Cardinal Nichols: Prayers for
quiet heroes amid epic Covid struggle
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| Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster |
The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols,
stresses the importance of prayer, as well as applause for NHS and social care
staff who are on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Lydia O’Kane
Preaching his homily during the first of a series of Masses for
the sick on Thursday, the feast of St George, the Archbishop of Westminster,
Cardinal Vincent Nichols thanked frontline healthcare workers for “their
courage and generosity of heart which sustains their efforts. We salute their
great commitment to their patients whom they serve so unselfishly.”
The Cardinal noted that “frontline workers, among the sick
stand in a great and noble tradition. That tradition bears the hallmark of the
Christian faith”, he said.
Applause and prayers
Since a lockdown came into effect in the UK to halt the
spread of the coronavirus, people have been going to their front doors at 8pm
on a Thursday evening to give a round of applause for those who care for the
sick and the dying.
Cardinal Nichols said, “to this public applause we wish to
add public prayer”. “We pray for all those who day by day come face to face
with this virus, in our hospitals, in care homes, in house visits; in research
laboratories and surgeries.”
The Cardinal also invited prayers “for those whose families
include people with special and demanding needs, that within the confines of
their homes this same courageous and generous spirit will be strengthened and
sustained. We pray for those who are suffering with the effects of this
dreadful virus, for those who have died and for their grieving families and
friends.”
Courage and commitment
Underlining the commitment of those on the frontline, the
Archbishop of Westminster said that they see at first hand “how devastating
this virus is to human health and life. They see it every day. And every day
they return to the front line.”
Noting the deprivations being placed on people at this
difficult time, including not being able, as yet, to return to churches and
sacraments, the Cardinal said, “we should be wary of any sense of self-pity as
we play our part in these life-saving disciplines.
Quiet heroes amid epic struggle
As the world faces the challenges posed by the Covid-19
virus, Cardinal Nichols reminded the faithful that , “in all of this we are
comforted by the unwavering presence of our Blessed Lord…Our prayer must be
steadfast, for there is no doubt that the power of God is both needed and
moving in this epic struggle.” “We renew that prayer for God’s strength
and inspiration for these quiet heroes of today…”
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