Guidelines recommend the use of the “Second Form: Solemn Entrance” for the Cathedral churches and the “Third Form: Simple Entrance” for the Parish churches. However, we recommend upon closer study that we use the “Second Form:  Solemn Entrance” but in a modified way. Since the blessing of the palm branches is in this form, it may be used  at the  Entrance Rite when the presider is already in the sanctuary.
• c.     When the faithful follow this celebration through radio, television, and social media, the blessing of their palms or any leaf branches is imparted by the Scriptural Reading and Prayer of Blessing during the celebration. In their homes there is no need for holy water for the blessing of their palm branches.

6.             The Chrism Mass

• a.     Both Vatican Guidelines allow us this: After thorough assessment of the situation of the diocese in the face of the threat of Covid-19 and in compliance with the call of our government and health authorities to  avoid mass gatherings, each bishop may transfer the Chrism Mass to another date when this crisis has ended.
• b.    Holy Oils: In this situation, if the diocese will need new Chrism, the Bishop may consecrate some amount of Chrism. The Oil of the Sick may be blessed by each priest during the celebration of the Anointing of the Sick, as the need arises. This is provided for in the Rite of Anointing of the Sick.

7.             Holy Thursday: The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

• a.     Please refer to our previous Circular (cf. CBCP Circular No. 20 – 15).
• b.    A Particular Note: The recent Vatican Guidelines say, “The faculty to celebrate Mass on this day in a suitable place, without the people, is granted in an exceptional manner to all priests.”

This means that each priest may celebrate the Mass alone on this occasion. This is due to the intrinsic connection between the priesthood and the Eucharist, the anniversaries of which are highlighted in the liturgical celebration of this evening.

8.             Good Friday: Friday of the Passion of the Lord

• a.     Please refer to our previous Circular (cf. CBCP Circular No. 20 – 15).
• b.    The liturgy is the usual Liturgy of the Friday of the Passion of the Lord found in the Roman Missal.
• c.     The recent Vatican Guidelines indicate that the Presider alone will do the kissing in the Veneration of the Cross.
• d.    In the Solemn Universal Prayers in this liturgy of Good Friday, the recent Vatican Guidelines say, “The bishop will see to it that there is a special intention for the sick, the dead, for those who feel lost or dismayed  (cf. Roman Missal page 307, no. 13).

In the concrete, this special intention would include those who are presently sick of Covid-19, those who have died because of this disease, as well as our doctors, nurses and other medical staff, health care workers, the frontliners in the food services and relief operations, those keeping peace and order, civil servants, and the poorest among our families who are greatly affected by this crisis.

9.             Easter Vigil:

• a.     Please refer to our previous Circular (cf. CBCP Circular No. 20-15).
• b.    The recent Vatican Guidelines say that the Easter Vigil is to be celebrated only in Cathedral and parish churches.
• c.     This can be celebrated not earlier than 5:00 p.m.
• d.    The “Lucernarium” can be celebrated but within the building of the Church.
• e.     In the “Baptismal Liturgy”, we only omit the “Ritual of Baptism” and we maintain the “Blessing of Water” (cf. The prayer of blessing used if no one is present to be baptized) and the “Renewal of Baptismal Promises”.

Related Considerations:

1.      Holy Week and Paschal Triduum Family/Home Celebrations: These we offer to our faithful so that they can use them even if they cannot be physically present in all our liturgical celebrations. It is to be noted that these Family/ Home Celebrations are different and are to be used apart from the liturgies we offer to our faithful to watch and listen to.

These Family/Home Celebrations can be used after the family has followed the liturgical celebrations of the Church through radio, television, and social media. The father or any of the elders of the household can lead the celebration.

We will send you the PDF copy of these celebrations so you can translate these to your native language and eventually disseminate them to your parishes.

2.     The Need for Confession when No Priest is Available: The opportunity of celebrating the Sacrament of Confession is extremely difficult to have during this crisis situation.

Thus, we remind our clergy that our faithful should be instructed on the issue of the need for Confession in a situation when no priest is available. On this problematic pastoral situation, Pope Francis has made this clarification, echoing the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Nos. 1451 and 1452):

 “I know that many of you go to confession before Easter… Many will say to me: ‘But Father…I can’t leave the house and I want to make my peace with the Lord. I want Him to embrace me… How can I do that unless I find a priest?’. Do what the catechism says. It’s very clear. If you don’t find a priest to go to confession, speak to God. He’s your Father. Tell Him the truth: ‘Lord. I did this and this and this. Pardon me.’ Ask His forgiveness with all your heart with an act of contrition, and promise Him, ‘afterward I will go to confession.’ You will return to God’s grace immediately. You yourself can draw near, as the catechism teaches us, to God’s forgiveness, without having a priest at hand.” (Homily, Casa Santa Marta Chapel, Pope Francis, March 20, 2020).

3.     Guidelines for Those Who Minister to those Affected by the COVID-19: We are also sending you a copy of the Guidelines for Those Who Minister to those Affected by the COVID-19.

4.     Modified Holy Week and Paschal Triduum Celebrations: We will also send you, the soonest, copies of the modified Holy Week and Paschal Triduum Celebrations, to guide our clergy and our faithful.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

31 March 2020

A.   Guidelines on Police Visits Looking for Possible Accommodations of Police Personnel in Our Parishes

The incidents regarding policemen scouting for church’s facilities for their possible accommodation should not be a cause for concern. They are not going to take-over your facilities. They are doing it merely for inventory. In the event that they’ll be needing a place to stay, your facilities may be considered but only after going through a proper and formal protocol.

Here’s what we have to do as pastors:

1.) Accommodate and talk to police-visitors and discuss with them the purpose of their visit. They are to identify themselves and give the names of their commanding officers who sent them. Note these down for proper documentation.

2.) Parish priests or another priest designated by the parish priest are to communicate with them.

3.) Letter of request from either the Chief PNP, City Mayor, or the City Police Chief addressed to the Local Ordinary or the Apostolic Administrator of Manila is to be given. This letter will be sent to the Administrator for verification. Personal request, meaning without the behest of the PNP Chief, City Mayor, or City Police Chief should be politely declined.

4.) Once the request is granted by the Apostolic Administrator, pastors are to be responsible in determining the extent of help to be given to police front liners. How many days will they be staying? Will they be provided food, drinks, and other basic necessities? Some are merely looking for a place to stay and would not expect the above-mentioned provisions.

5.) Only schools, halls, gymnasiums, and other rooms are to be used for such accommodation, not the church itself.

6.) Once they are accommodated, make a close coordination with Barangay officials and inform the latter of the presence of policemen in your church.

7.) If the parish is unable to accommodate them, politely decline such a request and refer them to the Coordinating Committee led by Fr. Jason Laguerta and Fr. Jerome Secillano and let the Committee suggest another available place if there is any.

8.) We need to exercise prudence and charity in dealing with people in need.

9.) The greater good of the parish should also be considered in this particular situation.

10.) The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM) reserves the right to either allow or refuse the use of church’s facilities under its jurisdiction.

B.  Guidelines on the Possibility of Using Church’s Facilities as Quarantine Areas for PUIS & PUMS

Providing our facilities as quarantine areas for PUIs and PUMs is easier said than done. Aside from the fact that our facilities are not equipped for such a situation, the risk of transmitting Corona virus is high since many of our churches and facilities are very close to communities or residential areas.

Besides, there are other private facilities which are tailored for this situation since they already have rooms, toilets, and kitchens that should make proper medical and health interventions for PUIs and PUMs easier.

The government can look at hotels, motels or big apartelles before they should even consider our church’s facilities.

We also believe that there are still other huge public buildings that are owned either by the national or local government that can be properly utilized for accommodating PUI and PUM cases.

Nonetheless, in this critical and difficult situation we need to show our readiness to help and collaborating with our government at this juncture is for the common good.

In the event, therefore, that we are approached and asked to have our parish facilities to be considered for this purpose, we are to do the following:

1.) Ask which government agency he/she is connected. Verify his/her status. Ask for the person’s identity and the name of the superior who sent him/her. There should be a formal written request.

2.) Entertain and listen. Politely tell him/her that you are referring the matter to the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila or to the religious superior  because only he/she can make the appropriate decision.

3.) Inform the Apostolic Administrator or the religious superior. He/she will act on it based on the following considerations:

a.) There is a formal request from the LGU for the purpose of using church’s facilities for the quarantine of PUIs and PUMs. Based on government proclamations (Proclamation No. 922 dated March 8, 2020) and guidelines (DILG Memo Circular No 2020-062 and DOH Memo No 2020-0123), it is the LGU where the Parish is located that must send the request. The request indicates the specific intended purpose or use of the identified facility/ area, as well as the duration of the use, subject to extension, if necessary.

b.) The possible use of church’s facilities for the aforementioned purpose is a last recourse measure. The LGU must present that all other facilities have been assessed and were found to be inadequate; then an assessment by the municipal, city or provincial health officer must be shown that church’s facility to be used is suitable for the specific intended purpose.

c.) The facility will be manned by DOH experts and personnel applying the necessary medical protocols and expenditures. The LGU presents a planned management of the facility. It is to be under the supervision of the City/ Municipal Health Officer, as stated in DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0123. It conforms to the DOH standards and guidelines, including, but not limited to patient management, safety standards within the facility and immediate community, waste management/ disposal, and other similar/ related health requirements.

d.) Normally, the church itself is not to be used for this purpose. Possible facilities are gymnasium, auditorium, classrooms, halls and other areas with wide spaces. The LGU request must include a commitment for the safekeeping of all property and valuables in the facility to be used during the operations and the conduct of the cleaning and fumigation of the area.

e.) The Apostolic Administrator, in his wise and prudent judgment, is to consider not only the good of the patients but of the church community as well. He, therefore, reserves the right to either allow or refuse the use of church’s facilities under his governance or administration.

f.) A distinction is to be made between facilities owned by religious congregations and those under the Archdiocese of Manila. The Apostolic Administrator has no jurisdiction over properties owned by religious congregations. Requests for their use are to be made directly to the religious superiors concerned.

BP. BRODERICK PABILLO
Apostolic Administrator of Manila
3 April 2020

PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE

Buddhists and Christians: Constructing a Culture of Compassion and Fraternity

Vatican City

Dear Buddhists Friends,

1.         On behalf of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, we extend our heartfelt greetings and good wishes to you and to all Buddhist communities around the world as you celebrate the feast of Vesakh/Hanamatsuri. For the last twenty-four years, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has sent greetings to you on this happy occasion. Since this year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of this traditional message, we would like to renew our bond of friendship and collaboration with the various traditions you represent.

2.         This year, we would like to reflect with you on the theme “Buddhists and Christians: Constructing a Culture of Compassion and Fraternity”. We are mindful of the high value our respective religious traditions give to compassion and fraternity in our spiritual quest and in our witness and service to a wounded humanity and a wounded earth.

3.         The Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together states: “Authentic teachings of religions invite us to remain rooted in the values of peace; to defend the values of mutual understanding, human fraternity and harmonious coexistence”. Meeting the Supreme Buddhist Patriarch in Thailand last November, His Holiness Pope Francis expressed that “we can grow and live together as good “neighbors” and thus be able to promote among the followers of our religions the development of new charitable projects, capable of generating and multiplying practical initiatives on the path of fraternity, especially with regard to the poor and our much-abused common home. In this way, we will contribute to the formation of a culture of compassion, fraternity and encounter, both here and in other parts of the world” (cf. Visiting the Supreme Buddhist Patriarch, Bangkok, 21 November 2019).

4.         The Feast of Vesakh/ Hanamatsuri prompts us to recall that Prince Siddhartha set out in search of wisdom by shaving his head and renouncing his princely status. He traded his garments of Benares silk for the simple robe of a monk. His noble gesture reminds us of Saint Francis of Assisi: he cut his hair and traded his fine clothes for the simple robe of a mendicant because he wanted to follow Jesus, who “emptied himself, taking the form of a slave” (Philippians 2:7) and had “nowhere to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20). Their example and that of their followers inspire us to a life of detachment in view of what is most important. Thus, in consequence, we may more freely devote ourselves to fostering a culture of compassion and fraternity for the alleviation of human and ecological suffering.

5.         Everything is related. Interdependence brings us back to the theme of compassion and fraternity. In a spirit of gratitude for your friendship, we humbly ask you to accompany and support your Christian friends in fostering loving kindness and fraternity in the world today. As we, Buddhists and Christians, learn from one another how to become ever more mindful and compassionate, may we continue to look for ways to work together to make our interconnectedness a source of blessing for all sentient beings and for the planet, our common home.

6.         We believe that to guarantee the continuity of our universal solidarity, our shared journey requires educational process. To this end, a global event will take place on 15 October 2020 on the theme “Reinventing the Global Compact on Education”. “This meeting will rekindle our dedication for and with young people, renewing our passion for a more open and inclusive education, including patient listening, constructive dialogue and better mutual understanding” (Pope Francis, Message for the Launch of the Global Compact on Education, 12 September 2019). We invite you to work together with all to promote this initiative, individually and within your communities, to nurture a new humanism.  We are also happy to see that Buddhists and Christians are drawing on deeply held values and working together to uproot the causes of social ills in various parts of the world.

7.         Let us pray for all those who are affected by the coronavirus pandemic and for those who are caregivers. Let us encourage our faithful to live this difficult moment with hope, compassion, and charity.

8.         Dear Buddhist friends, in this spirit of friendship and collaboration, we wish you once again a peaceful and joyful feast of Vesakh/Hanamatsuri.

Miguel Ángel Card. Ayuso Guixot, MCCJ
President

Msgr. Kodithuwakku K. Indunil J.
Secretary

PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
00120 Vatican City

My dear people of God in the Archdiocese of Manila,

We truly miss going to Church by now. We may see their big structures from a distance.

We may hear the regular ringing of their bells. We see them in our screens as we watch the online Masses. But oh, how we wish to go to them and pray. This feeling is very understandable after several weeks of quarantine. But let us not forget that though we may not be able to go to church, we can still live the church in our homes.

For the first three hundred years of Christianity, there were no big churches. Christianity was forbidden so the Christians could not construct big buildings; they gathered instead in their homes. They live the experience of being Church in their homes. Let us return to this. Let us be churches in our homes.

What makes a building a church? It is not the structure, nor the paintings or statue, much less the design. We go to church because there we are in the presence of God. We want to meet the Lord. There we experience the Lord in prayer. A building becomes a church because people gather there to pray together; it is there where the Word of God is being proclaimed. There we experience together that we are loved by God and we strive to love others too. Prayer. Word of God. Love. These are the essentials of the Church.

We can live these in our homes now. Let prayers be echoed in our homes, not just individual prayers but family prayers together. The Lord Jesus said: “In truth I tell you once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three meet in my name, I am there among them.” (Mt. 18:19-20) During this quarantine days let us set aside time together to pray as a family. We join as a family in the online Masses, most especially on Sundays. The  church bells are rung daily at 12 noon and 8 pm, inviting families to pray the oratio imperata and the family rosary.

In our homes too, the Word of God can be proclaimed and reflected upon. It would be good to have the family gathered together to hear passages of the Bible read as part of the family prayer. The family can have Bible sharing. Stories of the Bible can be told and retold within the family walls. The faith is not just a personal matter. It should be a family affair.

The Bible tells us: “We have recognized for ourselves, and put our faith in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.” (1 Jn. 4:16) Where there is love, God is there. Let us strive during these days to really love one another in very practical ways. Love is not just in emotions. It is shown in deed. “Love is always patient and kind; love is never jealous; love is not boastful or conceited, it is never rude and never seeks its own advantage, it does not take offence or store up grievances. Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but finds its joy in the truth. It is always ready to make allowances.” (1 Cor. 13:4-7) We can strive to do these in our  life together in our homes. Parents can set the example to their children and thus lead them to holiness. Then love is there. Then God is there. Then the Church is there.

This love within the family can expand to the people around us. We do not have contact with many people during the quarantine, but surely we can be kind, courteous and generous to some neighbor, to the garbage collector, to the barangay tanods, to the storekeepers, to the poor around us. Then the church in the family is in action!

We can live the experience of Church in our homes. God is very much present among us even if we cannot go to Church. He comes to our homes when we pray together, let the Word of God be heard within our homes, and love is lived among us as a family.

Mother Mary lived that experience of church in her own home in Nazareth. Let us make the Holy Family the protectress of our family.

Yours truly in Christ Jesus,

+ BRODERICK PABILLO
Apostolic Administrator of Manila
1 April 2020

Prayers of the Faithful for the Heroic Health Workers on the Frontline of COVID-19 Fight

29 March 2020

In response to the call for prayers today, 29 March 2020, by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for the country’s medical frontliners against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the women and men of the EcoWaste Coalition earnestly offer the following prayers:

1.  For the doctors, nurses, clinical laboratory technicians, administrative personnel, ancillary staff, paramedics, funeral home and crematorium workers, as well as volunteers, that they may remain healthy — physically, mentally and emotionally — as they continue putting their own lives at risk to be of service to others in these troubled times (Lord, hear our prayer);

2.  For the families of healthcare workers and other frontliners to have hope, serenity and peace of mind that their loved ones will be spared of coronavirus infection as they perform their all-important services for society (Lord, hear our prayer); 

3.  For all healthcare frontliners to be provided with continuous supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as medical-grade masks, facecovers, goggles and gowns to protect themselves from being exposed to the dreaded coronavirus in the line of duty (Lord, hear our prayer);

4.  For the bereaved families of healthcare frontliners who succumbed to COVID-19 to find solace in the fact that the whole nation is with them in spirit as they mourn the passing of their loved ones (Lord, hear our prayer);

5.  For healthcare frontliners undergoing home quarantine not to develop symptoms of coronavirus infection and for them to be able to re-join their colleagues on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19 outbreak (Lord, hear our prayer);

6.  For more doctors, nurses and other medical professionals and volunteers to come forward to replace those who have fallen ill and to attend to the growing number of COVID-19 cases (Lord, hear our prayer);

7.  For the stigma and discrimination being faced by some healthcare frontliners to come to an end, and for such paranoia to be replaced with love and respect that all frontliners deserve for their selfless and most courageous service in the face of an invisible enemy (Lord, hear our prayer);

8.  For local government units, hotels, churches and other institutions to open their facilities to healthcare workers and other frontliners where they can adequately and comfortably rest and recharge after work (Lord, hear our prayer);

9.  For the government and hospital authorities to also look after the mental health of frontliners, ensuring their access to counseling services and other mechanisms to cope with fatigue and stress (Lord, hear our prayer); and   

A rejoinder from the Health Sector of the province.

27 March 2020

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, Diocese of San Carlos, calls for extraordinary measures to release Political Prisoners

We can all attest that these are not ordinary days.  The entire nation seeks to cooperate with social/ physical distancing protocols. Yet, cases of COVID-19 infections are increasing everyday around the archipelago. This is a time for saving lives through much-needed grace and ingenuity.  An undeniable threat of catastrophe hovers over jails, filled far beyond capacity in the Philippines.  Decongesting facilities will help secure the lives of detainees and jail personnel. We must muster courage to address the glaringly high-risk of a COVID-19 outbreak, now forced upon those behind bars. For all that is humane, good, and loving, now is a moment for urgent action. This is also the call of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Peace advocates appeal that political prisoners should be “top of the list” for release. In light of the unilateral ceasefires called by the Duterte administration for the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), release of political prisoners will be a strong confidence-building measure towards the fruition of the peace process between the two parties.   During this COVID-19 pandemic, we can be embracing efforts to inspire mutual-cooperation and community- preparedness.   The more than 600 political prisoners, detained under often questionable and dubious charges, comprise a sector of the prison population that can and should be released on humanitarian grounds. The sick and elderly, among them, are at extraordinary risk for severe cases of the novel corona virus. With outbreaks of COVID-19 sweeping the nation, exposing “prisoners of conscience” to life-threatening peril is, frankly, unconscionable.

For the Island of Negros, the plight of political prisoners is apparent.  Most of the more than 90 political prisoners were arrested in the last 18 months. Included among these are Church people, activists, and members of farmers’ organizations.  Also under detention in Manila is Francisco “Fr. Frank” Fernandez, Jr., a frail and elderly NDFP peace consultant, who was in Luzon for medical consultation and treatment at the time of his arrest.

Peace advocates continue to believe that a just and durable peace can be achieved by addressing the roots of the armed conflict.  A key component to such belief is a recognition and respect that human life is sacred. The Geneva Convention and the GRP-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) give ample basis for such releases, as under a COVID-19 outbreak, detention facilities will be rendered grossly inhumane. In contrast, saving lives through the release of political prisoners will send a strong message of the Duterte administration’s desire for peace and goodwill throughout the country. 

The Duterte administration should act with utmost urgency to decongest prisons as well as engage mass testing and provide separate quarantine facilities; or else, God forbid, prisons and those in them may sink like the ill-fated Diamond Princess and other cruise ships, as social/physical distancing and self-isolation are spatially impossible.  Political prisoners, the sick, the elderly and those detained on petty crimes and misdemeanors may all be considered for release—this is a matter of life and death calling for extraordinary measures. Such call is integral to our dream of “a loving, merciful, pardoning, welcoming church.” 

MOST. REV. GERARDO A. ALMINAZA, D.D.
The Roman Catholic Bishop of San Carlos

‘Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?’

ZENIT
March 27, 2020  Jim Fair 

Pope Francis on March 27, 2020, asked of the world the question Jesus asked of the apostles who cowered in fear in a storm-seized boat on the Sea of Galilee: “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?”

Following is the Holy Father full address, provided by the Vatican

“When evening had come” (Mk 4:35). The Gospel passage we have just heard begins like this. For weeks now it has been evening. Thick darkness has gathered over our squares, our streets, and our cities; it has taken over our lives, filling everything with a deafening silence and a distressing void, that stops everything as it passes by; we feel it in the air, we notice in people’s gestures, their glances give them away. We find ourselves afraid and lost. Like the disciples in the Gospel, we were caught off guard by an unexpected, turbulent storm. We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other. On this boat… are all of us. Just like those disciples, who spoke anxiously with one voice, saying “We are perishing” (v. 38), so we too have realized that we cannot go on thinking of ourselves, but only together can we do this.

It is easy to recognize ourselves in this story. What is harder to understand is Jesus’ attitude. While his disciples are quite naturally alarmed and desperate, he stands in the stern, in the part of the boat that sinks first. And what does he do? In spite of the tempest, he sleeps on soundly, trusting in the Father; this is the only time in the Gospels we see Jesus sleeping. When he wakes up, after calming the wind and the waters, he turns to the disciples in a reproaching voice: “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” (v. 40).