I am sending you his few words to give you a small testimony of what we are experiencing during this Lent 2020, which is undoubtedly very special.

This Lenten season is special for the simple fact that we have an epidemic, which you all know: COVID-19 or the Corona virus. So, how will this virus change or modify our lives, especially during this time of Lent? What we need to know first of all is that this virus is not the work of God, but of mankind.

In this time of trial, God invites us to change the way we do penance in our lives, so that during this time of Lent we can truly and sincerely draw closer to HIM. How would you say to me?" It is because of what the Church has always invited and encouraged us to do during the time of Lent: Prayer, Fasting and Sharing, but with more perseverance and Faith.

Here in Guatemala, Lent normally began on Ash Wednesday, which was February 26th. At that time, the country had not registered any cases of contamination by the virus and Lent was going to be "normal": the different Processions, the parish Ways of the Cross, the Adorations of the Holy Sacraments in the Parish... Celebrations that we had been able to organize and participate in by the grace of God before these were banned. This prohibition leads us to review our Lenten planning, in order to modify and adapt it for the faithful and the good of all.

The Church is and will always be present in our midst through the various Eucharistic and Penitential celebrations...and we can participate spiritually through the Media. I invite you to make good use of media technology during this time of special 'penance'. Let us continue to pray to our Lord, God, that by His grace we may be delivered from this evil that overwhelms us, and that Mary may cover us under her mantle and continue to protect us.

Let us pray for all those who are affected by this virus so that they may not lose Faith and may be quickly healed, for those who help and care for the victims and for those who have died from this virus, may their souls rest in Peace. In spite of what is happening to us, I wish you a good Lent 2020, so that we can rejoice on Easter Sunday with the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Friendships in Christ and in Union of Prayer,

Coadjutor DIEUDONNE Bruno Stéphane, sdb