SW News: Bishop Mark Davies of Shrewsbury diocese celebrated a special Mass to pray for the NHS frontline workers and health care staff on Thursday, May 21. He also offered thanksgiving for their tireless efforts in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the Holy Mass celebrated on the Feast of Ascension, the bishop highlighted the love and service of numerous volunteers, cleaners, shop and transport workers – the “hidden” workers during the pandemic.

He said that they show the “same desire to serve” as doctors and other health care workers in the frontline. “In them we can glimpse today how all human work can be so undertaken and transformed by love,” said the bishop.

He stated that what we witness now is the transformation of the "cruel effect of the global pandemic" to one that of a great example for "self-giving love."

The bishop also raised the question of the value of life in every form.  He said, “In the days to come, we have some searching questions to ask as to how we value the frailest members of society, whether the elderly – dependent upon our care – or the unborn, whose lives and the well-being of their mothers."

He criticized the 'Do-It-Yourself'- abortion method which was promoted by the Department of Health in the initial days of the pandemic.  He called the at-home abortion law, a sinister assault on the dignity of life.

The bishops of England and Wales notified that the special Thursday Masses for health and social care workers will continue throughout June and July.