Saint George's Day suffered a major impact due to the coronavirus pandemic, this Thursday (23), in churches in Rio. On this holiday, instead of crowded parishes, masses will be virtual.
This had never happened in history. The Church located in the North Zone, called Matriz de Quintino, normally receives hundreds of faithful every year. It dawned empty. Few believers 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, Saint George will bless devotees in their homes. In the interview given to G1, he stated:
Make your homes the Church of São Jorge. This disease is very dangerous. Don't leave your house, let's show all our devotion without taking to the streets. The most valuable gift God gave us was life. So, let's cherish this gift. Whoever loves takes care and Saint George will take care of everyone, in their homes”
Saint George's Day – how important is it?
The great martyr, as he is normally known, was brutally murdered in the year 303. As with every martyr, many stories were also told about him. However, it is worth remembering that there are few historical foundations, however, enough to realize that he really existed, and that (for 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 belonging to the Roman emperor Diocletian, who persecuted Christians. Jorge then renounced everything to live only under the command of our Lord, and live the Holy Gospel.
Saint George did not want to be at the service of tyrannical governments
He loved love, truth, humility… He was persecuted, arrested and threatened. All of this with the aim of making him renounce his devotion to Jesus Christ. Saint George, 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 ones. And the king's daughter was drawn. Suddenly, Jorge appeared, a Christian, who felt sorry and went to face that dragon. He made the sign of the cross and, when fighting the dragon, he defeated it with a spear. He received many goods as a reward, which he distributed to the poor.
Isolation measures kept the faithful away.
Due to the security measures that require social distancing, in addition to the church being closed, the surrounding streets – where stalls displaying images and souvenirs of Saint George are set up – will be empty.
The traditional program will be maintained: dawn at 5am, with a clarinet and bell ringing and a small fireworks display. Inside the church, only the priest and assistants will help celebrate the masses at 5 am, 10 am, 3 pm and 6 pm, which will be broadcast on social media.
Source: CNBB
