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March 20, 2020
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Let us care for each other

President of the Antilles Episcopal Conference, Bishop Gabriel Malzaire of Roseau, Dominica sent the following reflection on COVID-19 to all member territories last week

As members of the global community, the Caribbean nations are wrestling with the rapid spread of the coronavirus. Confronted with this reality, we are reminded of our fragility and vulnerability, but also what is common among us. We are members of a global community, brothers and sisters of the One God, and we need to care for each other, and resist the temptation to address this problem in isolation.

I wish to thank my brother bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference, who are facing this complex issue with faith in the real presence of Jesus Christ amid the fear and anxiety, and also acting responsibly as it relates to the pastoral care of the People of God in their dioceses.

They have been offering excellent pastoral care, dialoguing with their respective governments, consulting the medical experts, and collaborating with their pastoral leaders. I thank them and exhort them to remain focused on Jesus Christ who is the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Let us place our hope in the presence of the Risen Christ who brought clarity and renewed hope to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24: 13–25). Amid their fears, anxieties and confusion, the Risen Christ listened and explained the scriptures to them in relation to the turbulence of their lives. Let us encourage each other to meditate and reflect on the Scriptures in order to find meaning in our current situation.

We continue to unite with our Holy Father Pope Francis who exhorts us by example to pray in solidarity for our brothers and sisters around the world who are sick. Let us pray for all medical and health care workers who are on the front-line of this healing ministry. Let us pray for those who have lost loved ones to this virus.

May the Mother of Jesus Christ and our Mother intercede for us.