Our third Lenten spotlight will resonate with all of us today. We are all experiencing challenges in this coronavirus outbreak, but we have to recognize the risks may be higher for others.
Pope Francis recently prayed that “We ask the Lord today for the grace of not falling into indifference, the grace that all the information we have about human suffering might penetrate our hearts and move us to do something for others.”
Photo by Tommy Trenchard for Caritas
As many of the most populous and modernized cities take measures to contain the coronavirus and concern mounts across the globe, Catholic Relief Services seeks to empower vulnerable communities with proven methods of control and prevention. The novel coronavirus poses enormous health care challenges, especially in countries with weaker health care systems.
“We are doing everything possible to leverage our vast global footprint to prevent and mitigate the spread of the virus and its impact,” said Sean Callahan, CRS’ president and CEO.
Restricted travel inhibits trade, cripples livelihoods, and erodes local economies. Communities become cut off from food and other vital supply sources. Efforts to contain the virus cause mistrust and restricted movement hits jobs, crops, and markets. Cross border employment may be impossible. Incomes suffer. Food shipments cease. Some farmers can’t tend their fields or acquire seeds and tools, and those who can grow and harvest may be shut off from markets.
“It’s a domino effect,” said Marieke Van Weerden, CRS director of staff safety and security. “A hit to the health of a country reverberates through every sector of family, civic, and work life.
For these reasons, CRS is responding to this outbreak with the following 3 steps: 1) Information, assessment, and inclusion for behavior change and prevention communications; 2) Capacity building of health systems; and 3) Livelihoods and food security.
As we take the appropriate measures for ourselves, let us pray and support those who need additional help during this difficult time. Please go to this link to read about CRS’s response to the coronavirus and consider contributing to their efforts.
Catholics of the World 