Now that novel coronavirus has ravaged the world with nearly a million confirmed cases, Italy remains the epicenter of Europe's worst outbreak, with more than five times as many deaths as China, and has recently been the world's leader. Fr. Matteo Ricci’s hometown is one of the hardest hit areas. The death rate of those infected with covid-19 is as high as 13.6%, and only a few people have been cured. After several twists and turns, at night of April 2, we finally received the first batch of epidemic prevention supplies from China. We immediately told our brothers and sisters who were working around the clock. Several of them were so excited that they cried when they heard such good news. This is not icing on the cake, but a timely help. I deeply understand the world is as one family, and we are brothers and sisters. The care and generous donations from our dear relatives, friends, scholars, priests and parishes are like the sweet dew from heaven. We cannot name them all, but we will remember them in our prayers. May God bless all of us in abundance. We have received the warm wishes and courage from you to resist the virus together. Thank you very much!

During these couple of days for distributing relief materials, we found that the actual situation was more serious that out of our thought. Some medical staff got only one disposable mask in a few days. The association of family doctors in Macherata has more than 250 family doctors assigned 10,000 masks, out of 40 for each. Dr. Romano Mari is my family doctor, President of the medical association, a very enthusiastic member of the church, a former mayor of Macherata, and his son is a doctor. He called me this morning, and when he spoke, he was trembling: "Fr. Sun, I dare not to ask if there are any masks left because I forgot the pediatricians (they’re also family doctors) when I calculated!" I was very sad when I heard Dr. Mari said so, as I know clearly that this means that many patients cannot get timely treatment, because in Italy you need a diagnosis from a family doctor before you can qualify for treatment in a hospital queue.

The President of the association of family doctors in the Markai region called me today to see if he could get some more supplies because many doctors were infected and even died. There is still a special need for supplies as family doctors are not allowed to visit patients without the necessary protective measures (masks must be worn, goggles and protective clothing are preferred). Hospitals are the first to be supplied with Italy's limited supplies, and there is a great shortage, not even a shortage.

The cloister Sisters continued to sew emergency cloth masks and distribute them to medics and civilians who did not have them. See the familiar people around one after another infection, even death, really let a person with a myriad of feelings. Faced with covid-19, what else can we do but pray for all those who have suffered in physical and mental as the outbreak going? ! Pray for the epidemic getting over as soon as possible so that people can return to normal life!

Bp. Marconi was grateful when he saw the relief supplies, and he believes that the bridge connecting us was built by Fr. Matteo Ricci more than 400 years ago, as we had been praying at Matteo Ricci's tomb last summer, and although we were separated from each other. Moreover, Mayor Carancini thanks you very much. And on behalf of the diocese and the city of Marcelata, I would like to thank you for your generous assistance to the clergy and faithful and friends from all society. Sincerely wish every brother and sister full of Resurrection grace, looking forward to our peace and joy in the love of Christ!

Rev. Sun Xuyi (John)

At night of April 6, 2020, in Marcelata