Pope Francis, in a video message recorded on their bishop’s cellphone, encouraged Catholics in Hong Kong and in mainland China to be strong in the face of challenges, to be good citizens and to pray for him as he prays for them.
COVID-19
Sober St. Patrick’s Day Enters New Decade Promoting Drink-Free Fun
Sober St. Patrick’s Day reached a milestone on March 17.
Pope Francis Says Elderly Must be Prophets, Warning of World’s ‘Self-Destruction’
In a world still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic and starting to feel the threat of nuclear war between Russia and Western nations, Pope Francis said that symbol of Noah and the great flood that wiped out humanity “is gaining ground in our subconscious.”
Friday Fish Fries Are Starting to Come Back This Lent
Lenten Friday fish fries, a staple at many Catholic parishes in some regions of the United States, were among the many things put on the back burner during the coronavirus pandemic.
Masks Optional at Catholic Schools in Brooklyn and Queens Starting Wednesday
In response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement on Sunday, February 27, 2022, that the NYS School Mask Mandate would be lifted as of Wednesday, March 2, 2022, Catholic Academies and Parish Schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn, which includes Queens, will make face coverings an individual choice for school personnel and a parental choice for all students.
Researchers Estimate 5.2 Million Children Orphaned During Pandemic
An estimated 5.2 million children in 21 countries, including the United States, lost at least one parent, a custodial grandparent or a primary caregiver to COVID-19 during the first 20 months of the pandemic, social researchers and child well-being advocates said in a new study.
Sisters Debunk Myths, Educate Africans to Get COVID-19 Vaccine
Religious sisters in the West African nation of more than 31 million people have been working hard to debunk COVID-19 vaccine myths that are rampant, ranging from denial that the virus exists to various false side effects.
Catholic Schools Tackle Mask Mandates in Washington, Other Cities
The superintendent of the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic schools on Feb. 17, told parents of students that despite a desire to make masks optional, her hands are tied because of the city’s recent school mask mandate.
It’s Time to Make Masks Optional for Children
While Gov. Kathy Hochul has rolled back the indoor mask mandate for businesses, New York students are still required to wear face coverings.
Diocese Returns to Traditional Distribution of Ashes
Priests in the Diocese of Brooklyn will resume placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful this Ash Wednesday, March 2 — a tradition that was shelved last year in the wake of concerns about the spread of COVID-19.