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National & World News
How are Catholics coping with school closures?
By Matt Hadro Washington D.C., Mar 17, 2020 / 03:00 pm (CNA).- The coronavirus pandemic has caused Catholic schools across the United States to close. With no clear timeline for when they might reopen, parents, students, teachers and schools are finding innovative ways to balance distance learning and home life. …
French Catholics begin novena as Lourdes closes for first time in history
By Courtney Mares Lourdes, France, Mar 17, 2020 / 05:30 am (CNA).- The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has closed for the first time in over a century following new restrictions in France to slow the spread of the coronavirus. “For the first time in its history, the sanctuary will …
Archbishop advises prayer routine, Scripture reading if confined at home
IMAGE: CNS photo/Archdiocese of Louisville By Marnie McAllister LOUISVILLE, Ky. (CNS) — Times of uncertainty are times to stay especially close to Christ and one another — though not necessarily in close physical proximity — said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville. The archbishop has suspended all public Masses in …
Care for retired religious takes special emphasis amid pandemic
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — The retired Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace might not be able to escape the news of the coronavirus’ deadly impact on nursing homes just a few miles away from them, but they have a …
As coronavirus spreads, many volunteers are asked to stay at home
IMAGE: CNS photo/Brad Birkholz By Dennis Sadowski CLEVELAND (CNS) — The volunteers are fewer, but Ernie Stetenfeld and his fellow Vincentians in Madison, Wisconsin, are not slowing down in the face of the coronavirus. Boxes of food are being packed for pickup, the state’s only charitable pharmacy continues to operate, …
In the time of COVID-19, the cloistered life offers lessons for the world
IMAGE: CNS photo/Rhina Guidos By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — People often telephone Sister Maria Elena Romero, a Capuchin Franciscan Poor Clare in Wilmington, Delaware, to ask for her to pray for a personal intention, to sound out a problem, sometimes just to cry. But lately, she’s received a phone …
Science-solidarity combo needed to stop pandemic, says Vatican official
IMAGE: CNS photo/Dylan Martinez, Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The effects of the coronavirus can be defeated only with a combination of science and solidarity, said the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life. "An emergency like COVID-19 is fought especially with the antibodies of solidarity," said …
As lockdown continues, pope prays for lonely elderly
IMAGE: CNS photo/Thilo Schmuelgen, Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As Italy entered its second week of lockdown, Pope Francis urged Christians to remember the elderly who are suffering not only loneliness but also fear due to the spread of the coronavirus. "Today, I would like us …
Catholic nursing homes respond to coronavirus restrictions
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Mt. Carmel Rehabilitation & Nursing Center By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — The impact of the coronavirus in the United States is likely felt the strongest in nursing homes around the country, and Catholic facilities are no exception. As of March 13, all nursing homes and long-term …
Public Mass ban in Italy leads to new focus on ‘spiritual Communion’
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — Public Masses are banned throughout Italy, but literally thousands of Masses are celebrated each day and, in addition to watching them on television or computer screens, the faithful can receive "spiritual Communion." Pope Francis, after reciting a livestreamed Angelus prayer …