Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mar 24, 2020 / 23:00 pm
As Argentina remains under a government-ordered lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the bishops of Buenos Aires have called on priests to "generously" offer their ministry to the sick.
According to ACI Prensa, CNA's sister news agency, across the country, Argentines have been told not to leave their homes except to buy basic necessities. The lockdown will remain in place at least until the end of the month. As of Tuesday, there were more than 300 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with at least five deaths.
The bishops of the capital city, led by Cardinal Mario Aurelio Poli, issued a letter March 23, titled "Time to bring the consolation of the sacraments." Quoting from the homily given by Pope Francis on March 10, the bishops ask for prayers for priests "that they have the courage to go out to the sick, bringing the strength of the Word of God and the Eucharist and accompanying the healthcare workers and volunteers in this work they are doing."
"These words come to us with all that they require and we want to step up to this present hour, generously offering the gift of ministry that we have received," the bishops said.