By Modesto P. Sa-onoy
The authenticity of these processions that stopped the plague in Rome in the 6th century was underscored in the afternoon of March 15, 2020 as the world reels on the coronavirus that continue to spread and kill. The Vatican reported:
“This afternoon, just after 4 PM, Pope Francis left the Vatican and made a private visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, to offer a prayer to the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, where her icon is kept and venerated. Then, after taking a walk along the Via del Corso – as if making a pilgrimage – he visited the church of San Marcello on the Corso, where a miraculous crucifix is housed. In 1522 it was carried in procession throughout the neighborhoods of the city so that the “Great Plague” might cease in Rome. With his prayer, the Holy Father pleaded for an end to the pandemic that has struck Italy and the world. He also implored the healing of the many sick people, remembered the numerous victims of these past days, and asked that their families and friends might find consolation and comfort. His prayer intention was also extended to healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, and all those working in these days to guarantee the smooth functioning of society. The Holy Father returned to the Vatican around 5:30 PM.
“In 593 Pope St. Gregory the Great carried the icon in procession to stop a plague. And in 1837 Pope Gregory XVI invoked God to put an end to a cholera epidemic.
“The Pope’s second stop on Sunday was also significant, considering the critical moment the world is going through. The church of San Marcello on the Corso houses a venerated wooden crucifix from the 15th century, which scholars hold is the most realistic in Rome. It even survived a fire and saved the city from a plague. Pope St. John Paul II embraced that same crucifix to mark the culmination of the Day of Forgiveness during the Jubilee Year of 2000.”
“The numerous traditions of miracles attributed to the “Most Holy Crucifix” began on 23 May 1519. On that night a large fire destroyed the church that bears Pope Marcel’s name. The entire building was found in ruins the next morning. But from the ashes emerged the crucifix of the main altar, untouched. A small oil lamp still burned at the Crucified’s feet.
“The scene greatly touched the faithful of Rome, and several began to meet every Friday evening to pray. Pope Leo X ordered the rebuilding of the church in 1519.
“Three years after the fire, Rome was hit by the “Great Plague”. The faithful carried the crucifix in procession – despite the bans understandably put in place by the authorities to halt the spread of the contagion. The crucifix was carried through the streets of Rome toward St. Peter’s Basilica. The procession lasted 16 days: from 4 to 20 August 1522. As it progressed, the plague showed signs of retreating, and every neighborhood sought to keep the crucifix if possible. Finally, as the crucifix reentered the church, the plague ceased altogether.”
Skeptics and non-believers can scoff at the citations but what else do they have to offer to put an end to a plague? At the time there was no cure, the idea of a vaccine had not even thought of. In 593, Pope St. Gregory the Great carried the icon in procession to stop a plague and in 1837, his successor who carried the same invoked God’s help with a public act of penance and prayer and put an end to a cholera epidemic. That epidemic reached the Philippines and thousands died in a sweep of one month.
Last Sunday, President Donald Trump called for a National Day to appeal to God in the face of the corona virus pandemic. He is the only head of a country who was reported to have asked for prayers. But there are always demonic forces that see this act as offensive, like American congresswoman Rashida Tlaib who cursed Trump for doing so with what the media described “profanity-laced attack on the National Day of Prayer.” Well, she probably believes she is helping her constituencies who think like her.
The disease does not show it is coming to an end soon. Is God chastising us like in past pandemics? Let’s discuss this on Monday.
