Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem.
(AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed) The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has issued special guidelines after several people in Bethlehem tested positive for the coronavirus last week.
The directive comes after a decision by the Palestinian Ministry of Health to close all schools, places of worship and holy sites in Bethlehem and Jericho for two weeks.
Pastoral region
In a letter addressed to all the faithful, priests and religious of the pastoral region of Bethlehem, apostolic administrator Pierbattista Pizzaballa urged all parties to show “responsibility and unity”.
“We encourage everyone to pray at home,” said Pizzaballa. “Read the Bible, and continue to fast, asking God for mercy and forgiveness.
“Unfortunately, this danger is already in our midst, and with a sense of responsibility, we must cooperate with the authorities and those responsible for the public health for the good of all.”
He added: “The strength which comes to us from communion with Christ Jesus, does not take away our human responsibility to protect, care for and heal our environment.”