Record Staff
The Archdiocese of Sherbrooke announced its participation in the national day of remembrance to honour victims of COVID-19 slated for March 11.
The Basilique Cathédrale Saint-Michel de Sherbrooke, as well as several churches in the area, will be involved in a moment of silence proposed by the Quebec government. Archbishop Luc Cyr said people need to remember all of the lives lost this year.
“COVID-19 has greatly changed our lives, but through the inconveniences, we must not forget that more than 300 people died from it in the Eastern Townships alone,” said Cyr.
Many people were unable to say goodbye to loved ones due to the pandemic, he continued. In an effort to bring some comfort to those in mourning, the Saint-Michel Cathedral is setting up a place of recollection.
They will light more than 300 lanterns, one for each victim. Townshippers are invited to visit the church to pray and offer condolences. There is also a celebration in honour of the victims that will be recorded and broadcast live via Facebook and Youtube.
Also, starting at 1:02 p.m., churches participating in the remembrance day will ring their bells for three minutes. Some churches will show solidarity by turning on white lights that line their building.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Church of Sherbrooke has made a point of being present for the faithful […] By participating in this national day, we wish to put a balm on a collective wound that will be difficult to heal.”
