"Let us remember that it is precisely at times such as this that the Church throughout her history has most brilliantly shone the light of Christ.  Our Lord is now giving us this opportunity to exhibit spiritual excellence through heroic virtue.  At a time when we are all feeling the pull of a “me first,” “self-survival” mode to the exclusion of others, our Christian faith calls us precisely to put others first by acts of neighborliness, especially toward those who are most vulnerable.

 

With profound gratitude to health care workers and researchers, let us keep them in our daily prayers along with those suffering from this virus, all the sick, and our government leaders who are making such critical decisions for the public good at this time.  Let us also remember to pray for those who are suffering materially as a result of the impact the current pandemic is having on the economy.  Let us turn to our beautiful Blessed Mother, who unceasingly comes to the aid of her children in times of distress such as this." -  Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone