Archbishop Peta: Solidarity
in Kazakhstan in times of pandemic
 |
| Archbishop of Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Archbishop Tomasz Peta |
In an interview with Vatican News, the Archbishop of
Nur-Sultan, Archbishop Tomasz Peta, says that the people of Kazakhstan still
share a spirit of solidarity in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ
In Kazakhstan, as in many other countries around the world,
precautionary measures are in place to check the spread of the Covid-19 virus:
The largest cities are under quarantine, schools and universities operate
exclusively online, and people are allowed to go out only for essentials, such
as food and medicine.
Despite these hard times and the social anxiety caused by
coronavirus, “the Catholic Church in Kazakhstan is still alive,” said
Archbishop Tomasz Peta of Nur-Sultan.
Church still alive
Archbishop Peta explained that the faithful still
participate at Masses which are broadcast from Karaganda, the second largest
city of Kazakhstan. “There are also those who come to ask for confession and
Holy Communion” which they ordinarily receive on their knees. The Archbishop
however noted that only a few people were able to be present at Mass in the
Cathedral at Easter due to coronavirus precautionary measures.
Archbishop Peta added that the participation of priests and
nuns has been instrumental in ensuring the 24-hour adoration of the Blessed
Sacrament in the capital’s cathedral. This practice, which has lasted for 18
consecutive years, began on 14 April 2002 “as a result of the visit of Saint
John Paul II, which took place in September 2001,” noted the Metropolitan of Nur-Sultan.
Difficulties
The Archbishop explained that there are three priests and
three nuns who are stuck in Poland and cannot return to Kazakhstan due to
travel restrictions. Stressing that they are “very much needed” back in the
country, he cited the example of Kazakhstani authorities who are extending
visas of foreign nationals without requiring them to return to their countries.
At the same time, he commended the efforts of religious like
the Sisters of Mother Teresa of Calcutta who are helping those in need in these
difficult times. Kazakhstan currently has 1,275 confirmed coronavirus cases
with 15 deaths and 165 recovered patients
Emphasizing the importance of hope and resilience,
Archbishop Peta added that the society of Kazakhstan has seen difficult times
before, as in the period of Stalinism and deportations. However, noted the
Archbishop, “the current situation, although difficult, is not the worst. There
is a spirit of solidarity among the people.”
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét