Bishop Sithembele Sipuka: Heartfelt Message in a Time of the Coronavirus Pandemic
A message of solidarity from Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, President of the SACBC, in a time of the Coronavirus pandemic:
Dear people of God: We send you a special heartfelt message through your parish priests and parish organisations.
An invisible cordon has been thrown across the world causing isolation, lockdown and anxiety. With worldwide Covid-19 infections at almost 1,5 million and deaths above 80 000, the pandemic is a wake-up call to the whole of society to revalue the way we live as neighbours and communities – and for decisive action to improve health services, especially for the poor and vulnerable. It is a call, too, for us to be Good Samaritans to one another.
Pope Francis has emphasised the crucial role of the media in keeping us informed and living with hope in this time of distress and isolation. In thanking journalists and TV, radio and online social networks for helping people to cope with loneliness, Pope Francis was affirming the importance of social communications in sustaining human solidarity and compassion.
Here in our beloved South Africa, The Southern Cross has kept us connected in faith for 100 years. As partners in this valued publishing enterprise, we support the special centenary gift which is being offered to parishioners.
The offer comprises free access to the newspaper’s online digital issue for as long as the lockdown continues. All parishioners need to do is visit the Read Free page on the Southern Cross website.
In this way readers will answer the call to discipleship, the call to follow Jesus in his healing ministry at Galilee. And they can continue to read and be inspired by the Good News that The Southern Cross shares as a lighthouse that keeps the Word shining.
May God bless you all this Easter
+ Bishop Sipuka
President of the SACBC
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