Bishops in Benin Thank God for Preserving “country from a deadly explosion of the disease”

In a bid to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the country, the Beninese government issued a raft of measures in March including a ban on large gatherings, compulsory wearing of face masks in public places, limiting the number of passengers aboard public transport, among others. 

On June 2, the government authorized the re-opening of churches amid strict measures such as the wearing of face masks, keeping social distance of at least one metre and the washing of hands.

With the easing of the COVID-19 restriction and the gradual return to normal life, the Catholic leaders in the country have urged the Beninese people to “continue to observe barrier gestures (washing hands, wearing masks and respecting a social distance of at least one meter) in all places and at all times.”

“Any slackening could lead to a rise in the number of cases of contamination by the disease still present in our country,” the Bishops caution in their June 11 statement.

They express their appreciation for "the pastoral innovations deployed by priests to support and accompany the faithful during the period of suspension of public celebrations: masses, teachings and prayers via the means of social communication. "

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Turning to the laity, the Bishops congratulate the faithful “for the rediscovery of the importance of the domestic church and for the sense of the Church which led them to support their pastors materially, morally and spiritually.”

They add in reference to the laity's commitment to supporting their pastors, “This is an important indication of fraternal communion in the Church Family of God, which should lead to an awakening to reflection for the self-support of our diocesan churches.”

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.