Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle on Friday asked the Catholic faithful around the world to find meaning in the COVID-19 pandemic besetting the world to better appreciate the Lenten Season.
The pandemic opens up a silver lining to better appreciate the Season whose three disciplines—fasting, almsgiving, and prayer – must be observed, Tagle said in a message posted on YouTube on March 11.
Tagle urged Filipinos to continue the obligation of praying and fasting and extending help to those in need, particularly in this time of crisis.
The former Manila Archbishop said fasting can also be in the form of staying away from old habits like shopping or watching movies.
“Baka ito ang paalala sa atin na ang mundo, na nasanay na tayo na lahat ng gusto natin ay makukuha natin, maging simple. Piliin kung ano talaga ang mahalaga at mag-ayuno,” he said.
May this serve as a reminder for us to live simply and choose only the things that are important, he said.