coronavirus

With Masses throughout the diocese suspended and church buildings closed through at least April 13, parishes are finding meaningful ways to keep connected with parishioners using online resources as well as old-school methods.

“There are saints being made in our present crisis. We will never know their names or stories, but I know we will look back on these as days when men and women performed beautiful acts of courage and love for their neighbors.”

When Father Mario Carminati went to bless the remains of one of his parishioners, he called the deceased man’s daughter on WhatsApp so they could pray together.

“If we continue to support one another through prayer, if we are kind and generous in our interactions with each other, if we continue to be the face of Christ to one another, we’ll get through this OK.”

Pope Francis offered his meditation on the meaning of the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for humanity March 27 before raising a monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament and giving an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world).

Catholic hospitals, parish schools and charitable agencies are among the entities hoping to receive partial relief under a massive $2.2 trillion emergency aid package unanimously approved by Congress in response to the crippling new coronavirus.

This is the time to reimagine Jesus’ command to love our neighbor.

A family’s Facebook post goes viral touching on the humanity of a world in self-isolation.