With church bells and candles, France honours Coronavirus victims

From famed Gothic cadrals to modest vill churches, places of worship around France rang ir bells in collective prayer Wednesday for people who have died and those who are helping keep sick alive during coronavirus pandemic.

pews stood empty because faithful, like most of French population, are confined at ir homes. But believers and n-believers joined expression of communion by lighting candles in windows as sun set over Eiffel Tower and monumental churches.

France’s bishops called for Catholics and n-Catholics to take part in candle-lighting in a shared “prayer for de, sick and ir loved ones, for all medical personnel and all those who make life of our country possible.”

gesture was timed for Christian celebration of feast of Annunciation, which marks day when archangel Gabriel told Mary she would have a child. Christmas comes nine months later.

Grand Mosque of Lyon also was lit up specially Wednesday evening. A prayer re out from minaret requested support for hospital staffs and workers keeping or public services running during nationwide health emergency.

mosque’s rector praised those “who, despite gravity of health situation, are fighting with cour and humility to face down this epidemic that is touching all French people.”

With more than 25,000 kwn cases and more than 1,300 virus-related deaths in France as of Wednesday, President Emmanuel Macron launched a military operation and pledged massive investment in hospitals to fight its spre.

As night fell in Paris suburb of Le Pecq, Rev. Emmanuel Gougaud pushed a button to set bells ringing in St. Pauline Church.

To ensure bells did t attract a crowd, priest n locked himself inside, and celebrated Mass, all alone.