In the span of a month, 16 Saveriani Missionaries in Parma, Italy have died. They were all advanced in age and had worked on four continents, devoting their life to announcing the Gospel.
The superior general of the missionaries says the cause of death is still unknown.
FR. FERNANDO GARCIA
Superior General, Missionari Saveriani
“We cannot categorically affirm coronavirus was the cause of death of these missionaries, since we didn't carry out a test on them. Nothing was done to confirm the presence of coronavirus. We did test one person, but after a week, we still don't have the results.”
One person was found positive for coronavirus on March 11 and the others on the same floor had symptoms that could be traced to COVID-19.
FR. FERNANDO GARCIA
Superior General, Missionari Saveriani
“Considering the isolation time, surely the virus had been present on the forth floor for many days. We know COVID-19 is a virus that transmits easily and when measures were taken, it most likely had already spread throughout the community.”
The average age of the missionaries is 75 and they work around the world. This means the virus could have spread quite easily in the community.
Fr. Garcia prayed for those who are currently suffering from fever in their community, for eternal rest for the deceased and for God's consolation for all family and friends.
Melissa Butz
