Covid-19: Bishops of Costa Rica announce Day of Prayer

By Vatican News staff reporter

A special "Day of Prayer for the situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic" will take place on the 22 April in Costa Rica.

The goal of the initiative, which has been organized by the country’s Bishops’ Conference, is to express the Churches solidarity with the entire population.

In a statement the Bishops write, "We appeal to the responsibility of all because only together can we overcome this serious disease and we will succeed in doing so if we faithfully respect the hygienic and sanitary measures established by the authorities."

So far, the country has reported at least 229 thousand cases and over 3 thousand deaths. There are also concerns at the growing rates of infections.

For this reason, the Bishops' Conference is urging the population to "redouble its efforts to avoid overload and the collapse of health systems,"  adding, "it is important to be aware of the seriousness of not taking the necessary action" to stop the spread of the virus.

National Catholic Church

At the same time, the national Catholic Church is asking priests of "all parish communities in the country to organize and promote the Day of Prayer," saying that " the Liturgical Commission will also provide an appropriate subsidy as soon as possible."

Concluding their statement, the Bishops offer their prayers for all the victims of the pandemic and invoke the Lord to give strength and consolation to their families, relatives and friends.