The number of people infected with the coronavirus grows rapidly. As of March 28, 2020, there have been 1,418 confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Philippines. Out of these cases, 71 deaths and 42 recoveries were recorded. The largest single-day increase in the number of confirmed cases was on March 29, when 343 new cases were announced. Continue reading
The spread of the virus COVID-19 and the lockdown of the cities have affected the majority of the people. But the sector most affected are the daily income earners who depend on their day-to-day labor, such as street vendors, casual workers, etc. No work, no pay. The same applies to the sick and elderly at homes, who need the assistance of others. Continue reading
The whole world is reeling from the threat of the coronavirus, which is spreading very fast in the different parts of the world and is claiming many victims. COVID-19 has caused unprecedented disruption as different sports and cultural events, conferences, and churches have closed their doors and medical professionals race to treat those infected and to develop a vaccine. This can be a time of great despair and uncertainty, but also a time of hope, action and most of all prayer. The Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SCJs) from different communities in the Philippines have actively embraced this enormous challenge and try to answer the needs of time by being with the people, taking care of their spiritual needs and alleviating some of their immediate and most pressing necessities. Continue reading
Here is a translation of the prayer Pope Francis recited by video March 11 for a special Mass and act of prayer asking Mary to protect Italy and the world during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mary,
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People,
know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings
and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross,
to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.
Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
SCJ Philippines Region 