For many Catholics, the most difficult and distressing effect of social distancing has been the suspension of Masses and other public liturgies. Prior to March 2020, many of us cannot remember the last time we missed Mass on Sunday or a Holy Day of Obligation. The Church’s liturgies are where …

by Mary Farrow Denver, Colo., Apr 17, 2020 / 05:12 pm (CNA).- It has been one month since most schools across the US closed their doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. The solution to shuttered schools may seem simple, on the surface: move curriculum and teachers online. Teach classes on …

by Perry West Denver, Colo., Apr 18, 2020 / 06:01 am (CNA).- As health experts predict an increase in suicidal tendencies amid the coronavirus, Catholic professionals have outlined how to seek help and to be aware of those inclined to self-harm. Dr. Melinda Moore, a licensed psychologist and assistant professor …

by Courtney Mares Vatican City, Apr 17, 2020 / 10:00 am (CNA).- On Divine Mercy Sunday Pope Francis will offer Mass in a church containing the relics of both St. Faustina Kowalska and St. John Paul II. This Sunday will mark the 20th liturgical anniversary of St. Faustina’s canonization and …

CNA Staff, Apr 17, 2020 / 02:00 pm (CNA).- A German cardinal has said it is “high time” to restore public liturgies as the country begins to ease lockdown measures. Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne said that Masses with congregations should be permitted “as soon as possible” after German …

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy was hitting New York City, and Bellevue Hospital was facing the failure of their main generators. Left with only six working power outlets for 50 patients in intensive care, the medical director had to make decisions she never wanted to make. Which of the 50 would …

by Matt Hadro Washington D.C., Apr 16, 2020 / 07:00 pm (CNA).- Catholic singer-songwriter Marie Miller said she was not prepared for a global pandemic to coincide with the release of her new folk album. As the calendar turned to March, Miller was ramping up for her album release at …

by Hannah Brockhaus Rome, Italy, Apr 16, 2020 / 09:06 am (CNA).- Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI celebrated his 93rd birthday Thursday at his Vatican residence during Italy’s coronavirus lockdown. The retired pope, who lives in the Mater Ecclesia monastery on Vatican grounds, did not have any visitors due to the …

by Ed Condon Washington D.C., Apr 16, 2020 / 11:35 am (CNA).- Bishop Peter Baldacchino of the Diocese of Las Cruces said the Church is the “essential service of hope” during the coronavirus pandemic, and that the Church must “welcome as many as we can” in line with public health …

CNA Staff, Apr 16, 2020 / 02:45 pm (CNA).- On April 30, 2000, the Church officially declared the Sunday after Easter to be “Divine Mercy Sunday,” an annual celebration of the mercy of God. The celebration usually centers around the image of Divine Mercy painted by St. Faustina Kowalska, which …