The Islamic Republic is the epicentre of the outbreak in the Middle East, with 19 victims and 139 infections. Canadian study suggests that up to 18,000 people could be infected in the country. Shrines and places of worship remain open, but adopt more precautions. Rouhani is also against closing of districts or cities, says focus should be on individuals. US sanctions are hindering the fight against the epidemic.
Tejgaon parish celebrated five masses on Ash Wednesday with some 16,000 people attending. Some 7,000 boxes with offerings were collected for the poor. Parishioners pledge to save money on meat, fish and rickshaw travel on Lenten Fridays.
A married man who converted to Christianity, he died as a martyr because he refused to give up his faith. In his native region, he is known as Devasagayam (God’s help). The Congregation for the Causes of Saints recognised a miracle attributed to him in 2013. Thousands of people visit the places of his birth and martyrdom.
WeChat accounts of prominent intellectuals are shut down. In China, “The public has a lot to say, but they are not allowed to express it,” says one critic. Several blogs and social media accounts have been silenced. Some posts about Li Wenliang have been removed. For a Singapore scholar, China’s “Leninist” regime is the problem.
The apostolic administrator of Harbin issued a pastoral letter. The epidemic brings out fear of death, anxiety, and fragility. The resurrection of Jesus “changed the fate of human beings enslaved by death.” People should be “witnesses of joy” in society, especially to the sick and infected. Don Bosco is an example. The Virgin Mary will protect.
Six of Vietnam’s 16 cases are in this town. Some 1,300 Catholics live in the municipality of more than 10,000 people. A young priest volunteered to help. The faithful are praying for the end of the world-wide emergency. “We hope that these sacred moments will not only heal bodies, but also our souls,” says parishioner.