Italy: Friars at Shrine of St Anthony contract Coronavirus

Source: Messenger of St Anthony/Vatican News

Two Conventual Franciscan friars of the Basilica of St Anthony of Padua tested positive for the Coronavirus on Tuesday and are now in self-imposed quarantine to prevent infecting the rest of the community.

A statement in the shrine's online edition of the Messenger of Saint Anthony magazine said the two members are 'coping with serenity and sharing in the sufferings of the sick and their families.'

They promise to pray especially for those who are dealing with the contagion, both directly and indirectly, such as healthcare workers, political institutions, law enforcement agencies, volunteers and all who are helping the suffering people.

Fr Oliviero Svanera, Rector of the Basilica said:"The condition of the two friars is in constant evolution and the consequences of the infection cannot be assessed in their entirety at this time."

"We think it is important to continue making our presence felt, even though only through the digital media, to the many people who see in Saint Anthony a friend, whose voice we friars are in a certain sense," Father Svanera said.

ON 12 March, the Conventual Franciscan friars decided to reduce contact with people in the Basilica to the minimum to curb the spread of the virus.

The friars have not been visible in the sanctuary for more than a week, except after closing time, so as not to interact even with the employees of the Basilica.

In line with instructions from the Diocese of Padua and the Italian government, confessions and public celebration of the Mass have been suspended. However, Masses are streamed live at 6pm (Italian time) on the shrine website.

St Anthony of Padua shrine continues to remain open to the faithful for private prayer to give a message of courage and hope, the community said.

Across Europe, several shrines have been closed or access restricted in line with government directives.

Lourdes closed on 17 Masses and prayers without congregation can be seen online. At Fatima in Portugal, Masses and rosary services have been live-streamed since March 14 without the participation of the faithful. All but two basement chapels of the Holy Trinity Basilica and the Chapel of the Apparition have been closed to pilgrims. Santiago de Compostela, Spain, closed on March 13.

LINK

www.messengersaintanthony.com/