At least ten priests have died in Italy after contracting COVID-19. More than half of them were from the Diocese of Bergamo, a town outside of Milan in Lombardy. The bishop of Bergamo, the Italian diocese hardest hit by the coronavirus outbreak, said Monday that the 20 priests in his diocese who have been hospitalized Read more
Posts Tagged ‘COVID-19’
In Italy, at least 10 priests are dead of coronavirus, and 1 bishop is recovering
Thursday, March 19th, 2020Scott Morrison threatens funding for independent and Catholic schools
Thursday, March 19th, 2020Scott Morrison has used the threat of withdrawing independent and Catholic schools’ recurrent funding to enlist their support in keeping non-government schools open during the Covid-19 crisis. After Morrison’s discussions with both sectors on Wednesday, the Association of Independent Schools New South Wales has written to its members backing his position to keep schools open Read more
Virus causes cancellation of Sunday Mass
Wednesday, March 18th, 2020
With Sunday Mass suspended at least one venue more suspensions are likely to follow as the Catholic Church responds to the coronavirus. The dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Auckland, Father Peter Tipene has already announced that he is suspending all Sunday Masses. He says the 7 am and 12.15 pm weekday Masses will continue Read more
Modifications to COVID-19 measures in Rome
Monday, March 16th, 2020
Modifications to COVID-19 measures have been announced in Rome after Pope Francis cautioned against “drastic measures” and Catholics complained on social media. “My heart is in pieces,” Father Maurizio Mirilli, a pastor of a Rome parish tweeted. “I have to close everything, even the church … I feel like a father whose children have been Read more
Dispensations and protocols during COVID-19
Monday, March 16th, 2020
Dispensations for the sick and elderly to stay at home instead of going to Sunday Mass and new protocols to reduce the likelihood of spreading COVID-19 are being announced in most US dioceses. One brochure produced for parishioners takes a novel approach, combining prayer and Godliness. “How to hand-wash Catholic style” reads the headline on Read more
More Masses rather than fewer during pandemic
Monday, March 16th, 2020
If extra Masses were scheduled during the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer people would be at each of them and the risk of being exposed to the virus would be reduced. Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki, who is the head of the Polish bishop’s conference, said ensuring not too many churchgoers gather at once is in line with the Read more
Masses continue: parishioner with Covid-19 presented minimal risk
Monday, March 16th, 2020
On Saturday The Catholic Bishop of Auckland, Bishop Patrick Dunn, confirmed he had been advised that a parishioner at St Mary’s Church in Papakura was diagnosed with the Covid-19 coronavirus. Dunn said the 5 pm Vigil Mass at St Mary’s on Saturday and the 8.30 am and 10.30 am Masses on Sunday would go ahead Read more
A time of solidarity and reflection – Cardinal Dew
Monday, March 16th, 2020
There’s a whole range of things that people can do, both to prevent the Covid-19 virus from taking hold, but also to be supportive of people who might contract the disease.” Cardinal John Dew the archbishop of Wellington told Vatican News. He said this is a time when people need to be ready to help Read more
Greek Orthodox Church declares coronavirus not transmitted by Communion
Monday, March 16th, 2020The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Greece issued a statement on Monday referring to the Covid19 coronavirus outbreak, maintaining that Holy Communion does not transmit the virus. The new, controversial statement comes after days of heated public debate in Greece about whether the Church of Greece should adopt more drastic measures to limit Read more
Virus-hit Philippines calls off ritual crucifixions
Monday, March 16th, 2020The Philippines’ crucifixion reenactments will be canceled this year as coronavirus cases climb, said authorities in the city where the annual tourist spectacle is held. About a dozen Catholics regularly have themselves nailed to wooden crosses on Good Friday as penance for their sins. The event attracts thousands of tourists. This year’s rituals were planned Read more