The coronavirus pandemic has been spreading relentlessly in Latin America. In Peru for instance, the number of registered cases by mid-July has risen beyond 316,000. In Mexico, that number is over 280,000.
That's why in Rome, at the St. Bartholomew Church on the Tiburina Island, the Community of Sant'Egidio organized a prayer service for coronavirus patients and victims in Latin America.
FR. FRANCISCO GUEVARA
Community of Sant'Egidio
“This prayer was organized because, here in Rome, we've been seeing and meeting many Latin Americans who have expressed the need for a moment of prayer, to pray for their loved ones and friends. Many of them have lost their parents or other relatives.”
About 100 people were present at the service, led by Salvadoran priest, Francisco Guevara. It included hymns, a Gospel reading and special intercessions for those who have died.
“Command diseases to move far away from us.”
Katya Alvarado from Peru has lived in Italy for over a year. She has been praying for the northern region of Lambayeque, where she's from.
KATYA ALVARADO
Community of Sant'Egidio
“It's completely battered today. We're praying for the sick already in intensive care, but who lack oxygen to live and continue receiving treatment. That's why it's very important that we all join together in this great prayer the Community of Sant'Egidio has organized, at the international level, for all coronavirus patients in Latin America.”
Fr. Francisco says he's met hundreds of Latinos who have been stuck in Rome because of the coronavirus pandemic. This prayer is a way to help them come together with the community in Rome to pray for their loved ones back home.
