Message from the Rector

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March 22, 2020

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

To say that we have been through some extraordinary few weeks and months would be an understatement. In dealing with the current public health crisis – in Canada and elsewhere – let us be governed by both prayer and prudence. On the issue of prayer, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has made available by video (available on our parish website basilica.ca) a moving prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary who has always been invoked, in times of crisis, as the Salus populi romani for the people of Rome. Italy has become the hardest hit of the European countries, second only to China in the number of deaths which have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. With respect to prudence, our Archbishop has given us guidance with respect to being attentive to, and following, public health directives aiming to contain the virus. We need to be realistic; the virus is spreading and it is a question of limiting the worst effects of it, particularly as it might overload our healthcare system and its ability to look after the gravely ill. Some points to observe: firstly, if you are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, out of consideration for yourself and for your brothers and sisters, do not come to the Basilica; secondly, if you do have symptoms of the virus, go to the testing facility which has been established at Brewer Arena; thirdly, if you have been travelling in Europe or have been in contact with someone who has been so travelling, self-isolate for 14 days to determine whether any symptoms – headache, fever, respiratory problems – occur. If symptoms do occur, take the appropriate action including self-isolating.
 
It has been, of course, a very difficult time for us who realize that the Sunday Mass is the “source and summit” of our Catholic life. Few of us have experienced the cancellation of Sunday Mass. Nonetheless, the Archdiocese has provided resources for the faithful to participate in daily and Sunday Masses by means of television and the Internet. Among the resources available are:
Vision TV: Sunday 8:00 a.m.; Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.; Saturday 8:00 a.m. & 9:30 a.m. https://www.visiontv.ca/
Daily Mass: (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/dailytvmass
  
Our Pastoral Council met on Wednesday, March 11. After the opening prayer and approval of agenda, the members approved the minutes from the February meeting. The following was noted with respect to business arising from the minutes: a draft was considered and approved with respect to an insert promoting small Christian communities in our parish; there was an update with respect to the Seniors Program being organized with a view to having activities before the summer; and, Msgr. Beach advised that a Pastoral Worker has been hired, subject to finalizing a letter of employment. With respect to new business, the Council received further communication with respect to the proposal of celebrating a Mass ad orientem, and there was a discussion with respect to a particular intention which had been repeated a number of times over recent weeks. In a discussion as an Assembly of the Whole, the members discussed the current situation with respect to the coronavirus crisis. As there is no meeting in April due to Holy Week, the next meeting of the Council will be on May 13. The meeting closed with prayer.

Father Kevin