Updated Statement from Archbishop of POS on COVID-19 – 14 Mar
UPDATED STATEMENT FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF PORT OF SPAIN ON COVID-19
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we all know our medical challenge with COVID 19 is changing rapidly. Further
to yesterday’s press release regarding COVID-19, we have another confirmed case.
With the escalation we are experiencing, the Church needs to escalate her response
as well based on current advice. Remember we are called to prudence, restraint
and sacrifice.
With this in mind all Masses are suspended. This is in effect from today,
Saturday, March 14, 2020.
Our first priority is the protection of life and the safety of God’s people, especially
the vulnerable who make up a large and important part of our Church community.
Because of the special nature of these times, all Catholics are strongly urged to
fulfil their Sunday obligation by participating in Mass on Trinity TV or on
Power 102 FM at 8 a.m. Sunday, March 15, 2020. The daily schedule will be
released by Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
I encourage all persons to pray for increased solidarity and communion at this
time. Specifically, I am asking all Catholics to pray daily as a family using
Scripture and the family rosary, asking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin for
our nation.
We must not allow fear and panic to prevail. As I said in my press release,
yesterday, we are our brother’s and sister’s keeper. The primacy of the law of
charity requires of us to assist those in need. Let us begin praying and planning
how to assist others in this time of national challenge, especially those most at risk
in our communities.
Our priests will meet on Monday via technology to discuss concrete ways that
we can minister to the faithful in these most trying of times.
We continue to place our country under the Patronage of Our Lady, Health of the
Sick and of St Joseph, Protector of the Family.
May we, in keeping with the words of Pope Francis, accompany one another with
faith knowing that the Good Shepherd will see us through this time of testing.
†MOST REVEREND CHARLES JASON GORDON
Archbishop of Port of Spain