Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, has written a pastoral message to his Diocese in London, United Kingdom, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cardinal Nichols wrote the message to his faithful on the Fourth Sunday in Lent, known as Laetare Sunday, on 22 March 2020.
“At this moment we stand before God. That is never to be forgotten. Together we turn to God in prayer, at this moment as never before,” Cardinal Nichols said.
“Our faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is the bedrock on which we live. Prayer is the first and loving expression of this relationship. Prayer is an acknowledgement that we are not in ultimate control of our lives or of our world. That is so clear at this time. Prayer is the recognition that our lives, individually and communally, are marked by failure and sin. Prayer is an expression of our turning to God for that grace which alone can heal us, strengthen us and give us the resolve and generosity to do all that is rightly expected of us today.
“The highest form of prayer is the celebration of the Holy Mass. This is at the heart of the rhythm of the life of the Church, the rhythm of prayer which sustains us all. The present crisis will not disturb that rhythm. Mass will continue to be celebrated, day by day. The prayer of the Church will continue day by day.
“There are many ways in which we can deepen our participation in the Mass and our life of prayer in these strange and stressful days. Indeed, they are an opportunity for us to do so.”
To continue reading Cardinal Nichols’ pastoral letter, click here.
With thanks to the Independent Catholic News, where this article was originally published, and the Diocese of Westminster.
