St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Dear Brothers in Christ

‘Grace and peace to you, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.’

I am sure that, like me, you will either have seen or heard about the Prime Minister’s Address to the Nation this evening and the Government’s instruction that all places of worship must now close their doors.

This means that, with immediate effect, without any exceptions, all our churches and chapels across the Archdiocese must remain closed to the public until further notice.

My brothers, the situation is critical and we must play our full part in giving both example and witness to the importance of fighting the spread of the Coronavirus.

Please continue to do all you can to live-stream celebration of the Mass and sustain and increase your online and social media presence, keeping in touch with parishioners as best as possible through the internet, email and telephone.

I, together with the Auxiliary Bishops, the Episcopal Vicar and Vicars General, and the Curia,  remain at your service and we will do all we can to support you and our communities in these unparalleled circumstances. All our hope on God is founded. May we remain faithful to the Lord, and each other, so that the bond of our common faith and charity might be strengthened, not weakened, by all that we face. I remain immensely grateful for all you are and for all you are doing.

With the assurance of my prayers and affection

Most Rev John Wilson
Archbishop of Southwark