AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Coronavirus: in the face of the suspension of Masses, a parish priest in the streets with the Blessed Sacrament

Thursday, 26 March 2020 coronavirus local churches sacraments priests

COTE D'IVOIRE

2023-10-21
Media representative of the Bishops' Conference: “Our listeners ask us above all for prayers”

2023-10-04
Resignation of Archbishop of Gagnoa

2023-09-30
The President of Bishops on the tragedies of emigration: our young people are dying at sea because they cannot benefit from the Country's riches

2023-07-31
Youths from ten of the country's dioceses ready for WYD

2023-07-14
Health and education to fight poverty: missionaries in a small village on the outskirts

2023-05-15
Appointment of bishop of Katiola

Abidjan (Agenzia Fides) - "In these dark times of confinement I thought that Jesus Christ cannot be confined, I decided that your parish priest should pass with the Holy Sacrament in the parish territory", said parish priest Fr. Eric Norbert Abekan parish of the Holy Family of Riviera 2 in the archdiocese of Abidjan.
On Sunday 22 March, while Masses did not take place in most of the parishes in the Ivory Coast, Fr. Abekan organized an unprecedented procession with the Blessed Sacrament on the streets of its parish territory.
Standing in an open-roof car, holding the Blessed Sacrament in his hand, he walked the streets of the parish territory to meet the faithful who had stayed home because of the Coronavirus.
Accompanied by his vicars who kept a good distance, Fr. Abekan addressed a message of hope and comfort: "Do not be afraid, follow the guidelines of the government".
An iniziative welcomed by local residents. In front of the entrance of each house, one or two inhabitants could be seen kneeling to greet the Blessed Sacrament.
As Fr. Abekan, many other priests have taken similar initiatives: Masses broadcast online through parish websites and social networks. (S.S.) (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 26/3/2020)