Posted on 05/04/2020 5:27:32 PM PDT by marshmallow
RIGA, Latvia, May 1, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A Latvian archbishop said the country’s faithful have been publicly receiving all sacraments throughout the coronavirus pandemic after spiritual leaders convinced authorities that “spiritual food is no less important than physical food” and that “man does not live of bread alone.”
Latvia is a small state in Eastern Europe, slightly larger than West Virginia, bordering both the Baltic Sea and Russia. The country’s population is under two million people, and Lutheranism is the predominant religion. About 20 percent of the population identifies as Catholic.
Archbishop Zbigņevs Stankevičs of Riga sent a statement to Zenit, a Catholic news agency, in which he explained the importance of continuous dialog with government authorities.
The archbishop, and other Catholics, made their case by pointing out how the public celebration of the sacraments, even amid a pandemic, would be beneficial to the state by reducing social tensions.
“Lately, psychiatrists have pointed out the worsening of mental problems because of the restrictions, Stankevičs said. “In this regard, the church helps the society to maintain its psychological and mental health in times of crisis.”
The archbishop credited the success of his efforts, as well as the efforts of other Christians, “to the openness of the representatives of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior.” He added that it was important to have all Christian churches and communities maintain a “united position” before the government.
(Excerpt) Read more at lifesitenews.com ...
**A Latvian archbishop said the country’s faithful have been publicly receiving all sacraments throughout the coronavirus pandemic after spiritual leaders convinced authorities that “spiritual food is no less important than physical food” and that “man does not live of bread alone.” **
Perhaps U. S. Bishops will follow that example.
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