Brazil is currently in third place in the world for the number of those infected by the coronavirus pandemic. By mid-November, out of a population of close on 210 million, there had been almost 6 million infections and around 170,000 deaths in the country, with a continuing upward trend in infections and many hundreds of deaths daily.
Grieving relatives, frightened and despairing individuals, a widely broken health care system and increasing material need are just some of the many challenges also facing the Catholic Church, which finds herself called upon more than ever to care for these lonely and isolated people. At the same time, however, hundreds of priests in Brazil have themselves fallen victim to the Covid-19 virus.
Earlier in the year, in order to protect its 40 priests as they went about their ministry, the diocese of Januaria in southeast Brazil appealed to ACN for help for protective equipment – face masks, disinfectant materials, disposable gloves and personal protective equipment for use when visiting the sick. Thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, we were able to provide 1400 Euros, and now these priests are already benefiting from this equipment. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you who contributed!
