At the heart of the European coronavirus crisis in northern Italy’s city of Bergamo, six Catholic priests have died during the past week from the disease and, as of Sunday, over 20 priests were hospitalized.
Catholic Church
As Italy’s Coronavirus Fears Spike, All Public Masses Suspended Until April 3
On Sunday evening the Italian bishops’ conference announced the suspension of all public Masses and liturgical celebrations until April 3 amid growing fears surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, after the Italian government ordered the closure of all cinemas, museums and theaters.
Director: Church Leaders Find It Easier to Praise Dorothy Day in ‘Historical Lens’
Dorothy Day was once considered by the FBI as a “dangerous American,” but the Catholic Church may one day soon declare her to be a saint.
Public Masses Canceled in Hong Kong as Fears Over Coronavirus Swell
Responding to a government appeal for citizens to stay home in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the administrator of the Hong Kong diocese has suspended public Masses until the end of the month, including the Ash Wednesday service marking the beginning of the Lenten season.
Archbishop Chaput Says Successor Is ‘Exactly the Man Our Church Needs’
Proclaiming his successor as “exactly the man our church needs,” Archbishop Charles J. Chaput introduced Bishop Nelson J. Perez, whom Pope Francis named as the next archbishop of Philadelphia, at a Jan. 23 news conference in Philadelphia.
Police Still Looking for Perp in Church MS-13 Graffiti
Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Bayside and its parish school were vandalized on Saturday evening, Jan. 11 by someone who spray painted the name of MS-13, an international street gang, by the main entrances of both the school and church, according to the church’s Facebook page.
Puerto Rico Reels Under Successive Earthquakes; Catholic Church Damaged
At least one person has died and one Catholic Church was destroyed by the latest of a series of earthquakes to rock Puerto Rico.
Meeting of Church Heavy-Hitters Calls for ‘Adjustments’ to Priestly Formation
A major gathering of ecclesial heavy hitters focusing on the future of the priesthood concluded with a call for a reimagining of priestly formation – one that incorporates the laity and women in the process and better reflects the racial and cultural diversity within the U.S. Church.
Knights Still Honor Kennedy as Order’s ‘Most Distinguished’ Member
Kennedy had been a member of the Knights’ Columbus Bunker Hill Council 62 in Charlestown, Massachusetts, joining on St. Patrick’s Day in 1946. He became a fourth-degree Knight in 1954.
Archbishop Sheen’s Upcoming Beatification Greeted With Joy, Thanksgiving
With joy and thanksgiving, officials and faithful throughout the Diocese of Peoria and around the globe welcomed the announcement Nov. 18 that Pope Francis has called for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen in Peoria Dec. 21.