Page 253 - spiritual_accompaniment_montreal_archdiocese

PASTORAL LETTERS

These days, we are very aware of the questions and apprehensions that preoccupy
individuals, families and the whole of society. There remains much uncertainty and
concern regarding health, family, death, the economy, education, culture, society, and local
and global solidarity. You are full-fledged citizens and your faith equips you with a vision
that embraces every dimension of an individual. Various religions, each in its own way, have
always focused on responding to our search for the meaning of life, through joy as well as
through sorrow, and on guiding us along the spiritual journey that provides the breath of
life to sustain us throughout every weakness. As in every sphere of human life and activity,
there are times when we tend to serve ourselves rather than serve others, and members of
the Church have not always rendered needed service. But in all honesty, it is indispensable
that we draw on the spirit of service, which lies at the core of each human being.

That is why, during this time of confinement, we have not ceased to offer prayer and
pertinent reflections through our outreach via radio (Ville-Marie), television (Salt +Light),
online platforms, i.e. websites and social media, and telephone communication. We have
appealed for social solidarity and the practice of prevention. We have prayed, connected
with one another observing physical distance, comforted, encouraged, and persevered to
reach out to individuals, families, the lonely and those most in need. I commend and thank
all the faithful, volunteers, parish and diocesan personnel, women and men religious, those
committed to consecrated life, deacons, priests, and bishops, who, in offering their frailty,
illnesses, lives, search for meaning, deeds and prayer to God, trust that He will touch hearts
and transform our weakness so that his Light and Goodness might burst brightly through
it.

Now that “deconfinement” is being prudently implemented, we hope that there
is the same consideration for church-related “deconfinement,” following a well-planned,
controlled, phased-in process that allows us to begin gradually expanding our response to
spiritual needs while adopting safe practices.

(cont’d)

Collection of texts by the Most Rev. Christian Lépine 253