Vancouver Archbishop J. Michael Miller joined Canada’s Catholic bishops and other religious leaders across the country in a National Prayer for Canada during the COVID-19 health crisis that has closed most places of worship across the country.
In a YouTube video viewed by nearly 3,800 people, Archbishop Miller joined with the faithful of the Archdiocese of Vancouver in the prayer co-authored by Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast and Rabbi Dr. Reuven P. Bulka, former co-president of the Canadian Jewish Congress.
The director of the Religious Freedom Institute at the faith-based think tank Cardus added his voice of support for the national multi-faith prayer. “During this time of affliction it is important to celebrate and support worthy communal efforts that unite us in prayer as people of faith, as citizens, and above all in our shared humanity,” said Andrew Bennett, adding “as faith leaders across the country think creatively about ways to care for their communities, I would invite you to join me in supporting such a worthy initiative.”
Archbishop Linda Nicholls, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, is among the Canadian religious leaders who supported the national prayer effort.
“Prayer is the shared language with which we express the hopes and longings of our hearts to God with our sisters and brothers of faith,” Archbishop Nicholls said. “Please join in prayer as we face this common challenge in every community.”
The prayer was followed by a statement signed by Canada’s Catholic bishops and more than 80 Canadian faith leaders to offer hope and solidarity as the nation faces an unprecedented national health and economic crisis because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In spite of present sufferings, which can seem overwhelming at times, the flames of hope cannot be extinguished. Love, which gives life its fullest meaning, continues to seek out the common good in spite of individual difficulties,” said the statement.
“A message to Canadians from religious leaders in Canada in response to the COVID-19 pandemic” acknowledges that “Canadians are experiencing the devastating impact of COVID-19” but said “acts of kindness can bring us closer in spirit, despite the requirements of physical distancing.
“Let us witness hope to each other and so become beacons of light during these uncertain times,” the message said.
The call for spiritual solidarity was initiated by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishop and the Canadian Rabbinic Caucus with support from the Canadian Council of Churches and Canadian Interfaith Conversation.
The message from Canada’s faith leaders offers spiritual support to those working on the frontlines of the health care battle to control COVID-19 and to all Canadians who fear for their health and the lives of their loved ones and their economic well-being.
“We all need to pull together. It is essential to carry out the practical requirements to limit the spread of this virus. It is also important to maintain a posture of attentive caring towards our neighbour,” the statement said in calling on Canadians of all faiths to “draw closer to God.”
“Religion and spirituality can indeed contribute to building people up, to providing a sense of meaning, inner strength, new horizons and openness of hearts. As religious leaders, we wish to emphasize, especially in times like these, the power and importance of prayer.
“We earnestly pray for healing, for the continued efforts to relieve human suffering, and for perseverance throughout these challenging times,” the message continued.
“As history records these moments for our country’s future, let us pray that, in the face of COVID-19, we respond with an abundance of hope, gratitude and solidarity, trusting in the loving and ever merciful God, the source of all hope.”
With B.C. Catholic files.
