On a rainy Rome evening, two Lents ago, a solitary elderly man in white, climbed the numerous steps leading to the front of St. Peter’s Basilica. Upon reaching the top, he turned to face an empty St. Peter’s Square to preside over a prayer service asking for God’s guidance, strength, and protection in the face […]
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Even with many recent hopeful signs on vaccinations and the reduction in the number of Covid-19 cases, there is no date certain at which the coronavirus pandemic will be declared over. That should not stop parishes from planning now to welcome back parishioners to Mass in the future. “You can’t be thinking, […]
For most people, the pandemic of the last several months turned the world upside down. Emerging from a state of emergency has brought about lifestyle changes that are referred to as the new normal. The steps we take now in order to move forward are a resurrection moment for all of us. In the sacred […]
We have entered a period of response to the pandemic now when there is a great deal of discussion about which social policies are appropriate going forward. Should we open businesses? Which ones? Should we wear masks or not? Should we maintain social distancing? Which activities should still be banned? When and under what conditions […]
By divine design, the Feast of Pentecost occurred on May 31, the point of transition to a new month and a gradual return to a sense of normal on the tails of the coronavirus global pandemic. After three months of the New York pause, we have been not unlike Mary and the apostles gathered in […]
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Be it ever so humble, home is the safest place to weather a storm. Until this current health crisis passes, the best thing we can do to take care of ourselves and one another is not to wander aimlessly, but to stick together with purpose. We can stay […]