Archbishop Christian Lépine invites everyone, during the pandemic, to a minute of silence every Sunday at 12 p.m. outside the home while respecting the physical distancing rules.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

During this pandemic, we have discovered the difference small gestures can make in offering our support, solidarity and prayer in a practical way. Last month, we began ringing church bells throughout the city every Sunday at noon; I encourage our parishes and chapels to please continue to do so. We have received many positive comments from people encouraged by the bells’ message of hope.

I also encourage you to begin a new gesture this Sunday to coincide with the ringing of the bells at noon: I invite everyone to step outside their homes at this time and observe a minute of silence for those who have died from COVID-19 or for any other reason, given that observing physical distance makes it impossible to visit the sick or to be physically present to those who grieve. This second gesture, combined with the message of hope from the tolling bells, can be a visible sign of our solidarity with those in sorrow.

During the pandemic: Sundays at 12 p.m. 

1.    Ringing of church bells for 10 minutes: 

• An audible sign of our hope in God. 

2.    Observe a minute of silence outside the home, if possible:

• A visible sign of solidarity with those who are sick, those who have died and those who grieve. 

May the Eternal Father fill you with many blessings!
May Jesus Christ keep you in his Peace!
May the Holy Spirit move prayerfully within you!

 

+Christian Lépine
Archbishop of Montreal

Following the recent decree from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Archbishop Christian Lépine presided a special Mass this morning, entitled “In Time of Pandemic”. To follow the celebration, click here!