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National & World News
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 …
Pope prays for clergy, public service employees working during lockdown
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media via Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Standing in the window of the library of the Apostolic Palace overlooking an empty St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis blessed the city of Rome still under lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. During a …
Pope prays family relationships thrive while stuck at home
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis prayed for families who are cooped up in their homes and for all those who are ill with COVID-19. During a live broadcast of his daily morning Mass March 16, Pope Francis again prayed for the many …
Pope makes mini-pilgrimage outside Vatican to pray for end of pandemic
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — With Italy on lockdown and Rome streets almost deserted, Pope Francis left the Vatican March 15 in a mini-pilgrimage to an icon and to a crucifix associated with miraculous interventions to save the city and its people. The icon is …