The communities are maintaining the request not to leave their homes as an ideal measure to stop the advance of the pandemic. 82% of the communities are, however, carrying out actions in support of the most needy families, especially through the delivery of food, which has benefited about 10,084 people.
Constant and creative use is being made of social networks and the two radios managed by the Salesians, which has made it possible to continue carrying a message of faith and hope even during this time of pandemic. Among the activities carried out with these means are virtual meetings, transmission of Eucharists, retreats, adorations, and daily reflections on the Word.
The 35 Salesian schools active in the three countries of the Province are closed, but, within the limits set by the current condition, they have continued their academic training in a virtual way.
The oratories and youth centers have maintained permanent virtual meetings, accompanied by the youth ministry, and are preparing to celebrate, in a virtual way, the traditional Easter of Young People.
In some Centers of the "Muchachos y Muchachas con Don Bosco" Network, support is provided in the form of deliveries of food parcels, and one of the Salesian Reception Centers, the one called "Yo También", continues to welcome, in compliance with all measures to prevent contagion, children, adolescents and young people who live on the street.
Fr Francisco Batista, Provincial of the Antilles (ANT), communicated the intention, “if necessary, to make available our facilities for the non-symptomatic isolation of people affected by Covid-19 and preferably for children, teenagers and young people who need it.”
The Province followed the Provincial's appeal to promote solidarity, prayer and moral support for the sick, as well as making merciful appeals to reasonableness for those who still do not understand the seriousness of the problem.
The Dominican Republic's Minister of Public Health, Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas, reported yesterday, April 6, that the number of people infected with Covid-19 increased to 1,828 and the victims to 86.
Without doubt this is a difficult time for all humanity, but also a time "to embrace the Lord to embrace hope: here is the strength of faith, which frees from fear and gives hope", as Pope Francis said in the extraordinary moment of prayer in time of epidemic, last March 27th.
