On this feast of Saint François de Laval, patron saint of Catholic Bishops, Pope Francis announced publicly his decision to appoint me as Coadjutor Archbishop of Ottawa-Cornwall....
"The year 2020 will go down in history books, regardless of the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic. The battle against this tiny but dangerous virus is not over yet. The whole world is affected and trying hard to deal with its impact that has changed the normalcy of life. Whenever we will gain back our normal lives, it will be a “new normal”...."
As do many other people, I wish to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices being put forward by our first responders, health and spiritual care teams and all other healthcare workers in our hospitals, nursing homes and home care settings....
The COVID-19 crisis that we are currently experiencing helps us better understand the fear and insecurity that are a regular part of life for so many of our brothers and sisters in the global south. During each Lenten Season we express our support to these brothers and sisters by contributing to the Share Lent campaign of Development & Peace – Caritas Canada....
Jesus calls us to be as present as possible to people in these circumstances. During this time they may feel abandoned or isolated. Let us remember the very clear words of Jesus when he taught us the Corporal Works of Mercy: "I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you took care of me. I was in prison, and you visited me." Matthew 25:26 ...
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, with rapid daily changes. I urge you to follow all guidelines and directives provided by our governments and our public health authorities. This situation compels us to make difficult but necessary pastoral decisions, in line with government orders and directives and in solidarity with all Canadians, in a serious attempt to slow down the spread of this threatening disease.
Following government announcements of several preventive measures to stem the spread of COVID-19, I wish to contribute to this common public health effort and act in solidarity with the civil authorities. Consequently, I am announcing the immediate adoption of the following directives. Until further notice: - All Masses, weekday and weekends, as well as Sunday liturgies of the Word are cancelled. - The churches remain accessible for personal visits during usual mass times. ...
Faced with the coronavirus epidemic in certain countries and the threat of contagion around the world, certain priests and parishioners are wondering what precautions we should take during our liturgies to avoid spreading the virus. Based on the suggestions made in 2009 during the H1N1 epidemic, I ask you to consider the following elements, until further notice.
A letter from CCCB President Archbishop Richard Gagnon to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in which he expresses the serious concerns of the Bishops of Canada regarding the proposed changes to the current legislation, as well as the survey itself.
