SW News: Dioceses in Central Vietnam where all religious activities have resumed after being put on hold because of the pandemic, have decided to organize a day of prayer this month, which is dedicated to the Holy Rosary.

Bishop Alphonse Nguyen Huu Long of the diocese of Vinh and head of the Episcopal Commission for Evangelization of Vietnamese bishops have appealed to all faithful to take part in pastoral activities and pray for divine intervention to wipe out the pandemic. He said this month should be a special time for all devotees to come together and express their deep affection to Mother Mary by reciting the Rosary.

The bishops have chosen October 17 as the 'National Day of Praying for Healing' for everyone affected by the pandemic in one way or another. The prelate also said, “Our diocese will spend that day together fervently appealing to the God of love to have mercy on humanity and end the pandemic soon."

Along with the celebration of Holy Masses in churches, Bishop Nguyen Huu Long has also requested all parishes to have Eucharistic adoration and recitation of the Rosary for the same intention on October 17. The 68-year-old prelate further stated how the Covid-19 outbreak has taken a huge toll on everyone and their livelihood. Since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, 780,000 people have been infected, and 20,000 have died.

The bishops have also chosen October 22 as the 'National Day of Fasting.' On this day, all the faithful will be fasting and praying for an end to the pandemic. Bishop Nguyen Huu Long also appealed that everyone should actively participate in this fast as they do on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Then the bishop reminded the faithful about the disciples asking Jesus why they couldn't cast out the deaf and dumb spirits, and Jesus answered them by saying "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting." He also said that prayer and fasting can be powerful weapons to defeat the devil, suppress lust, and allow God to save the world from the pandemic and other health crises.