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 …
St. Peter in Chains Cathedral during COVID-19
Due to the increasing concerns over the coronavirus, the Bishops of Ohio, Governor DeWine, and the Ohio Health Commissioner have decided that there will be no public Masses through Easter. Please join the Cathedral as they live-stream a daily Mass at 8:00am Monday through Saturday and at 11:00am on Sunday …
COVID-19 Updates for Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio
CINCINNATI – March 17, 2020 – Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio will continue to serve local families with critical services while taking precautions to minimize risk to all staff, volunteers and clients. We are reassessing key services to continue while suspending services that are non-critical at this time. Our team will …
Question of Faith: Friends with Dishonest Wealth?
In the parable of the dishonest steward, what does Jesus mean when he says, “make friends with dishonest wealth” (Luke 16:9)? The parable of the dishonest steward remains one of the most puzzling passages in the New Testament. Thankfully, the Church can help us understand it. Dei Verbum, a document …
