My dear Friends,
Unum Omnes “that all may be one” (John 17: 21), the name of our organization must be more meaningful to us today than ever before.
Yes, we live in very difficult times, times when Covid-19, a disease caused by a virus, which like all viruses is invisible to the naked eye and which whether naturally occurring or artificially created in a laboratory, seem to bring almost the whole world to its knees. Its devastating effect on people, economies of nations and individuals, businesses, social, cultural and religious relations today appears immeasurable.
In spite of the havoc it is wreaking in almost all aspects of human life, the disease seems to be doing something good, bringing many people together. Yes it is true that many countries have either closed their borders or are on lock down but is the world not seeing more interconnectedness of humanity, are people not seeing that something that affects one person has an impact on another or something that affects one nation can also impact other nations? Perhaps the world is being reminded of the equality of the human race and that the dignity of man ought to be respected by all as espoused in the Social Teaching of the Church. Suddenly the media is silent of which nation is poor or rich, which nation is a super power based on the size of its stockpile of weapons of mass destruction. Suddenly the economic strengths of nations and individuals, big names in the corporate world are not in the news anymore. Stock Exchanges are collapsing, prices of crude oil are tumbling, car manufacturing companies are producing respirators and alcoholic beverage manufacturers producing hand sanitizers. Fortunately, the sick and the aged are a little bit in the limelight now because they have been found to be vulnerable to Covid-19 and people are reminded in their care for each other to also remember them. Perhaps we should ask ourselves, if it is only a coincidence that covid-19 is peaking during this Lenten season? Is it perhaps a reminder that it is about time the world turned back to seek first the kingdom of God? For if the world can be so shaken by this small virus, why does humanity behave as if it is in total control of the world?
Friends, this message on behalf of your Bureau, comes to stand in solidarity with you in these challenging times. Let us be one in spirit and thought that we have a God who loves us no matter our circumstance and in whose hands we are safest. This of course, does not mean that we ignore the protocols given by our governments and medical personnel to keep safe from the scourge of Covid-19, rather it is to encourage us to strengthen our faith, and seek refuge in Him who having been our help in ages past, can also be our hope for years to come.
We recognize that many of our members happen to be in the age group that is most vulnerable to fatalities caused by the disease. Our thoughts and prayers are with all for God’s protection and speedy recovery for those who may have already contracted the disease. Perhaps some of you may already have lost family to the disease. Our condolences to any such bereaved families. We join in praying for the repose of the souls of any departed ones. We pray similarly for the souls of any Brothers of our member-organization who may have been lost to Covid -19. We also remember in prayer all front line medical staff and scientists who are helping the world to combat this dreadful disease asking the Lord to protect them so they can in turns continue to use their gifts to serve humanity.
Finally we commit the world and its leaders to the maternal arms of our Blessed Mother Mary, asking for her intercession in these difficult times. Many of us are unable to attend either weekday of Sunday Masses. Please, be assured that our Ecclesiastical Assistant Msgr. Steiner Willibald is in daily communion with all of us at Masses he celebrates.
The Lord bless and Keep us, the Lord make His face shine upon us and be gracious to us, the Lord lift His countenance and grant us forgiveness of sins and peace. Amen!
EDDIE PRAH (KSG)
PRESIDENT ICCM-UNUM OMNES