THE Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops has appealed to leaders across the political divide to be mindful of the risks that go with political gatherings, and thus avoid exposing the people to the virus.
The bishops have also urged all Zambians, regardless of their social, cultural, religious and political affiliation to put aside their differences and unite for a common goal as the country fights against COVID-19.
In a statement on the needed response to the second wave of COVID-19, Bishop George Lungu, Bishop of Chipata and ZCCB President, Kasama Archbishop Ignatius Chama, ZCCB vice-president and Lusaka Archbishop Dr Alick Banda, Solwezi Bishop Charles Kasonde, Ndola Bishop Benjamin Phiri, Mongu Bishop Evans Chinyemba, Kabwe Bishop Clement Mulenga, Mansa Bishop Patrick Chisanga, Livingstone Bishop Valentine Kalumba, Apostolic Administrator of Monze Diocese Fr Francesco Airoldi and Diocesan Administrator of Mpika Diocese Fr Justin Matepa, stated that in ZCCB’s January 8, 2021 memo through Bishop director of health Patrick Chisanga, they acknowledged that the second wave of COVID-19 had firmly been established in Zambia.
The Bishops stated that there was a steady rise in the number of confirmed cases.
“Unlike the first wave, this one has been characterised by an increase in the severity of the disease as well as an upsurge in the number of patients requiring intensive care and oxygen therapy. The new infections are also proving to be more transmissible and more widely spread in terms of geographical locations,” they stated. “Sadly, we have since lost our brother in the episcopate, Right Reverend Moses Hamungole, whom we dearly miss. As if that was not enough, we have in the recent days painfully lost some clergy, the religious and many others in families. Once more, we wish to convey our heartfelt and sincere condolences to the Diocese of Monze, the affected religious congregations and all the bereaved families. We continue to pledge our prayers for the repose of their souls in eternal peace. At the same time, their tragic death is a vivid reminder to all of us that COVID-19 is real, serious and deadly. Surely, the dire situation in which we are living requires an urgent and decisive pastoral response at both the personal and communal levels.”
The Bishops appealed to the clergy and religious to continue to offer spiritual care to the flock through the celebration of the sacraments, especially that of the Holy Eucharist.
“Our Concern for You: As your shepherds, we are aware that as frontline pastoral workers, you have continued to offer spiritual care to the flock through the celebration of the sacraments, especially that of the Holy Eucharist. You have also not gotten tired in ministering to the sick, burying the dead and consoling mourners. In so doing, your levels of exposure to the deadly virus are extremely high,” they stated. “A call for enhanced adherence to preventive measures: As leaders in the Church, we ought to act responsibly always and everywhere as our brother and our sister’s keeper. In the like manner, the lay faithful need to protect their priests and other pastoral agents by strictly observing the preventive measures given. However, we bemoan the fact that at times, we have not led by good example. We have seen some level of laxity in the following of the laid down public health guidelines. Once more, we ask you to critically think about protecting yourselves and others. Therefore, be extra vigilant and judiciously follow and enforce the COVID-19 regulations in your communities, parishes, institutions and pastoral programmes.”
The Bishops appealed to all the clergy and the religious to go for early testing in view of knowing their status.
“We, your Bishops, have committed to lead by example in this regard. In addition, we urge you to go for testing periodically. When you test positive of COVID-19 and become symptomatic, we strongly urge you to seek medical attention in good time,” he said. “A call to journey with those who are suffering: We exhort our dear priests, the religious and catechists to continue providing the necessary pastoral care to the people of God while strictly adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines and using the available online or virtual platforms. We also commend continued prayer and counselling to those who are infected and affected.”
The Bishops stated that it was clear that the pandemic had spread to all parts of the country and was in their communities.
“As we fight against COVID-19, we urge all Zambians, regardless of their social, cultural, religious and political affiliation, to put aside their differences and unite for a common goal. This is not a time to relax in wearing masks and observing the social distance. We therefore exhort our people to avoid conducting funerals without following the public health regulations, which includes the reduction in numbers attending,” they stated. “In addition, we call upon the local authorities to ensure that measures against the spread of the Coronavirus disease are followed in public places, especially in markets, bus stations and in public transportation. We also make an earnest appeal to our leaders across the political divide to be mindful of the risks that go with political gatherings, and thus avoid exposing the people to the virus.”
They stated that apart from that, people should avoid being a channel of spreading unverified information and creating anxiety and fear in the community.
“Instead, we exhort you to continue preaching the message of hope. Above all, we urge you to religiously follow the guidelines set out by the Ministry of Health and the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI). These guidelines include the following: Wearing your masks properly in public; washing your hands thoroughly or sanitising regularly; observing physical distance; avoiding unnecessary travel; avoiding large group gatherings (and limiting the number of people at funerals and weddings, while strictly observing the COVID-19 protocols, etc.); sharing information with others on COVID-19 prevention; and seeking medical attention and guidance in good time,” they stated.
ZCCB stated that regarding the Eucharistic celebrations, the Bishops urged priests to ensure that all laid down guidelines given by the Ministry of Health and local ordinaries were strictly followed.
They stated that this includes the aspect of increasing the number of masses and reducing the number of congregants as well as the duration for Mass.
“As we face and combat the COVID-19 pandemic, we cordially invite you to unite in prayer. We therefore wish to make our own the exhortation of St. Paul the Apostle: ‘Persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving, at the same time, pray for us too, that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak of the mystery of Christ. Conduct yourselves wisely towards outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned in salt, so that you know how you should respond to each one” (Colossians 4:2-6),” stated the ZCCB.
Credit: Source link
