The news we receive these days make us feel a deep sense of solidarity with everyone experiencing hardships due to the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our prayers accompany every person facing physical or spiritual challenges produced by these events. Also, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the health professionals, service providers and civil servants who are working tirelessly for our well being.

Civil and ecclesiastical authorities are asking all of us to limit direct social interactions outside the immediate circles in which we normally function, as a collective effort to minimize the spreading of this disease. For this reason, group activities in centres of Opus Dei in Canada are being suspended until further notice.

This extraordinary situation can surprisingly become an opportunity for "growing on the inside" to use an expression that St. Josemaria applied in circumstances that required a drastic decrease in his regular activity. I would also like to draw everyone’s attention to the pastoral message of Msgr. Fernando Ocariz, Prelate of Opus Dei, for these times, encouraging us to find creative ways of helping others, while following the recommendations of the respective authorities.

We will continue monitoring the situation closely and pray that we will soon be able to resume our regular activities. Please do not hesitate to contact local centres if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions.