THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE TO THE CORONA VIRUS

By Fr. Casmir Odundo

Mass Celebrated in Hong Kong at the height of the Virus

The Corona Virus which began in China is causing a storm throughout the world and even in the circles of the Church. Of course, "what goes around outside the Church affects what goes on inside the Church." The Universal as well as several local churches (dioceses) have taken steps to help combat this deadly virus.

Well it is not the first time that an outbreak of this magnitude has happened in the world. As a priest, I have been deeply reflecting about our Christian response to the Virus. Definitely, we cannot approach it with an attitude of indifference of sitting on the fence.

The 1854 Cholera Outbreak

19th Century Cholera Outbreak

In the year 1854 a similar epidemic, (Cholera) broke out in Europe. This was during Don Bosco's time and he gave a response that might be useful even in our times. When Cholera broke out in Italy in 1854 its ravages were felt in many of the provinces. In Turin business was suspended, the rich fled to the mountains and the victims of the scourge died daily without help and were left unburied. Valdocco (Where Don Bosco lived) did not escape-whole families were cut off.

Don Bosco adopted every possible sanitary measure to hinder its fatal inroads among his children. He offered himself to God for his flock, and more frequent and fervent prayer and greater purity of conscience became the law of the pupils.

BELOW IS A LETTER THAT DON BOSCO WROTE TO MEMBERS OF HIS CONGREGATION IN THE FACE OF THE THEN DEADLY EPIDERMIC

St. John Bosco

"My Dear Sons, in various cities and towns, not only in France but also in Italy, a number of cases of cholera have already been confirmed, as you will know through the newspapers. In this period of danger I judge it opportune to send out some advice to all our Houses and I recommend that our wise Rectors to let all their dependants know of these.

In the first place I recommend for as long as the cholera lasts we offer Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in all our churches daily, and making it possible too for our day students to attend, where the church is open to the public.

Secondly, I recommend that both Salesians and other members of staff take the precautions suggested by Christian prudence to avoid this fatal disease.

Thirdly and especially, where there is the need, let us offer our services to our neighbour inasmuch as our circumstances allow us to, helping the sick, providing spiritual help, and also taking into our Hospices youngsters who have been orphaned or abandoned as a result of this plague. In this case however, it would also be wise to hear the opinion of the local health Commission to ensure there is no danger in passing on the disease to others in the house. In letting you know the above I also pray that you may receive every heavenly blessing, and I pass on my warmest greetings to you and all my dear children."

Later, as the hospitals filled, Don Bosco accepted To be in charge of the one in Valdocco and appealed to his young disciples for co-operation.

"Should any of you sacrifice your life in this noble charity, it will be for you a martyrdom, with the certainty of obtaining the palm of everlasting victory," he concluded with solemn assurance.

Large numbers of his devoted youths eagerly pressed forward to answer his call; but Don Bosco chose only forty of the most robust among the volunteers for this duty of charity, so fraught with danger. Four tragic months they labored heroically in the service of the sick and dying under the eye of their beloved master.

During the Epidemic, Don Bosco was everywhere; he was confessor to open the gates of heaven to the departing souls, to speed them on the way with the Bread of Life; he was physician and nurse, loving and skillful, not disdaining the most menial acts in his wide-souled devotedness. After the toils and hardships of the day, he sought repose still dressed, ready for any emergency, and was called more than once during the night to afford aid to the dying. In the Oratory all was activity. His mother Margret was equally not left behind, demands on her (She was living with him and his boys at the time) patience, time and supplies were unceasing. She gave at last the table linen and even the altar linen for the relief of the suffering.

But the dread ordeal came to an end. God's Providence had watched over the Don Bosco and his children, and the relentless herald of Death had not been allowed to claim even one victim.

Leaning from Don Bosco: In the Face of the Corona Virus

The Corona Virus

Certain ways that Don Bosco applied to solve the cholera epidemic are still applicable even today in face of the Corona Virus. From his "school" there are several measures that stand out which we can apply today:

1. We should take precaution and sanitary measures necessary eg. Washing hands, drinking plenty of water
2. Daily Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament
3. Volunteering when called upon
4. Assisting those who are sick or dying to reconcile themselves with God in the sacrament of Penance, making sure they get the sacrament of anointing of the sick and viaticum

St. Joseph, the Protector of the Universal Church

Other than these, I also recommend devotion to St. Joseph. We know St. Joseph is the Protector of the Universal Church together with St. Michael. He protected the Holy Family. May he also protect us from this virus.

I am confident that if we pray, we shall overcome. Corona Virus will be defeated.

The author is Parochial Vicar: Mary Mother of God Parish, Kabarnet

Email: casmirthomas28@gmail.com