The day of São Jorge suffered a great impact due to the pandemic of coronavirus, this Thursday (23), in the churches of Rio. This holiday, instead of crowded parishes, masses will be virtual.
This had never happened in history. The Church is located in the North Zone, called Matriz de Quintino, and normally receives hundreds of faithful every year. It dawned empty. Few faithful went to the parish to light candles and pray, however, outside.
Dirceu Rigo, priest responsible for regular services, said that there will be a special virtual blessing for the health of the faithful.
He said that this year, São Jorge will bless devotees in their homes. In an interview with G1, he stated:
Make your homes the Church of São Jorge. This disease is very dangerous. Don't leave the house, let's show all the devotion without going out to the streets. The most valuable gift God gave us was life. So let's value this gift. Those who love take care and São Jorge will take care of everyone, in their homes”
Saint George's Day – why is it important?
The great martyr, as he is commonly known, was brutally murdered in the year 303. As with all martyrs, many stories have been told about him. However, it is worth remembering that there are few historical foundations, however, enough to realize that he really existed, and that (to the devotees) it is worth asking for his intercession and imitating him as an example in conduct.
It is known that he belonged to a group of soldiers of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who persecuted Christians. Jorge, then, renounced everything to live only under the command of our Lord, and to live the Holy Gospel.
São Jorge did not want to be at the service of tyrant governments
He loved love, truth, humility... He was persecuted, arrested and threatened. All this with the aim of making him renounce his devotion to Jesus Christ. São Jorge finally renounced his own life and ended up being martyred.
It is said that in a place there was a dragon that oppressed a people. Sometimes animals were given to this dragon, and sometimes young people. And the king's daughter was drawn. Suddenly, Jorge appeared, a Christian, who took pity on him and went to face that dragon. He made the sign of the cross and, fighting the dragon, defeated it with a spear. He received many goods as a reward, which he distributed to the poor.
Isolation measures have alienated worshipers.
Due to the security measures that require social distancing, in addition to the closed church, the surrounding streets – where stalls selling images and souvenirs of São Jorge are set up – will be empty.
The traditional program will be maintained: dawn at 5 am, with clarinet and bell playing and a small fireworks display. Inside the church, only the priest and assistants will help celebrate the masses at 5am, 10am, 3pm and 6pm, which will be broadcast on social media.
Source: CNBB
