Memorial Mass for victims of COVID-19

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SALT LAKE CITY — Amid the fear and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop Oscar A. Solis will offer a memorial Mass to pray for those who have died from the coronavirus.

At publication time, the coronavirus had claimed the lives of 661 people in Utah, more than 238,000 in the United States, and 1.26 million worldwide.

“The resurgence of the coronavirus infection globally, in our nation and in our state, has heightened the fear and concern of everyone. Unfortunately, the other viruses of violence, hatred, division and indifference to the cries of the poor and those in need have compounded the suffering of our brothers and sisters. We must be unceasing in our prayers seeking God’s mercy and compassion to strengthen our faith and give us hope of healing, reconciliation, unity and peace,” the bishop wrote in a Nov. 6 memo to the clergy and other diocesan staff.

“Oftentimes, they died alone in the hospital and families did not even have the chance to visit them to say goodbye,” the bishop continued.

Noting that in November Catholics celebrate the feasts of All Saints and All Souls to commemorate the faithful departed, the bishop added that he will celebrate a bilingual memorial Mass on Nov. 19 to pray for and remember in a special way all the victims of COVID-19.

He requested that pastors submit the names of all parishioners who have died of the coronavirus so that they may be included in the list of special intentions at the Mass.

Seating will be limited at the Mass, which will be celebrated in the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Therefore, the bishop is encouraging the faithful to participate virtually by viewing the Mass on livestream, which will be broadcast on the cathedral’s YouTube channel, cotmtv.