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Fifty-third year, number 13 (2.640) Friday, 27 March 2020

The recites the Our Father in spiritual communion with all the Christians of the world for humanity so greatly tried

In spiritual communion with Christians throughout the world, on Wednesday, 25 March, of the Annunciation of the Lord, recited the “Pater Noster” to implore for “mercy for humanity so greatly tried by the coronavirus pandemic”. The following is a translation of the Pope’s introductory words which he offered in Italian on live steaming, from the private library of the at noon.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Today we made an appointment with all Christians throughout the world to pray to- gether the ‘Our Father’, the prayer that taught us. As trusting children, we address our Father. We do it every day, several times a day. However, at this time, we want to implore mercy for humanity, so greatly tried by the coronavirus pandemic. And we do it together, Christians of every Church and Community, of every tradition, age, language and nation. Let us pray for the sick and their families; for healthcare workers and those who assist them, for the authorities, law enforcement agencies and volunteers and for the ministers of our community. Many of us today are celebrating the In- carnation of the Word in the womb of the Vir- gin Mary, when her humble and total [reply]: “Here I am”, reflected in the “Here I am” of the Son of God. We too entrust ourselves into Go d’s handsin full confidence and with one heart and one soul, let us pray: Pater Noster

Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations General Audience Life should be defended Words of Vocation

PAGE 3 “Words of Vocation” is the theme of the 57th World Day of Prayer for to the other shore, while he took Vocations which will be celebrated on 3 May, fourth Sunday of Easter. leave of the people. The image of The following is the English text of Pope Francis’ Message for the occasion. the disciples crossing the lake can Special evoke our own life’s journey. In- Go d’s people in response to the deed, the boat of our lives slowly In the current pandemic L o rd ’s call. advances, restlessly looking for a On that occasion, I chose four safe haven and prepared to face PAGE 4/5 key words — pain, gratitude, encour- the perils and promises of the sea, agement and p ra i s e — as a way of yet at the same time trusting that thanking priests and supporting the helmsman will ultimately keep their ministry. I believe that today, us on the right course. At times, Indications on this 57th World Day of Prayer though, the boat can drift off for Vocations, those words can be course, misled by mirages, not the Paschal celebrations addressed to the whole people of lighthouse that leads it home, and God, against the backdrop of the be tossed by the tempests of diffi- PAGE 6 Gospel passage that recounts for culty, doubt and fear. us the remarkable experience of Je- Something similar takes place in sus and Peter during a stormy the hearts of those who, called to Dear Brothers and Sisters, Sunday Angelus night on the Sea of Galilee (cf. Mt follow the Teacher of Nazareth, On 4 August last year, the 160th 14:22-33). have to undertake a crossing and Together against the virus anniversary of the death of the After the multiplication of the abandon their own security to be- Curé of Ars, I chose to write a let- loaves, which had astonished the come the Lord’s disciples. The risk PAGE 8 ter to all those priests who daily crowds, Jesus told his disciples to devote their lives to the service of get into the boat and precede him CONTINUED ON PA G E 7 page 2 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 27 March 2020, number 13

SPECIAL ENVOY

The Holy Father appointed Cardin- VAT I C A N al Luis Antonio G. Tagle, of the Congregation for the Evangeliz- a law degree and legal practice qual- ation of Peoples, as his Special En- BULLETIN ification, and a licence in theology. voy at the National Eucharistic Con- He was ordained a priest on 9 gress in the Democratic Republic of September 2000. the Congo, to be held in Lubum- Cardinal Miguel Angel Áyuso Guix- AUDIENCES bashi from 7 to 14 June 2020 (18 ot, President of the Pontifical Coun- The Holy Father accepted the resig- M a r. ) . Friday, 20 March cil for Interreligious Dialogue nation of Bishop Roberto Octavio Balmore Cinta, M J, as Bishop of Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Fr Juan Antonio Guerrero Alves, S J, Ciudad Valles, Mexico (19 Mar.). D M I N I S T R AT I O N OF THE Prefect of the Congregation for the Prefect of the Secretariat for the A Evangelization of Peoples Economy The Holy Father appointed Fr PAT R I M O N Y OF THE Roberto Yenny García as Bishop of Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turk- Ciudad Valles. Until now he has HANGES IN P I S C O PAT E son, Prefect of the for Pro- C E served as secretary for institutional The Holy Father appointed Cardin- moting Integral Human Develop- relations of the Episcopal Confer- al Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet, The Holy Father accepted the resig- ment ence of Mexico (19 Mar.). SDB, Archbishop of Montevideo, Ur- nation of Bishop Martin Tetsuo uguay, as member of the Commis- Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, Prefect Hiraga from his office as Bishop of Bishop-elect García, 48, was born sion of Cardinals of the Administra- of the Congregation for Catholic Sendai, Japan (18 Mar.). in Mexico City. He holds: a doctor- tion of the Patrimony of the Education (for Institutes of Study) ate in philosophy and in moral theo- The Holy Father accepted the resig- Apostolic See (18 Mar.). logy; a degree in family therapy and Saturday, 21 March nation of Bishop David Cristopher in counselling. He was ordained a McGough from his office as Auxili- Cardinal , PSS, Prefect priest on 19 March 1996. LENTEN SERMON of the ary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, Great Britain (18 The Holy Father accepted the resig- H.E. Mr Louis Léon Boguy Bony, On Friday morning, 20 March, Fr M a r. ) . nation of Bishop Armando José Ambassador of Côte d'Ivoire, for the , OFM Cap., The Holy Father appointed as Aux- María Rossi, O P, as Bishop of Con- presentation of his Letters of Cre- Preacher of the , iliary Bishops of Birmingham: Fr cepción, (19 Mar.). dence delivered the Second Lenten Sermon David Ernest Charles Evans, The Holy Father appointed Bishop in the Chapel. Cardinal , Pre- assigning him the titular episcopal José Melitón Chávez as Bishop of fect of the Supreme of the See of Cuncacestre. Until now he Concepción. Until now he has NECROLO GY has served as episcopal vicar for served as coadjutor Bishop of the Birmingham; and Fr Stephen James same (19 Mar.). Cardinal , President of Lawrence Wright assigning him the Bishop Sebastião Roque Rabelo the for Promoting titular of Ramsbiria. The Holy Father appointed Bishop Mendes (Dom Zico), Christian Unity Until now he has served as epis- Patrick Michael O'Regan as Metro- of Ploaghe, emerit- Monday, 23 March copal vicar of Worcester (18 Mar.). politan Archbishop of Adelaide, us of Belo Horizonte – MG, Brazil, Australia. Until now he has served at age 90 (11 Mar.) Cardinal , Presid- Bishop-elect Evans, 66, was born as Bishop of Sale, Australia (19 Bishop Gilbert E. Chávez, titular ent of the Pontifical Council for in Henley-on-Thames, Great Britain. M a r. ) . Bishop of Magarmel, Auxiliary Bish- C u l t u re He holds a licence in philosophy and theology. He was ordained a The Holy Father appointed Fr op emeritus of San Diego, USA, at Archbishop Salvatore Fisichella, titu- priest on 29 July 1978. Moises M. Cuevas as Auxiliary Bish- age 87 (15 Mar.) op of the Archdiocese of Zam- lar Archbishop of Voghenza, Presid- Bishop Justin Mulenga of Mpika, boanga, the Philippines, assigning ent of the Pontifical Council for Bishop-elect Wright, 49, was born Zambia, at age 65 (20 Mar.) Promoting the New Evangelization in Stafford, Great Britain. He holds him the titular episcopal See of Maraguia. Until now he has served Bishop Soundararaju Periyanayagam, as priest of the Cathedral of SDB, of Vellore, India, at age 70 (21 the in Zam- M a r. ) boanga City (19 Mar.). Pop e’s prayer intention for the Bishop-elect Cuevas, 46, was born in Batangas City, the Philippines. month of March He holds a degree in philosophy and theology. He was ordained a Pope Francis’ visit In the prayer intention for the month of March entrusted to the Pope’s priest on 6 December 2000. Worldwide Prayer Network, the Holy Father invites the faithful to pray to Malta postponed “that the Church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel The Holy Father appointed Fr José and grow in unity”. The Church in China today, “looks to the future Adolfo Larregain, OFM, as Auxiliary The Apostolic Visit of Pope Fran- with hope”, the Pope said, and she calls on “Chinese Christians to be Bishop of the Archdiocese of Corri- cis to Malta, scheduled to take truly Christian and to be good citizens”. As the video shows images of entes, Argentina, assigning him the place on Pentecost Sunday, 31 people praying, Pope Francis encourages Chinese Christians to promote titular episcopal See of Mauriana. May, has been postponed to a the Gospel, “but without engaging in proselytism”, in order to “achieve Until now he has served as: guardi- later date due to the coronavirus the unity of the divided Catholic community”. an of the Community of the pandemic. Although the first Christian missionaries arrived in China in the sixth Minor in the Diocese of Merlo- The Director of the century when Syrian monks introduced the Eastern Church, it was in the Moreno; parish administrator of the Press Office, , made 20th century that a growth in the number of Baptized people occurred. Virgen de la Paz parish and provin- the announcement on Monday, 23 According to some estimates there are currently some 100 million Christi- cial definitor of his Order (21 Mar.). March: “Due to the ongoing world ans in China accounting for 7.1 % of the country’s population. Indeed, situation, and in agreement with China in the future could be home to the largest Christian community in Bishop-elect Larregain, 53, was authorities and the local Church, the world. Translated into nine languages, the video for the Pope’s prayer born in Adolfo González Chávez, the previously announced Apostol- intention for March was produced and distributed by La Machi agency, Argentina. He holds a degree in pas- ic Visit to Malta has been post- in collaboration with , and can be viewed on www.the toral theology. He was ordained a poned to a later date to be de- p op evideo.org. priest on 19 March 2004. termined,” reads the statement.

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GENERAL AU D I E N C E

On the 25th anniversary of “Evangelium Vitae”, Pope Francis commented on John Paul II’s Letter “within the context of a pandemic that threatens human life and the world economy” during the General Audience on Wednesday, 25 March. Rather than continue his catechesis on the Beatitudes, he highlighted the close and profound bond between “the Annunciation and the ‘Gospel of Life’”. The following is a translation of his remarks which he delivered in Italian on live streaming, from the library of the Apostolic Palace, due to the coronavirus emergency.

Each life should be defended, served and loved The Pope renews the teachings of ‘Evangelium Vitae’ within the pandemic context

Dear Brothers and Sisters, grant.... Life manifests itself tan- and of itself; it is of inestimable communities, along with the Good morning! gibly in people. value. This must always be pro- faithful of various confessions, claimed anew with the courage of will spiritually join together to in- Twenty-five years ago today, on Each human being is called by the Word and the courage of ac- voke God with the Lord’s Prayer. this very date, 25 March, when God to enjoy the fullness of life; tions. It calls us to solidarity and the Church marks the Solemnity and, is entrusted to the maternal Let us unite our voices in a plea fraternal love for the great human of the Annunciation of the Lord, care of the Church, every threat to the Lord in these days of suf- family and for each of its mem- fering, as the world is being Saint John Paul II p ro m u l g a t e d to human dignity and life cannot b ers. the Encyclical Letter Evangelium but have an effect on her heart, greatly tried by the pandemic. Vitae, on the value and inviolabil- on her maternal ‘womb’. To de- Thus, with Saint John Paul II, May our kind and merciful Fath- ity of human life. fend life is not an ideology for who wrote this Encyclical Letter, er grant the unanimous plea of the Church. It is a reality; a hu- I reaffirm with renewed convic- his children, who in trusting The bond between the Annunci- man reality which involves all tion the appeal he addressed to hope, turn to his omnipotence. ation and the “Gospel of Life” is Christians, precisely because they everyone 25 years ago: “resp ect, close and profound, as Saint John I also renew to all my invita- are Christian and because they protect, love and serve life, every Paul emphasized in his Encyclical tion to spiritually participate via are human. human life! Only in this direction Letter. Today we find ourselves re- the means of communication in Unfortunately, attacks against will you find justice, develop- the moment of prayer that I will viving this teaching within the ment, true freedom, peace and context of a pandemic that p eople’s dignity and life still con- preside the day after tomorrow, tinue in our epoch, which is the happiness!” (Encyclical Letter, on Friday [27 March] at 6:00 pm threatens human life and the Evangelium Vitae, n. 5). world economy. It is a situation age of universal human rights. on the parvis of the Basilica of that makes the words with which Indeed, we are facing new threats Saint Peter. Listening to the and new forms of slavery, and Word of God and the Adoration the Encyclical begins ever more APPEAL demanding. Here they are: “The laws do not always protect the of the Most Holy Sacrament will Gospel of life is at the heart of Je- weakest and most vulnerable hu- In a short while, at midday, we be followed by the sus’ message. Lovingly received man lives. Pastors of the various Christian Blessing connected to the Plenary day after day by the Church, it is The message of the . to be preached with dauntless fi- Encyclical Evangelium delity as ‘good news’ to the people Vitae is thus more cur- of every age and culture” (n. 1). rent than ever. Aside SPECIAL GREETINGS from the emergencies I greet the English-speaking As with every proclamation of like the one we are ex- the Gospel, this too should firstly periencing now, it is a faithful joining us through the be witnessed. And I think with case of taking action media, as we continue on our gratitude of the silent witness of on the cultural and Lenten journey towards Easter. many people who, in various educational level in Upon you and your families, I in- ways, are doing everything they order to transmit to voke the strength and peace that can in serving the sick, the elderly future generations, the come from our Lord Jesus Christ. and those who are alone and attitude of solidarity, May God bless you! most destitute. They put into care and welcome, in I offer a special greeting to practice the Gospel of Life, like the full knowledge young people,the e l d e rl y, the sick Mary who, having accepted the that the culture of life and newlyweds. Today, on the Angel’s announcement, went to is not the exclusive Solemnity of the Annunciation of help her cousin Elizabeth who heritage of Christians, the Lord, I entrust everyone to was in need. but rather belongs to the Mother of Jesus and Our Indeed, the life that we are all those who, working Mother. May she who said that called to promote and defend is to build fraternal rela- “yes” in Nazareth, help you to not an abstract concept, but tionships, recognize say “yes” every day to the Lord, rather it is always manifested in a the value of each per- who asks you to welcome him person in flesh and blood: a baby son, even when they and to follow him in all the con- who has just been conceived, a are fragile and suffer- crete situations that you are ex- marginalized poor person, a sick i n g. periencing. May God Bless you. person who is disheartened or in Dear brothers and a terminal ill state, one who has sisters, every human lost their job or cannot find one, life, unique and unre- a rejected or marginalized mi- peatable, has value in number 13, Friday, 27 March 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 4/5

The God of tenderness will heal us of all life’s wounds and of all the bad things we have done. Returning to God means returning to an embrace, the embrace of the Father. GRANTING OF SPECIAL INDULGENCES (@Pontifex)

Decree of the To the faithful in the current pandemic

The gift of Special Indulgences is granted to the faithful suffering from Covid-19 disease, commonly known as Coronavirus, as well as to health-care workers, family members and all those who in any capacity, including through prayer, care for them.

“Rejoice in your hope, be patient in according to the Holy Father’s inten- tribulation, be constant in prayer” tions), as soon as possible. (Rom 12:12). The words written by Health-care workers, family mem- Saint Paul to the Church of bers and all those who, following the To receive God’s forgiveness resonate throughout the entire history example of the Good Samaritan, ex- of the Church and guide the judg- pose themselves to the risk of conta- without having a priest ment of the faithful in the face of all gion to care for the sick of Coronavir- suffering, sickness and calamity. us according to the words of the di- The present moment in which the vine Redeemer: “Greater love has no Salus animarum, the salvation of souls, is the supreme law whole humanity, threatened by the in- man than this, that a man lay down of the Church, the fundamental interpretative criterion to visible and insidious disease that has his life for his friends”. (Jn 15:13), will determine what is right. This is why the Church always become part of our lives for some obtain the same gift of the Plenary In- seeks to offer in every way the possibility of reconciliation time now, is marked day after day by dulgence under the same conditions. with God to all those who desire it, to those who seek, anguished fears, new uncertainties Moreover, this Apostolic Peniten- await or are in any case aware of their condition and feel and, above all, by widespread physic- tiary willingly grants a Plenary Indul- the need to be welcomed, loved and forgiven. In these al and moral suffering. gence under the same conditions on times of pandemic emergency, with people seriously ill and Following the example of her Di- the occasion of the current world epi- in isolation in intensive care units, and with families who vine Master, the Church has always demic, also to the faithful who offer a are being asked to stay at home to avoid the spread of con- had the care of the sick at heart. As visit to the Blessed Sacrament, or tagion, it is useful to remind everyone about the richness of Saint John Paul II pointed out, the Eucharistic Adoration, or the reading tradition. Pope Francis did this during his homily for Mass value of human suffering is twofold: of the Holy Scriptures for at least half at Santa Marta on Friday, 20 March. “It is s u p e r n a t u ra l because it is rooted an hour, or the recitation of the Holy “I know that many of you go to confession for Easter, to in the divine mystery of the Redemp- Rosary, or the pious exercise of the ‘I am with you always’ (Mt 28:20) find yourself joined with God again”, the Pope said. tion of the world, and it is likewise Way of the Cross, or the recitation of “However, many will ask me today: ‘But, Father, where can deeply human, because in it, the per- the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, to im- Note on the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the present emergency of the coron a v i ru s I find a priest, a confessor as we cannot leave the house? son discovers himself, his own hu- plore from Almighty God the end of And I want to make peace with the Lord, I want him to em- manity, his own dignity, his own mis- the epidemic, relief to those who are The seriousness of the current situation calls Should there be a sudden need to impart loved above all else, expressed by a sincere re- brace me, for my Dad to embrace me…. What can I do if I sion” (Apostolic Letter Salvifici Dolor- afflicted and eternal salvation to those sacramental to several faithful at cannot find priests?’. Do what the Catechism says. It is very for reflection on the urgency and centrality of quest for forgiveness (one which the penitent is, n. 31). the Lord has called to Himself. clear: if you are unable to find a priest to confess you — the the Sacrament of Reconciliation, along with the same time, to the extent possible, the is able to express in that moment) and accom- Pope Francis, too, in these recent The Church prays for those who some necessary clarifications, both to the priest must forewarn the diocesan bishop or, panied by the votum confessionis, that is, by the Pope explained — speak to God, he is your Father, and tell are unable to receive the Sacrament of days, has shown his paternal closeness faithful lay people and to the ministers called if he is unable to do so, to inform him as firm resolution to receive sacramental confes- him the truth: ‘Lord I did this, this and this… I am sorry’, the Anointing of the Sick and of the and renewed his invitation to pray in- to celebrate the Sacrament. soon as possible (cf. O rd o Paenitentiae, n. 32). sion as soon as possible, obtains the forgive- and ask him for forgiveness with all your heart, through the Viaticum cessantly for those who are sick with , entrusting each and every Even in times of Covid-19, the Sacrament In this present pandemic emergency, it be- Act of and promise him: ‘I will confess later, but one to Divine Mercy by virtue of the ness of sins, even mortal ones (cf. CCC, n. the Coronavirus. of Reconciliation is administered according to longs to the diocesan bishop to indicate to forgive me now’. And you will immediately return to God’s communion of saints and granting the 1452). So that all those who suffer due to universal and according to the pro- priests and penitents the cautious attentive- grace. As the Catechism teaches us, you can draw near to faithful a Plenary Indulgence on the Never before than at this time, has the Go d’s forgiveness yourself, without having a priest on hand. Covid-19, may rediscover “the same visions in the O rd o Paenitentiae. ness that should be adopted in the individual Church experienced the strength of the com- ibid point of death, provided that they are Think: it is time! And this is the right time, the opportune redemptive suffering of Christ” ( ., Individual confession is the ordinary way to celebration of sacramental reconciliation, such munion of saints, raising vows and prayers to 30) in the very mystery of their suffer- duly disposed and have recited a few moment. A well performed Act of Contrition, and thus our celebrate this sacrament (cf. can. 960 CIC), as being in a ventilated place, outside the her Crucified and Risen Lord, in particular ing, this Apostolic Penitentiary, ex prayers during their lifetime (in this soul will become as white as snow”. whereas collective absolution, without prior confessional, the adoption of a suitable dis- the Sacrifice of Holy Mass celebrated daily by auctoritate Summi Pontificis, trusting in case the Church makes up for the Pope Francis was referring to numbers 1451 and 1452 of individual confession cannot be imparted ex- tance, the use of protective masks, subject to priests, even without people. the word of Christ the Lord and con- three usual conditions required). For absolute attention to the safeguarding of the the Catechism of the promulgated by cept in situations where there is imminent As a good mother, the Church implores the sidering with a faithful spirit the cur- the attainment of this indulgence the Saint John Paul II and edited under the guidance of the danger of death, as there is insufficient time sacramental seal and the required discretion. rent epidemic, to be lived in a spirit use of the Crucifix or the cross is re- Lord that humanity may be freed from such a then Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the to hear the confessions of the individual pen- Moreover, it is always up to the diocesan of personal conversion, grants the gift commended (cf. Enchiridion indulgen- bishop to determine which cases are of grave plague, invoking the intercession of the Faith, Joseph Ratzinger. With regards to “contrition”, the tiarum, n. 12). itents (cf. can. 961, § 1 CIC), or when there is Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy and Catechism quoting the , teaches us that, of Indulgences in accord with the fol- necessity and require collective absolution May the Blessed Virgin Mary, a grave necessity (cf. can. 961 § 1, 2° CIC), the Health of the Sick, and of her Spouse, Saint among the acts of the penitent, “contrition occupies first lowing disposition. within the territory of his own ecclesiastic cir- Mother of God and of the Church, consideration of which, is up to the diocesan Joseph, under whose patronage the Church, place. Contrition is ‘sorrow of the soul and detestation for The Plenary Indulgence is granted to cumscription and depending on the level of the faithful suffering from Coronavir- Health of the Sick and Help of Chris- bishop, after reviewing the criteria agreed pandemic contagion: for example the entrance as ever, journeys throughout the world. the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin tians, our Advocate, help suffering upon with the other members of the Epis- again’”. “When it arises from a love by which God is loved us, who are subject to quarantine by to hospital wards where there are infected May Mary Most Holy and Saint Joseph humanity, save us from the evil of this copal Conference (cf. can. 455, § 2 CIC) sub- above all else”, the Catechism continues, “contrition is order of the health authority in hos- faithful who are in danger of death, using as obtain for us abundant graces of reconcili- pandemic and obtain for us every ject to the necessity of the votum s a c ra m e n t i called ‘p erfect’(contrition of charity). Such contrition re- pitals or in their own homes, if, with a much as possible and with the necessary pre- ation and salvation, in careful listening to the good necessary for our salvation and from each penitent to obtain valid absolution, mits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if spirit detached from any sin, they will cautions, means of vocal amplification so that Word of the Lord that repeats to humanity sanctification. it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacra- join spiritually via the media in the that is, the intention to confess in due time the absolution may be heard. today: “Be still, and know that I am God” The present is valid not- mental confession as soon as possible”. celebration of Holy Mass, the recita- the individual serious sins which at the time Where necessary, the need and possibility (Ps 46:11), “I am with you always” (Mt withstanding any provision to the Thus, pending the opportunity to receive absolution tion of the Holy Rosary, the pious they had no possibility of confessing (cf. can of forming groups of “extraordinary hospital c o n t r a r y. 28:20). from a priest as soon as the opportunity arises, one can be practice of the Via Crucis or other 962, § 1 CIC). chaplains” in agreement with health authorit- forgiven immediately with this act. This had already been forms of devotion, or if they will at This Apostolic Penitentiary believes that there ies, should be evaluated, even on a voluntary Given in Rome, Apostolic Penitentiary, stated by the Council of Trent in Chapter 4 of the Doctrina least recite the Creed, the Lord’s Given in Rome, from are cases of grave necessity as mentioned above at basis and in respect of regulation for the pro- 19 March 2020, Solemnity of Saint Joseph, de s a c ra m e n t o Paenitentiae which says that contrition accom- Prayer and a pious invocation to the the seat of the Apostolic can. 961, § 2 CIC, especially in places that are tection from contagion, in order to guarantee Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patron of panied by the intention to confess, “reconciles man with Blessed Virgin Mary, offering this trial Penitentiary, on 19 March 2020. most greatly affected by the pandemic contagion, the necessary spiritual assistance to the sick the Universal Church God before this sacrament be actually received”. A path to in a spirit of faith in God and charity and until the phenomenon subsides. and the dying. C a rd i n a l MAU R O PIACENZA C a rd i n a l MAU R O PIACENZA the mercy of God that is open to everyone who belongs to towards their brothers and sisters, Any further detail can be referred to dioces- Where individual faithful should be in the Major Penitentiary Major Penitentiary the Church’s tradition and that can be useful to anyone with the willingness to fulfil the usual an bishops, always taking into consideration painful impossibility of receiving sacramental and is particularly useful to those who at this time, are conditions (sacramental confession, KRZYSZTOF NYKIEL the supreme good of the salvation of souls absolution, it should be remembered that per- KRZYSZTOF NYKIEL close to the sick at home and in hospitals. Eucharistic communion and prayer Regent (cf. can. 1752 CIC). fect contrition, coming from the love of God, Regent page 6 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 27 March 2020, number 13

Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments Eastern Catholic Churches DECREE Indications for the In time of COVID-19 Paschal Celebrations

Considering the rapidly evolving situation of 3. — Holy Thursday. The washing of feet, Considering the rapid evolution of the Covid-19 the Covid-19 pandemic and taking into account which is already optional, is to be omitted. At pandemic, including in many countries where observations which have come from Episcopal the end of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper the faithful of the Eastern Catholic Churches live, Conferences, this Congregation now offers an procession is also omitted and the Blessed Sac- the Congregation for the Eastern Churches in- update to the general indications and sugges- rament is to be kept in the tabernacle. On this vites the Heads of all the Churches to tions already given to Bishops in the preceding day the to celebrate Mass in a suitable issue norms in accordance with the measures es- Decree of 19 March 2020. place, without the presence of the people, is ex- tablished by the civil authorities for the contain- Given that the date of Easter cannot be ceptionally granted to all priests. ment of the contagion and to encourage such transferred, in the countries which have been 4. — Good Friday. In the Universal Prayer, conduct with the other Christian Churches, struck by the disease and where restrictions Bishops will arrange to have a special intention Catholic and non-Catholic, present on the same around the assembly and movement of people prepared for those who find themselves in dis- t e r r i t o r y. have been imposed, Bishops and priests may tress, the sick, the dead, (cf. Missale Romanum). Considering the different ritual traditions and celebrate the rites of Holy Week without the The adoration of the Cross by kissing it shall be the Easter celebrations according to their re- presence of the people and in a suitable place, limited solely to the celebrant. spective calendars, it is not possible to issue a avoiding concelebration and omitting the sign 5. — The Easter Vigil. Is to be celebrated unitary provision that would cover all the uses sui iuris of peace. only in Cathedral and parish churches. For the present in each Church . The faithful should be informed of the begin- “Baptismal Liturgy” only the “Renewal of Bap- Missale Ro- Nevertheless, it seems appropriate to share ning times of the celebrations so that they can tismal Promises” is maintained (cf. manum). the following recommendations: prayerfully unite themselves in their homes. Seminaries, houses of clergy, monasteries and Means of live (not recorded) telematic broad- — The feasts are strictly to be kept on the religious communities shall follow the indica- casts can be of help. In any event it remains im- days foreseen by the liturgical calendar, broad- tions of this Decree. portant to dedicate an adequate time to prayer, casting or streaming those celebrations that are Expressions of popular piety and processions giving importance above all to the L i t u rg i a possible, so that they can be followed by the which enrich the days of Holy Week and the faithful in their homes. H o ra r u m . Paschal Triduum can be transferred to other — Consideration should be given to the ad- The Episcopal Conferences and individual suitable days in the year, for example 14 and 15 aptations that will be made necessary by limited will see to it that resources are September, according to the judgement of the presence at the liturgical service. The participa- provided to support family and personal prayer. Diocesan Bishop. tion of the choir and ministers expected by De mandato Summi Pontificis pro hoc tantum some ritual traditions is not possible at the 1. — Palm Sunday. The Commemoration of anno 2020. the Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem is to be cel- present time when prudence advises avoiding ebrated within sacred buildings; in Cathedral From the offices of the Congregation for Divine gathering in significant numbers. churches the second form given in the Roman Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, — Those parts of the celebrations connected Missal is to be adopted; in parish churches and 25 March 2020, on the Solemnity of the to some rite outside the church are omitted. Annunciation of the Lord. in other places the third form is to be used. — Remind the faithful of the value of person- 2. — The Chrism Mass. Evaluating the con- Ca rd i n a l al and family prayer, which is authentic ecclesial crete situation in different countries, the Epis- P re f e c t prayer and an important means of transmitting copal Conferences will be able to give indica- A rc h b i s h o p ARTHUR RO CHE tions about a possible transfer to another date. S e c re t a r y CONTINUED ON PA G E 7

Suspension of judicial activities Extraordinary and urgent measures to counteract the Covid-19 emergency and contain its negative effects

1. As of the day after the entry into tenth day after the request was put force of the present provision and f o r w a rd , that is, from the notifica- until 3 April 2020, trial hearings in tion or communication of the provi- progress in all judicial offices shall Rescriptum ex audentia Sanctissimi sion that is deposited beyond the be postponed ex officio until after 3 abovementioned deadline. April 2020, with the exceptions in- The Holy Father, in an audience granted to His Excellency Arch- 5. The President of the Tribunal, dicated at paragraph 4. bishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for General Affairs of the Sec- having heard in so far as their re- 2. As of the day after the entry in- retariat of State, on 17 March 2020, in order to counter the epidemi- spective competence, the President to force of the present provision and ological emergency from Covid-19 and contain its negative effects on of the Court of Appeal or the Pres- until 3 April 2020, the deadline for the course of judicial activities, has decided to issue the extraordin- ident of the Supreme Court, not- the fulfillment of any act of proceed- ary and urgent measures detailed in the annex to this Rescriptum. withstanding the ordinary powers of ings indicated at paragraph 1 is sus- The Holy Father has determined that the Rescriptum shall have direction and organization of the ju- pended, with the exceptions indic- firm and stable effect, notwithstanding anything to the contrary dicial offices and of the clerical of- ated at paragraph 4. Where the pro- even if worthy of special mention, that it shall be promulgated by fice can also adopt the following ceedings begin during the period of publication in L’O s s e r v a t o re Romano, with immediate effect, and sub- m e a s u re s : , its beginning shall be sequently published in the commentary Ac t a Ap o s t o l i c a e Sedis. a. limit access to the judicial of- postponed to the end of said sus- fices, whilst guaranteeing access to pension period. From the Vatican, 18 March 2020 people who must carry out urgent 3. As of the day after the entry in- Cardinal activities; to force of the present provision and Secretary of State b. limit opening hours of the judi- until 3 April 2020 all statutes of lim- cial offices; itations shall also be suspended for c. regulate access to judicial of- all intents and purposes, with the Office or his delegate shall decide c. criminal proceedings against fices when appointments have been exceptions indicated at paragraph 4. within ten days by incontestable de- persons who are detained or who made, by reservation, even via tele- 4. The provisions not affected by cree. In the case of acceptance, the would otherwise be burdened by phone or telematic means of com- the previous paragraphs are: deadlines detailed at paragraph 2 measures restricting their personal munication, ensuring that the con- a. civil proceedings where it can and 3 shall begin to elapse from the f re e d o m ; vocation of users is scheduled for be reasonably foreseen that post- tenth day after the request was put d. At the request put forth by the fixed hours; ponement is impracticable and f o r w a rd , that is, from the notifica- Promoter of Justice or by the inter- d. provide closed door hearings of where the delay in dealing with the tion or communication of the provi- ested party, the President of the Col- cases that must take place according case could cause serious harm to the sion that is deposited beyond the lege or his delegate shall decide to provisions indicated at paragraph parties. At the request put forth by abovementioned deadline. within ten days by incontestable de- 4; the interested party or where b. criminal proceedings for which cree. In the case of acceptance, the e. shifts for administrative and provided, by the Promoter of the trial of first instance is not yet in deadlines detailed at paragraph 2 clerical staff notwithstanding ordin- Justice, the President of the Judicial p ro g re s s ; and 3 shall begin to elapse from the ary provisions. number 13, Friday, 27 March 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 7

Message of the Holy Father for the 57th World Day of Prayer for Vocations

CONTINUED FROM PA G E 1 I; have no fear” (Mt 14:27). This, discouragement that holds us back beautiful image of what the Lord then, is the second word I wish to from experiencing the beauty of our can do at times of turbulence and involved is real: the night falls, the offer you: e n c o u ra g e m e n t . vo cation. tempest in our lives. He stills those headwinds howl, the boat is tossed What frequently hinders our jour- In the Letter to Priests, I also winds, so that the forces of evil, fear by the waves, and fear of failure, of ney, our growth, our choosing the spoke about pain, but here I would and resignation no longer have not being up to the call, can road the Lord is marking out for us, like to translate the word differently, power over us. threaten to overwhelm them. are certain “ghosts” that trouble our as fatigue. Every vocation brings As we live out our specific voca- The Gospel, however, tells us that hearts. When we are called to leave with it a responsibility. The Lord tion, those headwinds can wear us in the midst of this challenging jour- safe shores and embrace a state of calls us because he wants to enable down. Here I think of all those who ney we are not alone. Like the first life — like marriage, ministerial us, like Peter, to “walk on water”, in have important responsibilities in ray of dawn in the heart of the priesthood, — our other words, to take charge of our civil society, spouses whom I like to night, the Lord comes walking on first reaction is often from the lives and place them at the service of refer to — note without reason — as the troubled waters to join the dis- “ghost of disbelief”. Surely, this vo- the Gospel, in the concrete and “courageous”, and in a particular ciples; he invites Peter to come to cation is not for me! Can this really everyday ways that he shows us, and way those who have embraced the him on the waves, saves him when be the right path? Is the Lord really specifically in the different forms of consecrated life or the priesthood. I he sees him sinking and, once in the asking me to do this? lay, priestly and consecrated voca- am conscious of your hard work, the boat, makes the winds die down. Those thoughts can keep growing tion. Yet, like Saint Peter, our desire sense of isolation that can at times The first word of vocation, then, — justifications and calculations that and enthusiasm coexist with our fail- weigh upon your hearts, the risk of is g ra t i t u d e . Taking the right course is sap our determination and leave us ings and fears. falling into a rut that can gradually not something we do on our own, hesitant and powerless on the shore If we let ourselves be daunted by make the ardent flame of our voca- nor does it depend solely on the road where we started. We think we the responsibilities that await us — tion die down, the burden of the un- we choose to travel. How we find might be wrong, not up to the chal- whether in married life or priestly certainty and insecurity of the times, fulfilment in life is more than a de- lenge, or simply glimpsing a ghost ministry — or by the hardships in and worry about the future. Take cision we make as isolated individu- to be exorcized. store for us, then we will soon turn heart, do not be afraid! Jesus is at als; above all else, it is a response to The Lord knows that a funda- away from the gaze of Jesus and, our side, and if we acknowledge him a call from on high. The Lord points mental life choice — like marriage or like Peter, we will begin to sink. On as the one Lord of our lives, he will out our destination on the opposite special consecration to his service — the other hand, despite our frailty stretch out his hand, take hold of us shore and he grants us the courage to calls for c o u ra g e . He knows the ques- and poverty, faith enables us to walk and save us. board the boat. In calling us, he be- tions, doubts and difficulties that towards the Risen Lord and to Even amid the storm-tossed wa- comes our helmsman; he accompan- toss the boat of our heart, and so he weather every storm. Whenever fa- ters, then, our lives become open to ies and guides us; he prevents us reassures us: “Take heart, it is I; tigue or fear make us start to sink, p ra i s e . This is the last of our voca- from running aground on the shoals have no fear!” We know in faith that Jesus holds out his hand to us. He tion words, and it is an invitation to of indecision and even enables us to he is present and comes to meet us, gives us the enthusiasm we need to cultivate the interior disposition of walk on surging waters. that he is ever at our side even amid live our vocation with joy and fer- the Blessed Virgin Mary. Grateful v o u r. Every vocation is born of that stormy seas. This knowledge sets us that the Lord gazed upon her, faith- gaze of love with which the Lord free from that lethargy which I have When Jesus at last boards the ful amid fear and turmoil, she cour- came to meet us, perhaps even at a called “sweet sorrow” (Letter to boat, the winds die down and the ageously embraced her vocation and time when our boat was being Priests, 4 August 2019), the interior waves are calmed. Here we have a made of her life an eternal song of battered by the storm. praise to the Lord. “Vocation, more than our Dear friends, on this day in par- own choice, is a response ticular, but also in the ordinary pas- to the Lord’s unmerited call” (Letter to Priests,4 toral life of our communities, I ask August 2019). We will the Church to continue to promote succeed in discovering vocations. May she touch the hearts and embracing our voca- of the faithful and enable each of tion once we open our them to discover with gratitude hearts in gratitude and Go d’s call in their lives, to find perceive the passage of courage to say “yes” to God, to God in our lives. overcome all weariness through faith in Christ, and to make of their lives When the disciples see Jesus walking towards a song of praise for God, for their them on the sea, they brothers and sisters, and for the first think that he is a whole world. May the Virgin Mary ghost and are filled with accompany us and intercede for us. fear. Jesus immediately Rome, Saint John Lateran, 8 reassures them with March 2020, the Second Sunday of words that should con- Lent stantly accompany our lives and our vocational journey: “Take heart, it is “Christ Rescuing Peter from Drowning” by Lorenzo Veneziano

Indications for the Paschal Celebrations in the Eastern Catholic Churches

CONTINUED FROM PA G E 6 usually made available in each com- precious texts that the oriental tradi- Penitentiary remain valid. Since munity every year. tions present on this day for prayer many faithful are accustomed to the content of the faith between — Priests who cannot celebrate around the Cross and the tomb of confessing in the period before East- generations. Also arrange, and dis- the liturgy on their own pray the Christ. er, where it is not possible to do so, tribute through the means of social hours of the office, especially the — On the night of Pascha, famil- let pastors indicate to the faithful communication, aids that allow an psalms and those prayers that do ies may be invited, where possible the recitation of some of the rich adult of the family to explain to the not require a response from the through the festive sound of the penitential prayers from the oriental little ones the mystagogy of the rites choir and the faithful. bells, to gather to read the Gospel tradition, to be recited with a spirit that under normal conditions would of the Resurrection, lighting a lamp — On Holy Thursday, in the litur- of contrition. be celebrated in the church with the gical celebration of the morning, and singing some troparion or songs assembly present. some Churches sui iuris celebrate the typical of their tradition that the faithful often know by memory. — The riches of the Paschal celeb- consecration of the Holy Myron. C a rd i n a l LEONARD O SANDRI rations, from Palm Sunday to Easter This celebration, not being linked in — Any baptisms scheduled for P re f e c t Sunday, can also be valorised by the East to this day, can be moved Easter are postponed to another suggesting that part of them be to another date. date. prayed at home and in families, with — On Good Friday, encourage use — The provisions issued by the DON FL AV I O PACE the aids to participation that are — alone or with the family — of the March 19 Decree of the Apostolic U n d e rs e c re t a r y page 8 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 27 March 2020, number 13

ANGELUS

“ respond to the pandemic caused by the virus with the universality of prayer”, Pope Francis said at the end of the Angelus on Sunday, 22 March, as he invited the faithful to join two spiritual initiatives, one on Wednesday, 25 March, and the other on Friday, 27 March. Earlier, the Holy Father had commented on the Gospel according to John, Chapter 9, for the Fourth Sunday of Lent. The following is a translation of the Pope’s words which he offered in Italian.

Pope Francis invites all Christians to recite the ‘Our Father’ Together against the virus

Dear Brothers and Sisters, who was blind discovers his new burning the evil in our hearts, prayer of all of his disciples who Good Morning, identity. He is now a “new and then allows us to shine and are preparing themselves to celeb- c re a t u re ”, capable of seeing his At the centre of the liturgy of this illuminate with the light of Jesus. rate the victory of the Risen fourth Sunday of Lent there is life and the world around him in May Mary Most Holy help us Christ. the theme of light. The Gospel a new light, because he has to imitate the blind man of the With this same intention, this (cf. Jn 9:1-41) narrates the episode entered into communion with Gospel, so that we can be Friday, 27 March, at 6:00 pm, I Christ. He has entered into an- of the man blind from birth, to flooded with the light of Christ will preside over a moment of other dimension. He is no longer whom Jesus gives sight. This mi- and set out with him on the path prayer on the parvis of Saint a beggar who is marginalized by raculous sign confirms Jesus’ self- of salvation. Pe t e r ’s Basilica, before the empty affirmation: “I am the light of the the community; he is no longer a slave to blindness and prejudice. square. I invite everyone to parti- world” (v. 5), the light that After the Angelus, the Holy Father His path of enlightenment is a cipate spiritually via the means of brightens our darkness. Thus, is continued: communication. We will listen to Jesus. He operates illumination metaphor for the path of libera- tion from sin to which we are Dear brothers and sisters, dur- the Word of God, we will lift up on two levels: a physical level and our supplication and we will ad- a spiritual one: the blind person called. Sin is like a dark veil that ing these trying days, as human- ore the Blessed Sacrament, with first receives the sight of the eyes covers our face and prevents us ity trembles from the threat of the which at the end, I will give the and then is led to faith in the from seeing ourselves and the pandemic, I would like to invite “Son of man” (v. 35), that is, in world clearly. The Lord’s forgive- all Christians to lift their voices Urbi et Orbi blessing, which will Jesus. It is a journey. It would be ness takes away this blanket of together towards Heaven. I invite be connected to the possibility of good today if you were all to take shadow and darkness and gives all the Heads of Churches and receiving the Plenary Indulgence. a copy of the Gospel according us new light. The Lenten period the leaders of every Christian Let us respond to the pandem- to John, chapter nine, and read that we are living is an opportune community, together with all ic caused by the virus with the this passage: it is so beautiful and and precious time to approach Christians of various confessions, universality of prayer, of compas- it will do us good to read it once the Lord, and ask him for his to invoke the Almighty, the omni- sion, of tenderness. Let us stay again or twice more. The wonders mercy, in the different forms that potent God, to recite at the same united. Let us make our closeness that Jesus performs are not spec- Mother Church offers us. time the prayer that Jesus, our felt to those who feel most lonely tacular gestures, but they have The healed blind man, who Lord, taught us. I invite everyone and tried. Our closeness to doc- the purpose of leading to faith can now see with both the eyes of to do this several times a day, but tors, healthcare workers, nurses, through a journey of inner trans- the body and those of the soul, is to recite the Lord’s Prayer all to- volunteers…. Our closeness to formation. the image of every baptized per- gether this Wednesday, 25 March, the authorities who must impose The doctors of the law — who son, who immersed in Grace, is at noon. On the day in which stringent measures, albeit for our were there, a group — persist in pulled out of the darkness and many Christians recall the An- own good. Our closeness to the not admitting the miracle, and placed in the light of faith. But it nunciation of the Incarnation of police, to the soldiers who con- ask the healed man insidious is not enough to receive the light; the Word to the Virgin Mary, stantly maintain order on the questions. But he disconcerts one must become light. Each one may the Lord listen to the united streets, to ensure the implementa- them with the power of reality: of us is called to receive the di- tion of what the government asks “One thing I do know, that vine light in order to manifest it to be done for the good of all. though I was blind now I see” ( v. with our whole life. The first Closeness to all. 25). Amid the distrust and hostil- Christians, the theologians of the I express my closeness to the ity of those who surround him first centuries, used to say that people of Croatia, which was and question him incredulously, the community of Christians, that struck by an earthquake this he gradually takes a path that is the Church, is the “mystery of morning. May the Lord give leads him to discover the identity the moon”, because it gives light them the strength and solidarity of the one who opened his eyes but it is not its own light. It is to face this calamity. and to confess his faith in Him. the light it received from Christ. He initially considers Him a We too should be “mystery of the And do not forget: today, take prophet (cf. v. 17); then he recog- mo on”: giving light received from the Gospel and calmly, slowly, nizes him as one who comes from the sun, which is Christ, the read chapter 9 of John. I will do God (cf. v. 33). Finally, he wel- Lord. Saint Paul reminds us of it too. It will do us all good. comes him as the Messiah and this today: “Walk as children of I wish everyone a Happy prostrates before him (cf. vv. 36- light (for the fruit of light is Sunday. Do not forget to pray for 38). He has understood that, by found in all that is good and me. Enjoy your lunch. Ar r i v e d e rc i ! giving him sight, Jesus manifests right and true”) (Eph 5:8-9). The “the works of God” (cf. v. 3). seed of new life placed within us May we too have this experi- at Baptism is like the spark of a ence! With the light of faith, he fire, which first of all purifies us, Jesus heals a blind man, stained glass window