As Dominicans follow the happenings around the world regarding the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), His Lordship Bishop Gabriel Malzaire has outlined various guidelines that Catholics should adhere to prevent or decrease the spread of the virus.
In an address to the nation, Bishop Malzaire announced changes to activities in the Catholic Church such as the Diocesan Youth Rally and lent retreats.
“The Diocesan youth rally which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 4th 2020 is postponed to a later date which will be announced subsequently. All lenten retreats, as far as possible, can be held on a community level. This is recommended in order to reduce the large gatherings,” the bishop said.
Additionally, Malzaire strongly encourages various small groups to assemble for vigils, Stations of the Cross and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, to pray earnestly for God’s protection against COVID-19.
“I recommend that all parishes hold a well-prepared penitential service during the Lenten Season at which the parish priest will be authorized by the bishop to administer general absolution to the faithful penitents.”
He asked that when attending Sunday masses, Catholics should strictly follow the guidelines previously given regarding receiving Holy Communion, sharing the Sign of Peace, the Holy Water Font, and precautionary measures regarding coughing and sneezing.
“The elderly, who are unable to attended masses or other services, are advised to follow the 9 am mass aired on Dominica Catholic Radio or EWTN on Sunday morning,” he added.
Meantime, Bishop Malzaire who is also the president of the Antilles Episcopal Conference thanked his brother bishops of the Conference, who, he said, are facing this complex issue with faith and responsibility as it relates to the pastoral care of the People of God in their dioceses.
“They have been offering excellent pastoral care, dialoguing with their respective governments, consulting the medical experts and collaborating with their pastoral leaders,” he said.
He asked for Catholics to encourage each other to meditate and reflect on the Scriptures in order to find meaning in this current situation amid their fears, anxiety and confusion.
“We continue to unite with our Holy Father Pope Francis, who exhorts us by example, to pray in solidarity for our brothers and sisters around the world who are sick,” Malzaire stated.
He further asked that persons pray for all medical and health care workers who are on the front-line of this healing ministry and for those who have lost loved ones to this virus.
Why don’t this medicated guy let the dept of health do its job. It is time people look beyond christianity, Catholicism and prayer. These things have achieved what they were designed and setup to achieve and have outlived their usefulness:
land grab, distortion of facts and history, enslavement of humanity. It’s time to find the way of your people and move on big fella.
Catholics, or any other religious grouping are not less susceptible to infection than anyone else. In fact, the pope himself has distanced himself from flocks of believers in Rome, so as to minimise the risk of catching the corolla virus. This is sensible and our religious leaders should be pragmatic and ban all public gatherings, and that includes masses, funerals, baptisms and weddings. God does understand and is all forgiving. The safety of our citizens is paramount and He will not take offence, like a vain mortal being would. You can pray to your God and worship in the privacy of your home, at least till this threat is over.
Dear Bishop Malzaire, Greetings. Thanks much for your message above entitled
” Issues Guidelines to Help Prevent Spread of Coronavirus”:
He asked for Catholics to encourage each other to meditate and reflect on the Scriptures in order to find meaning in this current situation amid their fears, anxiety and confusion.
“We continue to unite with our Holy Father Pope Francis, who exhorts us by example, to pray in solidarity for our brothers and sisters around the world who are sick,” Malzaire stated.
He further asked that persons pray for all medical and health care workers who are on the front-line of this healing ministry and for those who have lost loved ones to this virus.”
Thanks Bishop for your support and Prayers and guidelines to all our people. We continue to pray for guidance, security and caring and in supporting and ooking for those who are weak, homeless, lonely at home and vulnerable. Gods continued guidance.
A guy call Loftus Durand on Q95 and said” Mr.Durand do you believe there is COVID-19 in Dominica?Durand replied”I will reserve my answer for later in the programme”.
“In an address to the nation, Bishop Malzaire announced changes to activities in the Catholic Church such as the Diocesan Youth Rally and lent retreats.”
Is Bishop Malzaire the president or PM of Dominica? If not on what basis is he qualified to address the nation? Yes he is the Bishop of my church, the Catholic Church but he should address his church and not the nation. Even if he addresses his church what about members of his church that reside with non Catholics and are not following the instructions of the bishop? That’s my problem with these religious leaders because they seeing the wrong of Skerrit, Charles Savarin but instead of calling them out, they try to use their religion to cover our problem.
Why are you doing this? Where is the government?
What!? But….Faith and Prayer! What you mean changes…
“They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them.”
Mark 16:17-18