(ANSA) - PERUGIA, 07 NOV - "I do not know how long this period of uncertainty and fragility will last, but one thing I recommend to everyone, make sure that no one is alone": this is the appeal of Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, president of Ceie archbishop of Perugia where he celebrated mass for the feast of Sant'Ercolano. The cardinal addressed the parishes, the voluntary institutions, and "of course" the "civil institutions that must do everything possible for what is theirs".
However, institutions are not enough to take care, the cardinal warned, according to a note released by the diocese, "but each of us must expand the spaces of our hearts to share, be attentive, make ourselves available". Because - he continued - the person who needs support and help could be our neighbor or a family member and "a greeting, an invitation for a birthday, or a family celebration would be enough to make him feel less".
The president of the CEI wanted to address a "particularly affectionate thought to all the families who have suffered most from the inconvenience caused by Covid and who live or have experienced situations of great trial and tribulation".
Remembering, "with sorrow", that "in some families there were also two deaths ...". "I wish I could approach them one by one - he added - to ask them how are you, what are the problems that afflict you?".
Bassetti has indicated to those who have responsibility for caring for a people, the model of Sant'Ercolano, martyr bishop, defensor civitatis, patron saint of the city and of the University of Perugia.
"He is above all a model for me, his successor" he stressed.
The archbishop of Perugia-Città della Pieve presided over the Eucharistic celebration in the thirteenth-century church dedicated to the one who is one of the patrons of the city.
The mess was concluded with the prayer to Sant'Ercolano and with the lighting by the mayor Andrea Romizi of the votive candle offered by the Municipality of Perugia, which burns in front of the reliquary of Sant'Ercolano exposed for his feast.
(HANDLE).
