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He admitted that during his career it will be the first time that he will not attend the Aglona Festival in person, because it is usually an active time for him, because I have helped to accept people’s confessions in Aglona as much as possible.
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“I follow all the rules of self-isolation in good faith, but now everything will be a little different, because I will address those who have met in Aglona with the help of a recording that will be recorded during the day and played at 7 pm,” said the archbishop.
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Asked how the Covid-19 crisis has affected people, Stankevich shared his thoughts that it has cut everyone’s life. On the one hand, it has caused confusion in people, but on the other, every crisis is also an opportunity to change. “This is definitely a time when the church itself could change, because the churches had an incentive to open up to the new possibilities offered by modern technology, thus not losing touch with the faithful, even in a remote mode,” said the archbishop.
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However, he added that in his message to the pilgrims of Aglona, he would remind him that God had not forgotten everything during the crisis, so he would call on the whole society to be united, sensitive and use all human opportunities during the crisis. “God does not impose his presence, but this call is applicable to believers and non-believers, because there is an opportunity to open up to faith,” Stankevičs added.
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The website of the Roman Catholic Church “katolis.lv” reported that the archbishop must observe 14 days of self-isolation after a trip to Poland.
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It has already been reported that today the feast day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Aglona Basilica will be dedicated to St. Meinard, the agency LETA has clarified.
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At the altar of the basilica garden at 12 noon, the Holy Mass of the day is scheduled, and at 7 pm – the Holy Mass in the evening in honor of the great feast of St. Meinard. The events will be attended by the Rezekne Jesus Heart Church Choir and the Aglona Basilica Church Choir.
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No more than 400 people will be allowed in the Aglona Basilica.
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Visitors to the festival must keep a distance of at least two meters and are advised not to form queues or crowd outside the Aglona Basilica, such as the car parks and the gates of Sacred Square. Everyone must follow the precautions set by the state and the organizers of the festival, including avoiding the use of shared items, and wash your hands often and thoroughly.
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The regulation of the flow of people both before, during and after the festive services, as well as the observance and control of public safety and epidemiological requirements will be especially strengthened by the representatives of the responsible institutions.
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In connection with the Covid-19 containment measures, parking facilities in the village of Aglona will be limited and, in a situation where the number of visitors will exceed the allowable, due to epidemiological risks, stopping and parking in the village area may be denied.
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During the festival, there will be no trade or catering services in the territory of the Aglona shrine.
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Doctors will be on duty in the territory of the basilica during the festival. Assistance will be provided at first aid points in a yellow medical tent and ambulance crew cars.
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Visitors to the festival are invited to be careful near fire and water, choose clothing suitable for the weather. The headgear protects against overheating and heat stroke in steam, as well as regular drinking before thirst appears, the ministry noted.
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People suffering from a chronic illness, such as cardiovascular disease, should take special care of their health during the holidays, and they should follow a health-appropriate regimen and take the medication they need. If the illness is characterized by impaired consciousness, a note should be carried in the pocket, indicating the name, surname, illness, as well as the telephone number of the relative. In an emergency, this information makes it easier for doctors to help.
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The festival will also be broadcast by the media, so citizens are encouraged to watch it remotely.
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Anyone who has symptoms of a respiratory infectious disease or who has doubts about their health is encouraged to stay at home and attend services remotely, thus taking care of themselves and others.
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If signs of a respiratory infection appear, a face mask or mouth and nose mask should be worn as there is a risk of infecting other people. In such cases, residents are encouraged to seek medical attention at the shrine and contact their family doctor.
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