In the wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic where the very essence of styles of worship have changed, and new habits have sprung up, many Christians have been filled with questions regarding how they ought to worship, how they ought to receive the sacraments, and so on. I’ve specifically been asked frequently by Catholics about the “how” of the sacrament of reconciliation at this time, with particular reference to those who are quarantined and can’t receive any physical pastoral care.
There’s good news!
In a new book compiled by the Dicastery of Communications of the Holy See, Pope Francis has extended Plenary Indulgence to Catholic faithful who are “suffering from Coronavirus, who are subject to quarantine by order of the health authority in hospitals or in their own homes if, with a spirit detached from any sin, they unite spiritually through the media to the celebration of Holy Mass, the recitation of the Holy Rosary, to the pious prac-tice of the Way of the Cross or other forms of devotion, or if at least they will recite the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer and a pious invocation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, offering this trial in a spirit of faith in God and charity towards their brothers and sisters, with the will to fulfil the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic commun-ion and prayer according to the Holy Father’s intentions), as soon as possible.”
The Association for Catholic Information in Africa reports that “The 192-page book is available for download on the website of the Vatican’s publishing house, the Libreria Editrice Vaticana…The book, which is called “Strong in the Face of Tribulation: The Church in Communion – a Sure Support in Time of Trial” and has an image of the Archangel Michael on its cover, is divided into three parts.
The first part contains prayers, rituals and supplications, including prayers for the sick and for liberation from evil. The second explains how Catholics can continue to practice the faith without the support of the Sacraments. The third section gathers together Pope Francis’ reflections since the pandemic struck.
The Vatican has promised that the PDF copy will be updated from time to time with free copies of the updated versions always available for Download.
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Stay safe! God bless you greatly!
God bless the Pope and the Most Holy Roman Catholic Church.
Thank you Father May! May Help us in this trying time.
Amen and amen