“‘ Monastic ’is an attitude that has always existed in Christianity, and not only in Christianity, which holds us back, in the depths of ourselves to find another depth and another ballast to live there. That is what the word monastic means, in the sense of isolation from the outside in order to deepen the interior ”, said the cardinal.
For D. Manuel Clemente, there was a fundamental change in the last month: Catholics started to participate in the mass on television and on the internet, and not just to attend. “They are means that are at our disposal and that we will use. As we have already seen developments in this sense with the usual visits of the extraordinary ministers of communion to people’s homes. All of this will have its future because it develops what is the life of the Church: a profound coexistence, at its different levels and possibilities. ”
“Realities are developing that I think will stay! Even when we can return to our normal pastoral care, we will not fail to use much of this that is now coming to the fore”He added.
Cardinal D. António Marto was unable to hide his tears when he announced that 13 May celebrations would be held without pilgrims this year. “It is with great pain and sadness, soul and heart, but with a great sense of responsibility, that at this moment I communicate that the Shrine of Fátima will celebrate the great international anniversary pilgrimage of May without physically present pilgrims. Without that physical presence of pilgrims, without that crowd as usual, ”said the cardinal, in a video message disseminated by the Sanctuary of Fátima.
“Suspending this May pilgrimage in the usual way is an act of pastoral responsibility and also a profound act of faith, which I communicate with my heart in tears, because I know the importance of this particular moment for so many thousands of pilgrims who come here in search of food, spiritual comfort, peace for the whole year”, Continued D. António Marto, interrupted several times by emotion.
By the time the video was recorded, 180 groups of pilgrims, from all continents, had already canceled trips to Fátima. “For the Sanctuary it is a very difficult moment, because it cannot accommodate pilgrims, who are its raison d’être, the raison d’être of this great field hospital that helps to heal so many wounds. Wounds of the soul, heart, personal and social wounds”, Lamented D. António Marto.
In Portuguese religious culture, pilgrimages to Fátima, but also processions in honor of the saints and Catholic popular festivals take on a central role. This year, all of that will be left to the background. But as the cardinal counters: “One does not go on pilgrimage only on foot, with feet, or with physical movement. It is also a pilgrimage with the mind and the heart ”.
The bishops heard by the Observer do not fear that the Portuguese faith will be shaken for a year without manifestations of popular piety. “I have absolutely no doubt that the Portuguese will know how to adapt”, confirms D. Jorge Ortiga. “Holy Week in Braga, for example, was lived with a different depth. Now in relation to the popular festivities … I am in a region where the festivities to the saints multiply every Sunday. If we have to ask Christians that this year there will be an embarrassment, because that will be the case. Surely we will know how to adapt”, Says the archbishop of Braga.
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