Speaking ahead of a series of special Thursday evening Masses for the sick, their families, NHS staff, and those working in Social Care, Cardinal Vincent Nichols has expressed his “deep appreciation” for all those caring for others during the coronavirus pandemic.
Acknowledging the community solidarity behind the ‘Clap for our Carers’ initiative that has seen millions applauding NHS staff and health workers from their doors and windows for the past four weeks, Cardinal Nichols said:
“Now what we want to do, is add to that public applause, the practice of public prayer. So every Thursday at 7 o’clock, a bishop will celebrate Mass in one of the cathedrals for the care workers. We will begin here in Westminster Cathedral.”
Encouraging Catholics to follow Mass and pray before the 8pm applause, Cardinal Nichols said:
“Use that time before 8 o’clock on a Thursday to offer your prayers of thanksgiving for these generous, courageous people, for their support – their encouragement – [and pray] that God will sustain them in this great work that they’re doing.
“We applaud, but we pray and we pray fervently for them. May God bless them all.”
“Well, this lockdown has to go on and we have to be persistent and resilient and keep up the effort that we’re making in order to protect each other – protect other people.
“But there’s a big thank you I want to give to all those who are caring for others.
“It’s especially true in our care homes, in our hospitals, but it’s true in every place where somebody is genuinely caring for another person.
“And in these circumstances, it’s stressful, but it’s deeply appreciated.
“And we can see on a Thursday evening how much that caring work, especially in the NHS and in care homes, is appreciated.
“Now, what we want to do, is add to that public applause, the practice of public prayer.
“So every Thursday at 7 o’clock, a bishop will celebrate Mass in one of the cathedrals for the care workers – 7 o’clock every Thursday. We will begin here in Westminster Cathedral.
“And this coming Thursday, I will celebrate Mass at 7 o’clock – so please do join in, if you can, on the live streaming. Follow where the Mass takes place on each different Thursday.
“And even more importantly, use that time before 8 o’clock on a Thursday to offer your prayers of thanksgiving for these generous, courageous people, for their support – their encouragement – that God will sustain them in this great work that they’re doing.
“We applaud, but we pray and we pray fervently for them. May God bless them all.”
