Author: Jonathan

As the Catholic Bishops of Southern Africa, we are concerned in a particular way for our many brothers and sisters who are experiencing
stress at this time of lockdown. To defeat the pandemic and protect
our neighbors we are physically cut off from consolation,
companionship, and joy.

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SAVING LIVES

Coronavirus, a mercilessly devastating illness that spreads itself via droplets from person to person, has turned the whole world upside down. The world has virtually been brought to a grinding halt. Borders are sealed. There is no travel by air, sea, rail or road. The police with the help of the army have been ordered to enforce a crushing lockdown and only allow movement of those with appropriate permits.
The sole purpose of the Declaration of the National State of Disaster by Government is to save lives. Government has put at the disposal of the Nation every resource available in order to save the lives of its people from the insidious assault of COVID-19. Government leaders consider it their sacred duty and privilege to persuade every citizen to recognise the gravity of the threat imposed by Covid-19 and consequently to follow the directives aimed at fighting the disease. The gift of human life is “like a pearl of great price. The merchant who finds it sells everything he owns and buys it” (Mt.13:4.5). This is virtually what the Government has done. RSOO billion will be raised in order to respond to the challenge of the deadly Coronavirus.

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DIOCESE OF DUNDEE

POSTNET SUITE 95, PRIVATE BAG X6603, NEWCASTLE 2940
KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

TELEPHONE: (034) 312 6591 – TELEFAX: (034) 312 6592
e-mail: dundeediocese@gmail.com
NPO 243-382 PBO 930000779

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Following the proclamation of a Nationwide Lockdown from 26th March midnight to Thursday l 6’h April, I would like to issue the following directives.

1. All Sunday and Weekday Masses and Sunday services in the absence of a Priest are suspended.
2. All Priests are directed to remain in their Parish Presbyteries to show solidarity with their People. They are encouraged/ requested to celebrate daily Mass for the Faithful and for the World for the eradication of the pandemic.
3. All the Faithful are invited to renew their appreciation of the importance of Prayer at Home and in private. We are encouraged to avail of a “Spiritual Communion Service” and other Services provided on the Internet. In particular, I invite us all to unite in praying the Rosary daily between 17h00 and 18h30. (Pope Francis’ Prayer for Healing of the 2011, March is included.)
4. Public celebrations of Holy Week and Easter Triduum are suspended. The Ch1ism Mass ‘is postponed.
5. Since we are not able to celebrate Penitential Services, we are aH invited to make an Examination of Conscience, a sincere Act of Contrition and to resolve to go to Confession when it becomes possible.
6. All Baptisms, First Holy Communions, Confomations and Weddings are suspended. The reception of RCIA Catechumens and Candidates is postponed.
7. All Meetings and all Parish activities are suspended.
8. Funerals are to be conducted according to the directives given by the State.

I support fully Pop,e Francis’ appeal that the doors of our Churches remain open! May our hearts remain open to the invitation of our Lord who does not abandon us. The words of the Angel “Do not be afraid, Mary” spoken on this great Solemnity, speak to us today.

United with you dear Brothers and Sisters in this unique Lenten time.

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