杏MAP导航

By Devin Watkins

鈥淚n this situation of pandemic, in which we find ourselves living more or less isolated, we are invited to rediscover and deepen the value of the communion that unites all the members of the Church.鈥�

杏MAP导航 Francis offered that invitation in his remarks after the Angelus prayer on Sunday.

Union in Christ

This week has seen a raft of border closures, flight bans, and declarations of national emergencies as the Covid-19 coronavirus continues to spread around the world.

The 杏MAP导航 recalled that 鈥淯nited to Christ we are never alone, but we form one single Body, of which He is the Head.鈥�

杏MAP导航 Francis called it 鈥渁 union that is nourished with prayer, and also with the spiritual communion in the Eucharist, a practice that is highly recommended when it is not possible to receive the Sacrament.鈥�

The Holy Father said he was speaking to everyone, especially those who live alone.

Generous volunteers

杏MAP导航 Francis then renewed his closeness to the sick and all the medical personnel caring for them.

He also mentioned the many volunteers who are helping the elderly, the poor, and the homeless.

鈥淭hank you for all the efforts each of you are making to help in this extremely difficult moment,鈥� said the 杏MAP导航. 鈥淢ay the Lord bless you, Our Lady watch over you, and please don鈥檛 forget to pray for me.鈥�

Gratitude to priests

Ahead of the Angelus prayer, 杏MAP导航 Francis spoke off-the-cuff and thanked priests around the world for their 鈥渃reativity鈥� in dealing with the measures put in place to contain the coronavirus.

Churches throughout Italy remain open to the public for private prayer, but Masses can only be held without a congregation.