Matters India Reporter

Yangon, Feb 8, 2020: Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), appealed to brother bishops of 26 member countries to seek the intercession of Blessed Virgin Mary to stall the corona virus epidemic.

Originating in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the virus has spread to some 30 countries as of February 8 with 34, 956 cases of confirmed infected people of which 6,106 in severe condition. The virus has killed people, majority of them in China and 2,355 persons have been reported as recovered.

Writing to brother bishops in Asia on February 8, Cardinal Bo, who is also the archbishop of Yangon, said, “I appeal to all my brother bishops in Asia to entrust all victims of corona virus and people of the whole world to the lady of health – Our Lady of Lourdes, whose feast we shall celebrate on February 11.”

The 72-year-old prelate prayed, “May the Lord welcome the dead into his peace, comfort families and sustain the great commitment by the Chinese community that has already been put in place to combat the epidemic.”

The cardinal continued, “We should pray that Our Blessed Mother intervenes to control and help prevent a global epidemic of corona virus. We shall fervently ask her maternal protection to stop the rapid spread of this deadly virus, and give hope and courage, and lay her miraculous healing hands be upon them.”

In affirmation of childlike faith, Myanmar’s first cardinal who is no stranger to facing natural calamities said, “In these tragic moments, may Mother Mary who stood by the cross of her dying son Jesus, be the pillar of strength and beacon of hope to the health workers who risk their lives to save the lives of their sick brothers and sisters.”