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PASTORAL LETTERS
A r c h b i s h o p o f M o n t r e a l
Pastoral letter
The spiritual, always essential
June 11, 2020
While the easing of restrictions regarding outdoor gatherings and the gradual resumption of
activity in many sectors have sparked renewed hope in the general public, a cloud of uncer-
tainty still hangs heavy over many facets of life: personal, family, social and religious.
The government and public-health officials are proceeding with caution, rightly so.
However, I must draw attention to the impact the closure of places of worship has had on
the lives of many individuals and families.
The pastoral team of the Archdiocese of Montreal is in touch daily with many people, those
who believe and those who do not, seeking spiritual support. Deprived of access to their
usual social and community surroundings, they describe feelings of being lost and adrift.
People searching for meaning, peace and strength seek to recover their equilibrium in a
tranquil space, such as a church offers; or they express a need for accompaniment, which,
as a starting point, is being met through social media and online services, but it can never
replace direct physical contact with one’s faith community.
(cont’d)
Collection of texts by the Most Rev. Christian Lépine 260
