Unlike any other clergyman, Portuguese priest Guilherme Peixoto definitely knows how to lift spirits during this coronavirus lockdown – both through prayer and music. Yes, Peixoto is not your regular church priest; every Friday and Sunday, he turns into a DJ and live streams music for all his followers on Facebook.
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Peixoto Is Helping People Avert The Quarantine Blues
When the coronavirus hit Peixoto’s tiny northern Portuguese town, he knew had to help people through his music. So he gathered all his equipment together, a turntable, mixers and a microphone, threw in some colorful decorations and fairy lights, and viola, he turned into a DJ.
Peixoto live streams some of his favorite tunes on Facebook every Friday and Sunday night. The online event attracts thousands of people stuck at home due to the coronavirus.
The 45-year-old priest told Reuters, “Right now it’s so important to use social media to bring a bit of joy into people’s lives. And people seem happy when they see a priest playing music online.”
Music is so so close to Peixoto’s heart that during a trip to the Vatican last year, he asked Pope Francis to bless his headphones. However, the lockdown hasn’t turned Peixoto into a DJ overnight. He has been DJing for his community for over a decade every summer and he can’t wait to do that once the outbreak ends and life returns to normal.
Coronavirus Pandemic Can Revolutionise the Church, According To Peixoto
Peixoto shares awareness videos among his followers to encourage them to stay indoors. He also celebrates masses online, including funerals masses. “Although churches are closed, I want to let people know there are many ways to pray,” he says.
According to Peixoto, many other members of the clergy have turned to social media to stay connected, celebrate mass and engage with the young. “Priests are now starting to understand the importance of these channels. This (pandemic) could revolutionize the church,” he says.
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