大象传媒

In the first programme of a special Heart and Soul series for the 大象传媒 World Service, amidst a global pandemic of Coronavirus, the journalist John McCarthy brings together reflections from people of faith around the world. In each programme specially chosen contributors reflect on the horrendous situation the whole world is dealing with.

Rituals are at the heart of many religions, they are vital to the practice of faith giving structure, comfort and focus.
The best-selling Indian writer Amish Tripathi sees daily yoga practice as central to his Hindu faith. He loves the calm and balance it brings. But with the virus bringing fear of respiratory problems he newly appreciates the breathing techniques which ease anxiety. Miriam Camerini is an Italian trainee Rabbi who is stranded in Canada, unable to travel home. She is heartbroken to hear of sick friends, but comforted by new online connections with Jerusalem. And a pastor used to non-stop cross-border travel to look after Mexican and US parishioners finds strength in bible passages he never had time to sit and study before.
With much of the world in lockdown the rituals and sacraments of conventional religion are impossible. John McCarthy hears how people are finding new ways to live out their faith in retreat.