CHURCH SOCIAL TIPS
A range of emotions is sweeping the nation following news reports of the spread of the COVID-19 virus within the United States. Some are thinking that reports are overblown and others are preparing for catastrophic outcomes. The coronavirus has symptoms similar to the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and like the flu, can be deadly. Fear comes from not knowing fully how it’s being transmitted, how quickly it’s spreading and by the fact that there is no vaccine to fight it. And its impact on commerce is fueling anxiety for many.
In response to the first deaths in the United States, many Catholic dioceses, including the Diocese of Honolulu, have created guidelines impacting the Mass experience. These changes are being communicated in a variety ways including social media. As I write this, the Archdiocese of Seattle has seen the largest number of deaths and through its Northwest Catholic Magazine social media pages they have posted guidelines on Twitter and Facebook pages. On March 11, the archbishop announced that Masses would be suspended in Western Washington.
On March 16, the Diocese of Honolulu announced that public Masses would be suspended until March 30 when the situation would be reassessed.
Many dioceses have canceled Mass altogether. The Diocese of Honolulu also posted guidelines on its website (www.catholichawaii.org/covid19) and appropriate Prayers of the Faithful. Island parishes like Annunciation Church on the Big Island are sharing on their pages posts from other Catholic sources calling for prayer too.
In addition, Bishop Larry Silva has shared his own prayer.
The key to calm in this turbulent time is to follow the facts. The Centers for Disease Control (@CDC) and the World Health Organization (@WHO) are posting on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages updates on the progression and preventative measures associated with COVID-19. Simply click the following button on whichever social media site you are on most to stay informed.
The other important key to calm is prayer, as our Lord Jesus is the ultimate healer.
And let us not forget our rich tradition of saints to whom we can pray.
During the bubonic plague of the 1300s, St. Roch, who was born with a red cross on his chest, was credited with curing those afflicted with the disease by making the sign of the cross over its victims.
As we are in the season of Lent and called to add more prayer, silent meditation and Mass attendance, I suggest we offer this prayer of St. Roch daily.
Prayer to St. Roch
O Blessed St. Roch,
Patron of the sick,
Have pity on those
Who lie upon a bed of suffering.
Your power was so great
When you were in this world,
That by the sign of the Cross,
Many were healed of their diseases.
Now that you are in heaven,
Your power is not less.
Offer, then, to God
Our sighs and tears
And obtain for us that health we seek through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Roch, pray for us, that we may be preserved from all diseases of body and soul. (Three times)