Christ the Redeemer dons scrubs, sports stethoscope to honor health workers amid pandemic
Nations across the world have been paying tributes to their front-line health workers battling the coronavirus pandemic in various ways. Last month, New York City's Empire State Building lit up in red lights, accompanied by NYC's theme song to honor doctors and nurses in the city. Many other countries have urged their citizens to show appreciation by applauding the health services.
With a similar motive, Rio de Janeiro's wonder, Christ the Redeemer, lit up to honor all medical personnel and essential workers who are rendering their services to the country while risking their own lives. The highlight though was that the large statuette of Jesus as the Redeemer of the world was lit up to resemble a doctor, down to the white coat and even a stethoscope around the neck.
Thanking all doctors, nurses and other medics for their service amid the global coronavirus outbreak, Christ the Redeemer lit up on Easter Sunday, April 12. The 125-feet-tall statue atop Brazil's Corcovado mountain depicted medical workers in scrubs and facemasks who have been tirelessly serving those affected by the deadly virus and also illuminated messages of hope and gratitude in several languages.
Furthermore, it also projected flags of the countries that have been severely affected by the outbreak and the words 'Fique Em Casa' i.e 'Stay at Home', also shone on the statue's arm.
The city's archbishop, Dom Orani Tempesta, held the Easter mass, beneath the statue during the light show. It was the second time the statue was illuminated amid the raging pandemic and it was a sight to behold. Also, it aptly symbolized the religious holiday of Easter. Last month, the statue projected the various flags of countries affected by the coronavirus and featured the words 'Pray Together'.
As of April 14, Brazil has reported 23,723 confirmed cases and 1,355 fatalities, according to the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 tracker.
President Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's far-right political leader continues to undermine the threat of the contagion and has balked at the social distancing measures imposed by state governors and his own health officials. He has compared COVID-19 to a "little flu", and has said that Brazil will suffer further if the economy collapses.
Brazilians who were in attendance at the mass near the statuette, and onlookers who coincidentally spotted the spectacle took to social media to share their thoughts on the tribute. The symbolism of the Christian holiday and the statue was not lost to many, especially during this global crisis.
"Oh, the light display of the 'Christ the Redeemer' statue was awesome! Perfect for Easter, a season of hope and resurrection", one person commented.
"The best physician. The ultimate healer. The #hope in trying times. Christ the Redeemer," another said.
A third person said, "Healthcare workers are doing God's work in the battle against COVID-19, and Brazil has found an amazing way to say thank you. #ChristTheRedeemer."
This person referred to a biblical verse to tie Christ in with the symbolism of the statue: "They looked unto Him and they were healed, says the Bible. Brazil's Christ the Redeemer statue is serving two purposes: The image of Christ: the great HEALER The status of a Doctor: healthcare workers on the front-line of the pandemic. #GodHealOurLand".