lifesitenews--2020-04-14--Justice Department sides with Christians fined for attending drive-in Holy Week service

GREENVILLE , Mississippi , April 14 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― The Department of Justice warned a city in a court filing that fining Christians who attended a Holy Week service while sitting in their cars is to “ target religious conduct.
” Last week , a small congregation of Christians in Greenville , Mississippi were given citations for $ 500 each for sitting in their cars , listening to a sermon over their radios .
They were approached by police and handed citations informing them that they must pay the heavy fine .
The Democrat Mayor of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had announced orders the day before , April 7 , that all church buildings be closed for “ in person and drive in church services , until the State of Mississippi ’ s Shelter in Place Executive Order No 1466 is lifted by Governor Tate Reeves.
” The April 1 shelter-in-place order , however , did not shut down churches .
Chris Owens , a member of the Temple Baptist Congregation , had published a seven-minute video of a police officer writing out and giving him a citation , as police approached other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ windows .
As Owens filmed , the voice of pastor Arthur Scott could be heard reminding his congregation that “ You can ’ t be a good Christian and not go to church.
” In his video , Owens contrasted the care he and his fellow Christians were taking during the service to self-distance with the police action .
To receive the ticket , Owens had to roll down his window and accept the paper from the police officer ’ s bare hands .
“ I was just given a ticket by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflected afterward .
“ We were complying 100 % with the Governor ’ s ordinance on Covid-19.
” The Temple Baptist Church filed suit with Alliance Defending Freedom ( ADF ) in federal district court Friday challenging Mayor Simmons ’ April 7 executive order .
“ Government is clearly overstepping its authority when it singles out churches for punishment , especially in a ridiculous fashion like this , ” said ADF Senior Counsel Ryan Tucker , director of the ADF Center for Christian Ministries .
“ In Greenville , you can be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but you can ’ t be in your car at a drive-in church service .
That ’ s not only nonsensical , it ’ s unconstitutional , too.
” The Justice Department , siding with the Temple Baptist Church , stated in its court filing that it became involved in the case because it touched on “ important issues of religious liberty in courts at every level , from trial courts to the Supreme Court of the United States , ” reported Fox News .
“ This case raises issues of national public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s compelling interest in protecting public health and safety from COVID-19 and citizens ’ fundamental right to free exercise of religion , ” stated the filing .
“ The allegations in this complaint strongly suggest that the city ’ s prohibition of drive-in church services , despite the inclusion of measures to reduce the risk such as requiring people to remain in their cars , are neither neutral nor generally applicable , ” the Justice Department continued .
“ According to the city , ‘ ALL businesses and industries deemed essential by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations…and the state has designated churches such as the one here as essential , ” the filing added .
“ Nevertheless , the city barred the church from holding services even if the church adheres to CDC and Mississippi COVID-19 guidelines for essential operations.
” The city “ appears to permit citizens to sit in a ‘ car at a drive-in restaurant with [ their ] windows rolled down , ’ but not ‘ at a drive-in church service with [ their ] windows rolled up , ’ ” the filing stated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ order on April 1 , but refused to shut down churches .
“ Mississippi is not China , and it never will be , ” he famously said at the time .
Instead , he asked church leaders not to hold public Holy Week and Easter Services , and some―like Jackson ’ s Catholic Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz , who banned even the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation―complied .
Others , including Pastor Scott and Pastor Charles E. Hamilton , Jr. of Greenville ’ s King James Bible Baptist Church , did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ columnist Todd Starnes that he had been informed that Simmons wanted to make an example of his church .
“ One of the police officers said the mayor wanted to make an example of our church , ” Scott said .
“ I told them to get some more tickets ready because we will be preaching Sunday morning and Sunday night .
Starnes was amazed that this could happen in the heart of the American South “ What ’ s really disturbing is that this happened in Mississippi , not New York City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the buckle of the Bible Belt , ” he wrote .
“ The mayor and the city council should be removed from office .
Any police officer who stepped foot on church property should be fired .
And the governor of the state of Mississippi should personally pardon any church member convicted of violating the emergency order.
” According to PJ Media , on Holy Thursday First Liberty Institute , which is representing King James Bible Baptist Church , sent Mayor Simmons a demand letter , asking him to retract the order outlawing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KJBBC have rigorously followed the CDC guidelines for the COVID- 19 crisis since it came to Mississippi , ” Jeremy Dys , special counsel for First Liberty wrote .
“ However , your recent order prohibiting drive-in services leaves him in reasonable fear that he and his church members will be fined and criminally prosecuted for merely engaging in drive-in church services that fall well within the CDC guidelines .
We require Greenville , Mississippi to withdraw the unconstitutional order that , disturbingly , targets religious exercise.
” Simmons rejects the allegation that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite waiving the fine imposed on the members of Temple Baptist Church , has not rescinded his order .
“ Mayor Simmons was repeatedly pressed about whether churches who abide by CDC guidelines and host drive-in church will face the specter of the police arriving on the scene to disperse those peaceably assembled in worship , ” said First Liberty ’ s Dys .
“ Rather than reassure his churches that this will not happen , the mayor reaffirmed his unlawful order .
The mayor continues to single out and target the @ @ @ @ @

The DOJ criticized the city of Greenville, Mississippi for permitting citizens to sit in a car at a drive-in restaurant but not ‘at a drive-in church service.
GREENVILLE, Mississippi, April 14, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― The Department of Justice warned a city in a court filing that fining Christians who attended a Holy Week service while sitting in their cars is to “target religious conduct.”
Last week, a small congregation of Christians in Greenville, Mississippi were given citations for $500 each for sitting in their cars, listening to a sermon over their radios. They were approached by police and handed citations informing them that they must pay the heavy fine.
The Democrat Mayor of the City of Greenville, Errick Simmons, had announced orders the day before, April 7, that all church buildings be closed for “in person and drive in church services, until the State of Mississippi’s Shelter in Place Executive Order No 1466 is lifted by Governor Tate Reeves.” The April 1 shelter-in-place order, however, did not shut down churches.
Chris Owens, a member of the Temple Baptist Congregation, had published a seven-minute video of a police officer writing out and giving him a citation, as police approached other Christians listening to a sermon behind closed windows. As Owens filmed, the voice of pastor Arthur Scott could be heard reminding his congregation that “You can’t be a good Christian and not go to church.”
In his video, Owens contrasted the care he and his fellow Christians were taking during the service to self-distance with the police action. To receive the ticket, Owens had to roll down his window and accept the paper from the police officer’s bare hands.
“I was just given a ticket by a man with no gloves,” Owens reflected afterward. “We were complying 100% with the Governor’s ordinance on Covid-19.”
The Temple Baptist Church filed suit with Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) in federal district court Friday challenging Mayor Simmons’ April 7 executive order.
“Government is clearly overstepping its authority when it singles out churches for punishment, especially in a ridiculous fashion like this,” said ADF Senior Counsel Ryan Tucker, director of the ADF Center for Christian Ministries.
“In Greenville, you can be in your car at a drive-in restaurant, but you can’t be in your car at a drive-in church service. That’s not only nonsensical, it’s unconstitutional, too.”
The Justice Department, siding with the Temple Baptist Church, stated in its court filing that it became involved in the case because it touched on “important issues of religious liberty in courts at every level, from trial courts to the Supreme Court of the United States,” reported Fox News.
“This case raises issues of national public importance regarding the interplay between the government’s compelling interest in protecting public health and safety from COVID-19 and citizens’ fundamental right to free exercise of religion,” stated the filing.
“The allegations in this complaint strongly suggest that the city’s prohibition of drive-in church services, despite the inclusion of measures to reduce the risk such as requiring people to remain in their cars, are neither neutral nor generally applicable,” the Justice Department continued.
“According to the city, ‘ALL businesses and industries deemed essential by state and federal orders’ may continue operations…and the state has designated churches such as the one here as essential,” the filing added. “Nevertheless, the city barred the church from holding services even if the church adheres to CDC and Mississippi COVID-19 guidelines for essential operations.”
The city “appears to permit citizens to sit in a ‘car at a drive-in restaurant with [their] windows rolled down,’ but not ‘at a drive-in church service with [their] windows rolled up,’” the filing stated.
Governor Reeves issued Mississippi’s shelter-in-place order on April 1, but refused to shut down churches.
“Mississippi is not China, and it never will be,” he famously said at the time.
Instead, he asked church leaders not to hold public Holy Week and Easter Services, and some―like Jackson’s Catholic Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, who banned even the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation―complied.
Others, including Pastor Scott and Pastor Charles E. Hamilton, Jr. of Greenville’s King James Bible Baptist Church, did not.
Scott told radio host and columnist Todd Starnes that he had been informed that Simmons wanted to make an example of his church.
“One of the police officers said the mayor wanted to make an example of our church,” Scott said.
“I told them to get some more tickets ready because we will be preaching Sunday morning and Sunday night.
Starnes was amazed that this could happen in the heart of the American South
“What’s really disturbing is that this happened in Mississippi, not New York City or San Francisco. This happened in the buckle of the Bible Belt,” he wrote.
“The mayor and the city council should be removed from office. Any police officer who stepped foot on church property should be fired. And the governor of the state of Mississippi should personally pardon any church member convicted of violating the emergency order.”
According to PJ Media, on Holy Thursday First Liberty Institute, which is representing King James Bible Baptist Church, sent Mayor Simmons a demand letter, asking him to retract the order outlawing church services.
“Pastor Hamilton and KJBBC have rigorously followed the CDC guidelines for the COVID- 19 crisis since it came to Mississippi,” Jeremy Dys, special counsel for First Liberty wrote.
“However, your recent order prohibiting drive-in services leaves him in reasonable fear that he and his church members will be fined and criminally prosecuted for merely engaging in drive-in church services that fall well within the CDC guidelines. We require Greenville, Mississippi to withdraw the unconstitutional order that, disturbingly, targets religious exercise.”
Simmons rejects the allegation that he has been deliberately targeting churches but, despite waiving the fine imposed on the members of Temple Baptist Church, has not rescinded his order.
“Mayor Simmons was repeatedly pressed about whether churches who abide by CDC guidelines and host drive-in church will face the specter of the police arriving on the scene to disperse those peaceably assembled in worship,” said First Liberty’s Dys.
“Rather than reassure his churches that this will not happen, the mayor reaffirmed his unlawful order. The mayor continues to single out and target the churches of Greenville.”
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lifesitenews--2020-04-14--The coronavirus outbreak shows just how liberal Pope Francis really is

The church is in free fall and its response to the coronavirus shows how deep the crisis actually is .
@ @ @ @ @ world to do penance in order to appease God 's just anger , Pope Francis @ @ @ @ @

The church is in free fall and its response to the coronavirus shows how deep the crisis actually is. Instead of calling on the world to do penance in order to appease God's just anger, Pope Francis did the complete opposite.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-14--‘I never felt forsaken’: Cdl Pell opens up about 4,000 letters of support he received in jail

AUSTRALIA , April 14 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Cardinal George Pell says that he “ never felt forsaken ” during his more than 13 months in prison , saying that he received “ something like 4,000 letters.
” Pell made the comment during his first TV interview following his release from prison last week , after being acquitted of his convictions of historic child sexual abuse by a unanimous decision from seven justices of the Australian High Court .
He spoke to Sky News Australia 's Andrew Bolt , who has long defended Pell ’ s innocence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s hostility to the Cardinal .
Pell told Bolt that his lowest moment in the past year came when the Victorian Court of Appeal upheld his initial conviction .
The Sky News Australia reporter summed up the injustices of recent years , before asking Pell what his lowest point had been .
BOLT : You were accused and jailed for the most horrific of crimes : raping two boys .
You were vilified : crowds screamed at your face .
You lost your job , your savings , your career , your reputation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in jail for a crime you did n't commit - what was your lowest moment ?
PELL : I think the lowest moment was after the decision of the Victorian appeal court .
I never believed there was a remotest possibility that a couple of judges would not uphold my appeal .
But when asked if he had ever felt forsaken , Pell replied : In December last year , LifeSite encouraged readers to send Christmas cards to Pell .
Upon his release last week , Pell acknowledged his gratitude for the prayers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeated that gratitude during his interview with Bolt in a longer reflection on the role prayer played in his time in prison .
“ I was cleared .
And , I mean , there are thousands , if not more , people all over the world praying for me .
And , I seriously believe that one reason that I coped so well with the adversity was the prayers of all these people , ” he said .
Pell also told Bolt that a lot of “ very good Christians and Catholics who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finance his legal costs , which are thought to have run into the millions .
The acquitted cardinal also acknowledged the contributions of some “ very generous…wealthy people ” and said that he had used some of his own retirement savings to fight the charges in court .
Asked by Bolt if the Church had financially contributed at all , Pell replied , “ not a thing.
” Pell described his surprise at the decision of the Victorian Court of Appeal to uphold his original conviction , given the scanty and improbable evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opinion after the appeal , amongst people who were n't my supporters , was that we won hands down .
One of my leading opponents in the press said that the prosecution case was a disaster , ” he said .
Pell said that he actually “ felt sorry ” for his prosecutor “ because he has no cards , and he was a capable honest man and so he did n't have much room to move.
” The Cardinal said that he thought during his first unsuccessful appeal that “ the onus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m no lawyer , but I was always clear in my own mind that if somebody says such and such as possible , that 's on quite a different level from establishing that something is factually probable , or factually happened .
And we were n't there to prove that it was impossible - [ but ] actually I believe it was on the evidence of the complainant and of the others .
But the decision ’ s a mystery , and I think the High Court dealt with it well.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third most senior cleric in the Catholic Church while serving as Vatican ’ s Secretariat for Economy , said that while in prison he followed the advice he himself has given to priests over the years for coping in difficult situations .
“ I followed the advice I 've often given to priests when they 're in a bit of trouble .
‘ Keep up your prayers ; get out of bed at a good time ; eat properly ; exercise every day and try to sleep at night , ” he explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Bolt that senior people in Rome believe his conviction and imprisonment in Australia was related to the trouble he was causing to “ corrupt officials in the Vatican ” as he led the financial reforms .

PETITION: Join prayer pledge in thanksgiving for Cardinal Pell's full exoneration Sign the petition here.
AUSTRALIA, April 14, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Cardinal George Pell says that he “never felt forsaken” during his more than 13 months in prison, saying that he received “something like 4,000 letters.”
Pell made the comment during his first TV interview following his release from prison last week, after being acquitted of his convictions of historic child sexual abuse by a unanimous decision from seven justices of the Australian High Court.
He spoke to Sky News Australia's Andrew Bolt, who has long defended Pell’s innocence, despite much of the Australian media’s hostility to the Cardinal.
Pell told Bolt that his lowest moment in the past year came when the Victorian Court of Appeal upheld his initial conviction. The Sky News Australia reporter summed up the injustices of recent years, before asking Pell what his lowest point had been.
BOLT: You were accused and jailed for the most horrific of crimes: raping two boys. You were vilified: crowds screamed at your face. You lost your job, your savings, your career, your reputation, spent four hundred and five days in jail for a crime you didn't commit – what was your lowest moment? PELL: I think the lowest moment was after the decision of the Victorian appeal court. I never believed there was a remotest possibility that a couple of judges would not uphold my appeal.
But when asked if he had ever felt forsaken, Pell replied:
I never felt forsaken – I got something like 4,000 letters. I deeply regretted my family and my close friends have had to go through what they've done, but I got immense support practical and otherwise. I never felt forsaken.
In December last year, LifeSite encouraged readers to send Christmas cards to Pell.
Upon his release last week, Pell acknowledged his gratitude for the prayers offered for him by others. He repeated that gratitude during his interview with Bolt in a longer reflection on the role prayer played in his time in prison.
“I was cleared. And, I mean, there are thousands, if not more, people all over the world praying for me. And, I seriously believe that one reason that I coped so well with the adversity was the prayers of all these people,” he said.
Pell also told Bolt that a lot of “very good Christians and Catholics who weren't wealthy people” helped to finance his legal costs, which are thought to have run into the millions. The acquitted cardinal also acknowledged the contributions of some “very generous…wealthy people” and said that he had used some of his own retirement savings to fight the charges in court.
Asked by Bolt if the Church had financially contributed at all, Pell replied, “not a thing.”
Pell described his surprise at the decision of the Victorian Court of Appeal to uphold his original conviction, given the scanty and improbable evidence against him.
“Overwhelmingly, the opinion after the appeal, amongst people who weren't my supporters, was that we won hands down. One of my leading opponents in the press said that the prosecution case was a disaster,” he said.
Pell said that he actually “felt sorry” for his prosecutor “because he has no cards, and he was a capable honest man and so he didn't have much room to move.”
The Cardinal said that he thought during his first unsuccessful appeal that “the onus of proof was reversed.”
“I’m no lawyer, but I was always clear in my own mind that if somebody says such and such as possible, that's on quite a different level from establishing that something is factually probable, or factually happened. And we weren't there to prove that it was impossible – [but] actually I believe it was on the evidence of the complainant and of the others. But the decision’s a mystery, and I think the High Court dealt with it well.”
Pell, who in 2017 was the third most senior cleric in the Catholic Church while serving as Vatican’s Secretariat for Economy, said that while in prison he followed the advice he himself has given to priests over the years for coping in difficult situations.
“I followed the advice I've often given to priests when they're in a bit of trouble. ‘Keep up your prayers; get out of bed at a good time; eat properly; exercise every day and try to sleep at night,” he explained.
During the interview, Pell also told Bolt that senior people in Rome believe his conviction and imprisonment in Australia was related to the trouble he was causing to “corrupt officials in the Vatican” as he led the financial reforms.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-14--Kansas Supreme Court meets by video, sides with governor’s church service ban

TOPEKA , Kansas , April 14 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Unable to convene in person due to COVID-19 social distancing regulations , the Kansas Supreme Court met in an unusual Holy Saturday session using teleconferencing software and ruled in favor of the state governor ’ s controversial ban on religious services attended by more than ten people .
After Kansas ’ Republican-controlled legislature overturned her executive order outlawing religious services of more than ten people , Democrat Gov .
Laura Kelly appealed to the state ’ s Supreme Court , hoping to quash any planned Easter Sunday services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made clear that this was a narrow decision , focused only on whether the governor had acted within her rights , and not on whether her action infringed on religious freedom .
The Kansas Supreme Court today invalidated the Legislative Coordinating Council 's April 8 revocation of Governor Laura Kelly 's COVID-19 Executive Order 20-18 .
After hearing arguments electronically this morning in Kelly v. Legislative Coordinating Council et al.
, the Court ruled swiftly and narrowly , relying on the plain language of House Concurrent Resolution No .
5025 .
The Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the resolution failed to give the LCC the necessary power to override the Governor 's order .
The Court 's decision did not address several other issues that had been mentioned in the parties ' written filings—including whether the Legislature 's attempt to give the LCC authority to act while it was away from Topeka was lawful and whether the Governor 's order infringed on religious freedom .
The majority opinion , written for the Court and not signed by an individual justice , said : “ As ultimately acknowledged by all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we accept House Concurrent Resolution 5025 as an otherwise valid exercise of legislative authority , its plain text did not authorize the LCC to revoke Executive Order 20-18.
” “ The legal arguments hashed out in a Zoom video conference call some 12 hours earlier centered mostly on whether a subset of legislative leaders could speak for all lawmakers and overrule emergency actions by the governor , ” explained Kansas News Service senior correspondent Jim McLean .
“ They also explored whether drafting errors in the legislation could be overlooked in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justices and the lawyers for both sides seemed to reveal at least some consensus : In a rush to leave Topeka and give Kelly powers to respond to a fast-spreading , sometimes deadly illness , the Legislature made critical errors in a resolution , ” said McLean .
“ Yes , lawmakers had temporarily granted emergency powers to the governor , ” he said .
“ But it was far less clear how much authority they handed off to the Legislative Coordinating Council , a committee of legislative leaders controlled by Republicans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegation of power of that magnitude , said Justice Dan Biles , can ’ t be accomplished with just a legislative resolution .
The law defining the role of the LCC would have to be amended , something lawmakers failed to do .
“ You ’ re trying to read language into a statute that ’ s not there , ” Biles said to one of the lawyers pleading the Legislature ’ s case .
“ While it may be a good idea , all you guys had to do was amend the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” At the outset of the unusual Holy Saturday session , Chief Justice Marla Luckert said , “ Today is a historic day as we hear arguments for the first time by video conferencing.
” “ Because of the COVID-19 pandemic , [ Kansas ] courts are operating under emergency orders to protect the health and safety of litigants , the general public , and our employees and judicial officers .
Under those orders , courts may not conduct in-person hearings , even in the performance of an essential function if they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other public health orders , ” she explained .
The Kansas State Supreme Court ’ s ruling can be found here .

Urgent appeal to the bishops of the world: Feed your flock Sign the petition here.
TOPEKA, Kansas, April 14, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Unable to convene in person due to COVID-19 social distancing regulations, the Kansas Supreme Court met in an unusual Holy Saturday session using teleconferencing software and ruled in favor of the state governor’s controversial ban on religious services attended by more than ten people.
After Kansas’ Republican-controlled legislature overturned her executive order outlawing religious services of more than ten people, Democrat Gov. Laura Kelly appealed to the state’s Supreme Court, hoping to quash any planned Easter Sunday services.
Court’s narrow decision avoided ruling on religious liberty
A statement released by the court made clear that this was a narrow decision, focused only on whether the governor had acted within her rights, and not on whether her action infringed on religious freedom.
The statement issued late on Holy Saturday recounted:
The Kansas Supreme Court today invalidated the Legislative Coordinating Council's April 8 revocation of Governor Laura Kelly's COVID-19 Executive Order 20-18. After hearing arguments electronically this morning in Kelly v. Legislative Coordinating Council et al., the Court ruled swiftly and narrowly, relying on the plain language of House Concurrent Resolution No. 5025. The Court said the revocation could not stand, because the resolution failed to give the LCC the necessary power to override the Governor's order. The Court's decision did not address several other issues that had been mentioned in the parties' written filings—including whether the Legislature's attempt to give the LCC authority to act while it was away from Topeka was lawful and whether the Governor's order infringed on religious freedom. The majority opinion, written for the Court and not signed by an individual justice, said: “As ultimately acknowledged by all counsel during oral arguments today, even if we accept House Concurrent Resolution 5025 as an otherwise valid exercise of legislative authority, its plain text did not authorize the LCC to revoke Executive Order 20-18.”
Strategic error by Kansas’ Republican-led legislature
“The legal arguments hashed out in a Zoom video conference call some 12 hours earlier centered mostly on whether a subset of legislative leaders could speak for all lawmakers and overrule emergency actions by the governor,” explained Kansas News Service senior correspondent Jim McLean. “They also explored whether drafting errors in the legislation could be overlooked in an emergency.”
“The back-and-forth between the justices and the lawyers for both sides seemed to reveal at least some consensus: In a rush to leave Topeka and give Kelly powers to respond to a fast-spreading, sometimes deadly illness, the Legislature made critical errors in a resolution,” said McLean.
“Yes, lawmakers had temporarily granted emergency powers to the governor,” he said. “But it was far less clear how much authority they handed off to the Legislative Coordinating Council, a committee of legislative leaders controlled by Republicans, to keep Kelly in check.”
McLean reported:
A delegation of power of that magnitude, said Justice Dan Biles, can’t be accomplished with just a legislative resolution. The law defining the role of the LCC would have to be amended, something lawmakers failed to do. “You’re trying to read language into a statute that’s not there,” Biles said to one of the lawyers pleading the Legislature’s case. “While it may be a good idea, all you guys had to do was amend the law and send it to the governor.”
‘Historic’ Kansas Supreme Court teleconference session
At the outset of the unusual Holy Saturday session, Chief Justice Marla Luckert said, “Today is a historic day as we hear arguments for the first time by video conferencing.”
“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, [Kansas] courts are operating under emergency orders to protect the health and safety of litigants, the general public, and our employees and judicial officers. Under those orders, courts may not conduct in-person hearings, even in the performance of an essential function if they cannot adhere to social distancing requirements and other public health orders,” she explained.
The Kansas State Supreme Court’s ruling can be found here.
RELATED:
Like a ‘dystopian novel’: Judge slams, overrides mayor’s ban on Easter worship services
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lifesitenews--2020-04-14--Pope in Easter message: Pandemic should spur ‘humanist and ecological conversion’

ROME , Italy , April 14 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Amid the economic difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic , Pope Francis in an Easter message has called for “ a humanist and ecological conversion that puts an end to the idolatry of money , ” placing “ human life and dignity ” at the center .
Not once in his message to members of “ popular movements and organizations ” delivered on Easter Sunday — when Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus — did the Pope talk about religious conversion to the Christian faith .
Pope Francis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into vogue in his 2015 encyclical letter on the environment Laudato Si ’ , in which he made use of the phrase five times .
He said that people who “ choose not to change their habits ” with regard to the “ ecological crisis ” are in need of an “ ‘ ecological conversion.
’ ” In his 2016 message for the celebration of World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation , Pope Francis called on Catholics to have an “ ecological conversion ” and go to confession for “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creation , giving examples of examination of conscience such as “ avoiding the use of plastic and paper , ” “ separating refuse , ” and “ turning off unnecessary lights.
” Last week , the Pope doubled-down on his belief that the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping around the world is “ certainly nature ’ s response ” to man ’ s failure to address humanity ’ s impact on the environment .
When asked in an interview published by The Tablet last Wednesday if the current crisis and the economic devastation it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ecological conversion , ” the Pope responded : There is an expression in Spanish : “ God always forgives , we forgive sometimes , but nature never forgives.
” We did not respond to the partial catastrophes .
Who now speaks of the fires in Australia , or remembers that 18 months ago a boat could cross the North Pole because the glaciers had all melted ?
Who speaks now of the floods ?
I don ’ t know if these are the revenge of nature , but they are certainly nature ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pope said he believes that the coronavirus pandemic is nature “ having a fit ” in response to environmental pollution .
“ Fires , earthquakes … that is , nature is having a fit , so that we will take care of nature.
” During his homily at the Urbi et Orbi ceremony on April 1 , Pope Francis again returned to his theme of linking the coronavirus pandemic to a response from the planet to environmental pollution .
Cardinal Raymond Burke , known for his outspoken faithfulness to perennial Catholic teaching , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ecological conversion.
” Behind this concept , Burke said , lurks an “ insidious ” agenda of idolatry and one-world government .
“ With regard to ‘ ecological conversion , ’ what I see behind this is a push for worship of ‘ Mother Earth , ’ ” said Cardinal Raymond Burke in a wide-ranging interview with The Wanderer published Dec. 26 .
Burke said that “ ecological conversion ” is also being used as “ an argument for a one-world government.
” “ This is a masonic idea , an idea of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the governance of the world is in the hands of God , Who entrusts it to individual governments , nations , and groupings of people according to nature itself , ” he said .
“ The idea of a one-world government is fundamentally the same phenomenon that was displayed by the builders of the Tower of Babel who presumed to exercise the power of God on earth to unite heaven with earth , which is simply incorrect , ” he continued .
“ What we truly need is a religious conversion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and practice of faith in God and obedience to the order with which He has created us , ” he added .
Burke called “ ecological conversion ” a “ very insidious ” phrase that is being used to “ promote a certain agenda which has nothing to do with our Catholic faith.
” In his April 12 Easter message , the Holy Father also called for a “ universal basic wage ” that he said would “ acknowledge and dignify the noble , essential tasks ” carried out by many workers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time of danger will free us from operating on automatic pilot , shake our sleepy consciences and allow a humanist and ecological conversion that puts an end to the idolatry of money.
” He then criticized “ [ o ] ur civilization ” as “ so competitive , so individualistic , with its frenetic rhythms of production and consumption , its extravagant luxuries , its disproportionate profits for just a few.
” It “ needs to downshift , take stock , and renew itself , ” the Pope said .
Pope Francis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and excluded , including migrants , of which the popular movements and organizations are comprised are “ an invisible army , fighting in the most dangerous trenches ; an army whose only weapons are solidarity , hope , and community spirit , all revitalizing at a time when no one can save themselves alone.
” To him , he said , “ you are social poets because , from the forgotten peripheries where you live , you create admirable solutions for the most pressing problems afflicting the marginalized.
” “ Market solutions do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection is hardly visible there , ” Pope Francis summarized the situation of the popular movements and organizations .
“ Nor do you have the resources to substitute for its functioning .
You are looked upon with suspicion when through community organization you try to move beyond philanthropy or when , instead of resigning and hoping to catch some crumbs that fall from the table of economic power , you claim your rights.
” “ You often feel rage and powerlessness at the sight of persistent inequalities and when any excuse at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he continued .
“ Nevertheless , you do not resign yourselves to complaining : you roll up your sleeves and keep working for your families , your communities , and the common good .
Your resilience helps me , challenges me , and teaches me a great deal.
” “ I know that you have been excluded from the benefits of globalization , ” he stated .
In the context of a “ universal basic wage , ” the Pope mentioned “ [ s ] treet vendors , recyclers , carnies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the different kinds of caregivers.
” He referred to them as “ informal , working on your own or in the grassroots economy , ” without a “ steady income to get you through this hard time … and the lockdowns are becoming unbearable.
” While the Pope ’ s use of “ universal basic wage ” in his letter to members of popular movements and organizations was first interpreted by some as “ universal basic income , ” Cardinal Michael Czerny SJ clarified in comments to America Magazine that the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the under-secretary of the Migrants and Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development explained , comes “ from the pope ’ s Argentinian background and his involvement with cartoneros [ residents who collect and recycle trash for compensation ] in Buenos Aires.
” Thus , the term “ universal basic wage ” refers “ only to informal workers , ” guaranteeing “ some basic rights and a stable wage.
” The broader term of a “ universal basic income ” has come under fire even by members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marx , the former president of the German Bishops ’ Conference , said in 2017 a “ universal basic income ” would be the “ end of democracy.
” Arkadiusz Sieroń , an assistant professor of economics at the Institute of Economic Sciences at the University of Wrocław , Poland , used simple math to prove the impossibility of a “ universal basic income.
” “ Let us assume for simplicity that there are 250 million adult Americans and that each of them would receive $ 1,000 monthly … So we get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and $ 3 trillion annually .
It would amount to about 14 percent of US GDP , or 42 percent of total government spending , or 73 percent of the federal outlays , ” Sieroń pointed out .
“ For comparison , this is more than the total expenditure on health care , defense , and education .
And yet we are talking about ‘ just ’ $ 12,000 annually ( or 19 percent of the median household salary , or 36 percent of the median personal income ) .
Good luck with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francis had talked to gatherings of popular movements and organizations on three occasions prior to his Easter 2020 letter .
In 2014 , he explained , “ This meeting of ours responds to a very concrete desire , something that any father and mother would want for their children – a desire for what should be within everyone ’ s reach , namely land , housing and work.
” In his most recent letter , Pope Francis echoed this desire , referring to the popular movements and organizations ’ campaign for “ universal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defend : Trabajo ( work ) , Techo ( housing ) , and Tierra ( land and food ) .
” LifeSiteNews reported in 2016 that left-wing billionaire George Soros partially funded the popular movements and organizations .
Soros has also financed groups dissenting from Catholic teaching , including Catholics for Choice , Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good , and Catholics United .

ROME, Italy, April 14, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Amid the economic difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis in an Easter message has called for “a humanist and ecological conversion that puts an end to the idolatry of money,” placing “human life and dignity” at the center.
Not once in his message to members of “popular movements and organizations” delivered on Easter Sunday — when Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus — did the Pope talk about religious conversion to the Christian faith.
Pope Francis brought the term “ecological conversion” into vogue in his 2015 encyclical letter on the environment Laudato Si’, in which he made use of the phrase five times. He said that people who “choose not to change their habits” with regard to the “ecological crisis” are in need of an “‘ecological conversion.’”
In his 2016 message for the celebration of World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Francis called on Catholics to have an “ecological conversion” and go to confession for “sins” of not being respectful of creation, giving examples of examination of conscience such as “avoiding the use of plastic and paper,” “separating refuse,” and “turning off unnecessary lights.”
Last week, the Pope doubled-down on his belief that the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping around the world is “certainly nature’s response” to man’s failure to address humanity’s impact on the environment.
When asked in an interview published by The Tablet last Wednesday if the current crisis and the economic devastation it is wreaking is a chance for an “ecological conversion,” the Pope responded:
There is an expression in Spanish: “God always forgives, we forgive sometimes, but nature never forgives.” We did not respond to the partial catastrophes. Who now speaks of the fires in Australia, or remembers that 18 months ago a boat could cross the North Pole because the glaciers had all melted? Who speaks now of the floods? I don’t know if these are the revenge of nature, but they are certainly nature’s responses.
Last month, the Pope said he believes that the coronavirus pandemic is nature “having a fit” in response to environmental pollution. “Fires, earthquakes … that is, nature is having a fit, so that we will take care of nature.”
During his homily at the Urbi et Orbi ceremony on April 1, Pope Francis again returned to his theme of linking the coronavirus pandemic to a response from the planet to environmental pollution.
Cardinal Raymond Burke, known for his outspoken faithfulness to perennial Catholic teaching, has warned Catholics about calls for “ecological conversion.” Behind this concept, Burke said, lurks an “insidious” agenda of idolatry and one-world government.
“With regard to ‘ecological conversion,’ what I see behind this is a push for worship of ‘Mother Earth,’” said Cardinal Raymond Burke in a wide-ranging interview with The Wanderer published Dec. 26.
Burke said that “ecological conversion” is also being used as “an argument for a one-world government.”
“This is a masonic idea, an idea of completely secularized people who no longer recognize that the governance of the world is in the hands of God, Who entrusts it to individual governments, nations, and groupings of people according to nature itself,” he said.
“The idea of a one-world government is fundamentally the same phenomenon that was displayed by the builders of the Tower of Babel who presumed to exercise the power of God on earth to unite heaven with earth, which is simply incorrect,” he continued.
“What we truly need is a religious conversion, in other words, a strong teaching and practice of faith in God and obedience to the order with which He has created us,” he added.
Burke called “ecological conversion” a “very insidious” phrase that is being used to “promote a certain agenda which has nothing to do with our Catholic faith.”
Pope calls for ‘universal basic wage’
In his April 12 Easter message, the Holy Father also called for a “universal basic wage” that he said would “acknowledge and dignify the noble, essential tasks” carried out by many workers.
The Pope expressed his hope “that this time of danger will free us from operating on automatic pilot, shake our sleepy consciences and allow a humanist and ecological conversion that puts an end to the idolatry of money.”
He then criticized “[o]ur civilization” as “so competitive, so individualistic, with its frenetic rhythms of production and consumption, its extravagant luxuries, its disproportionate profits for just a few.” It “needs to downshift, take stock, and renew itself,” the Pope said.
Pope Francis wrote in his letter that the poor and excluded, including migrants, of which the popular movements and organizations are comprised are “an invisible army, fighting in the most dangerous trenches; an army whose only weapons are solidarity, hope, and community spirit, all revitalizing at a time when no one can save themselves alone.”
To him, he said, “you are social poets because, from the forgotten peripheries where you live, you create admirable solutions for the most pressing problems afflicting the marginalized.”
“Market solutions do not reach the peripheries, and State protection is hardly visible there,” Pope Francis summarized the situation of the popular movements and organizations. “Nor do you have the resources to substitute for its functioning. You are looked upon with suspicion when through community organization you try to move beyond philanthropy or when, instead of resigning and hoping to catch some crumbs that fall from the table of economic power, you claim your rights.”
“You often feel rage and powerlessness at the sight of persistent inequalities and when any excuse at all is sufficient for maintaining those privileges,” he continued. “Nevertheless, you do not resign yourselves to complaining: you roll up your sleeves and keep working for your families, your communities, and the common good. Your resilience helps me, challenges me, and teaches me a great deal.”
“I know that you have been excluded from the benefits of globalization,” he stated.
In the context of a “universal basic wage,” the Pope mentioned “[s]treet vendors, recyclers, carnies, small farmers, construction workers, dressmakers, the different kinds of caregivers.” He referred to them as “informal, working on your own or in the grassroots economy,” without a “steady income to get you through this hard time … and the lockdowns are becoming unbearable.”
While the Pope’s use of “universal basic wage” in his letter to members of popular movements and organizations was first interpreted by some as “universal basic income,” Cardinal Michael Czerny SJ clarified in comments to America Magazine that the two are distinct concepts.
Francis’ understanding, the under-secretary of the Migrants and Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development explained, comes “from the pope’s Argentinian background and his involvement with cartoneros [residents who collect and recycle trash for compensation] in Buenos Aires.” Thus, the term “universal basic wage” refers “only to informal workers,” guaranteeing “some basic rights and a stable wage.”
The broader term of a “universal basic income” has come under fire even by members of the hierarchy considered more liberal. Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the former president of the German Bishops’ Conference, said in 2017 a “universal basic income” would be the “end of democracy.”
Arkadiusz Sieroń, an assistant professor of economics at the Institute of Economic Sciences at the University of Wrocław, Poland, used simple math to prove the impossibility of a “universal basic income.”
“Let us assume for simplicity that there are 250 million adult Americans and that each of them would receive $1,000 monthly … So we get a total cost of $250 billion monthly and $3 trillion annually. It would amount to about 14 percent of US GDP, or 42 percent of total government spending, or 73 percent of the federal outlays,” Sieroń pointed out.
“For comparison, this is more than the total expenditure on health care, defense, and education. And yet we are talking about ‘just’ $12,000 annually (or 19 percent of the median household salary, or 36 percent of the median personal income). Good luck with such an expensive program!”
Pope Francis had talked to gatherings of popular movements and organizations on three occasions prior to his Easter 2020 letter.
In 2014, he explained, “This meeting of ours responds to a very concrete desire, something that any father and mother would want for their children – a desire for what should be within everyone’s reach, namely land, housing and work.”
In his most recent letter, Pope Francis echoed this desire, referring to the popular movements and organizations’ campaign for “universal access to those three Ts that you defend: Trabajo (work), Techo (housing), and Tierra (land and food).”
LifeSiteNews reported in 2016 that left-wing billionaire George Soros partially funded the popular movements and organizations. Soros has also financed groups dissenting from Catholic teaching, including Catholics for Choice, Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, and Catholics United.
Pete Baklinski contributed to this report.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-14--Like a ‘dystopian novel’: Judge slams, overrides mayor’s ban on Easter worship services

LOUISVILLE , Kentucky , April 14 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – In a scathing opinion on Saturday , Judge Justin Walker of the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky granted a temporary restraining order allowing On Fire Christian Church to hold a “ drive-in ” Easter worship service in a parking lot .
“ On Holy Thursday , an American mayor criminalized the communal celebration of Easter , ” Walker wrote .
“ That sentence is one that this Court never expected to see outside the pages of a dystopian novel , or perhaps the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ two days ago , citing the need for social distancing during the current pandemic , Louisville ’ s Mayor Greg Fischer ordered Christians not to attend Sunday services , even if they remained in their cars to worship – and even though it ’ s Easter , ” Walker added .
“ Unless the Court enters this Temporary Restraining Order , the members of On Fire will suffer irreparable harm .
The government plans to substantially burden their religious practice on one of the most important holidays of the Christian calendar , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If beer is ‘ essential , ’ so is Easter.
” Fischer had said , “ Our job is to deny the virus .
If we don ’ t do that , more lives will be lost .
I know it ’ s tough … I just can ’ t allow [ drive-thru church services ] to happen.
” “ I am reluctant to do that , but I am at the same I am emphatic at doing that because I want to save the lives of people in our community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference .
He claimed he could not allow “ hundreds of thousands ” of people to drive to Mass , or any worship service , during the Easter weekend .
Fischer also argued that “ it ’ s not really practical or safe to accommodate drive-up services taking place in our community.
” He did not explain how COVID-19 may be transmitted from one person to another , when people are sitting in their own separate cars .
Judge Walker pointed out , “ The threats against On Fire by the Mayor and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kentucky law.
” By prohibiting drive-in worship services , Walker stressed , “ Louisville has targeted religious worship … while not prohibiting a multitude of other non-religious drive-ins and drive-throughs – including , for example , drive-through liquor stores .
Moreover , Louisville has not prohibited parking in parking lots more broadly – including , again , the parking lots of liquor stores.
” “ There is no instruction book for a pandemic , ” Walker said in conclusion .
“ The threat evolves .
Experts reevaluate .
And government officials make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best information they have.
” He explained that he did not accuse Mayor Fischer of “ acting with malice toward the physical or spiritual health of On Fire ’ s congregation.
” Instead , he suggested Fischer was driven by a “ concern for the public ’ s health , ” even though others disagreed with him .
According to Walker , the passion of Christ – “ the betrayals , the torture , the state-sponsored murder of God ’ s only Son , and the empty tomb on the third day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And even to the believer , or at least to some of them , it can be incomprehensible as well.
” Nevertheless , the reason the congregation of On Fire Christian Church “ will be there for each other and their Lord is the reason they believe He was and is there for us .
For them , for all believers , ‘ it isn ’ t a matter of reason ; finally , it ’ s a matter of love.
’ ” Democratic Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said on Friday that his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plates of all people participating in Easter worship services or other gatherings , followed by quarantine notices issued to all who attended .
“ This is a time and weekend , a whole week for multiple faiths , that is about faith .
It ’ s about knowing we have faced as people – as Christians , as Jews , as members of many faiths – many difficult , dark times , and we have prevailed , ” Beshear said , according to The Hill .
“ We know that the weeks or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know that there are going to be tougher days before there are easier days , ” he continued .
“ This is the only way we can ensure that your decision doesn ’ t kill someone else.
” Republican Kentucky Senator Rand Paul , who recently recovered from the coronavirus , heavily criticized the Governor on Twitter .
“ Taking license plates at church ?
Quarantining someone for being Christian on Easter Sunday ?
Someone needs to take a step back here.
” Paul , who worked as an eye doctor before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a local hospital after his own recovery , “ to assist those in my community who are in need of medical help , including coronavirus patients .
”

'Louisville has targeted religious worship … while not prohibiting a multitude of other non-religious drive-ins and drive-throughs – including, for example, drive-through liquor stores. Moreover, Louisville has not prohibited parking in parking lots more broadly – including, again, the parking lots of liquor stores.'
Urgent appeal to the bishops of the world: Feed your flock Sign the petition here.
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky, April 14, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – In a scathing opinion on Saturday, Judge Justin Walker of the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky granted a temporary restraining order allowing On Fire Christian Church to hold a “drive-in” Easter worship service in a parking lot.
“On Holy Thursday, an American mayor criminalized the communal celebration of Easter,” Walker wrote. “That sentence is one that this Court never expected to see outside the pages of a dystopian novel, or perhaps the pages of The Onion.”
However, “two days ago, citing the need for social distancing during the current pandemic, Louisville’s Mayor Greg Fischer ordered Christians not to attend Sunday services, even if they remained in their cars to worship – and even though it’s Easter,” Walker added.
“Unless the Court enters this Temporary Restraining Order, the members of On Fire will suffer irreparable harm. The government plans to substantially burden their religious practice on one of the most important holidays of the Christian calendar, Easter Sunday,” argued the judge.
“If beer is ‘essential,’ so is Easter.”
Fischer had said, “Our job is to deny the virus. If we don’t do that, more lives will be lost. I know it’s tough … I just can’t allow [drive-thru church services] to happen.”
“I am reluctant to do that, but I am at the same I am emphatic at doing that because I want to save the lives of people in our community,” he explained at a press conference. He claimed he could not allow “hundreds of thousands” of people to drive to Mass, or any worship service, during the Easter weekend.
Fischer also argued that “it’s not really practical or safe to accommodate drive-up services taking place in our community.” He did not explain how COVID-19 may be transmitted from one person to another, when people are sitting in their own separate cars.
Judge Walker pointed out, “The threats against On Fire by the Mayor and Louisville Metro violate the First Amendment and Kentucky law.”
By prohibiting drive-in worship services, Walker stressed, “Louisville has targeted religious worship … while not prohibiting a multitude of other non-religious drive-ins and drive-throughs – including, for example, drive-through liquor stores. Moreover, Louisville has not prohibited parking in parking lots more broadly – including, again, the parking lots of liquor stores.”
“There is no instruction book for a pandemic,” Walker said in conclusion. “The threat evolves. Experts reevaluate. And government officials make the best calls they can, based on the best information they have.”
He explained that he did not accuse Mayor Fischer of “acting with malice toward the physical or spiritual health of On Fire’s congregation.” Instead, he suggested Fischer was driven by a “concern for the public’s health,” even though others disagreed with him.
According to Walker, the passion of Christ – “the betrayals, the torture, the state-sponsored murder of God’s only Son, and the empty tomb on the third day – makes no sense at all. And even to the believer, or at least to some of them, it can be incomprehensible as well.”
Nevertheless, the reason the congregation of On Fire Christian Church “will be there for each other and their Lord is the reason they believe He was and is there for us. For them, for all believers, ‘it isn’t a matter of reason; finally, it’s a matter of love.’”
Democratic Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said on Friday that his government was going to record the license plates of all people participating in Easter worship services or other gatherings, followed by quarantine notices issued to all who attended.
“This is a time and weekend, a whole week for multiple faiths, that is about faith. It’s about knowing we have faced as people – as Christians, as Jews, as members of many faiths – many difficult, dark times, and we have prevailed,” Beshear said, according to The Hill.
“We know that the weeks or the months ahead will be difficult. We know that there are going to be tougher days before there are easier days,” he continued. “This is the only way we can ensure that your decision doesn’t kill someone else.”
Republican Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, who recently recovered from the coronavirus, heavily criticized the Governor on Twitter. “Taking license plates at church? Quarantining someone for being Christian on Easter Sunday? Someone needs to take a step back here.”
Taking license plates at church? Quarantining someone for being Christian on Easter Sunday? Someone needs to take a step back here. Kentucky Governor Announces Plan to Record License Plates of Easter Church Goers and Force Them to Quarantine for 14 Days https://t.co/z7U42liQRh — Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) April 11, 2020
Paul, who worked as an eye doctor before his career in politics, started volunteering at a local hospital after his own recovery, “to assist those in my community who are in need of medical help, including coronavirus patients.”
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lifesitenews--2020-04-14--Join our daily live worldwide rosary HERE

April 14 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – In response to the coronavirus crisis , LifeSite has begun livestreaming a daily rosary at 12:00 noon EST .
The rosary is led by Father Anthony Pillari , an American priest currently in Italy .
The whole world – including the Church – has been thrown into chaos because of the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
Thousands of people have passed away as a result of the viral outbreak , while thousands more have been sickened .
And , across the world , business has come to a grinding halt , resulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recession .
If there ever was a time for prayer , this is it .
Catholics around the planet are aching for Mass and the Sacraments , but in many places are unable to access them because of bishops ’ orders or government restrictions .
We know that community with other believers is vital all the time , but especially during this time of global calls for “ sheltering-in-place ” and quarantine .
“ The rosary is the weapon for these times , ” St. Padre Pio said .
Through prayer , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and bring this painful crisis to an end .
Join us today !
Send photos or videos of you and your family praying the rosary with Father Pillari to [ email protected ]

April 14, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – In response to the coronavirus crisis, LifeSite has begun livestreaming a daily rosary at 12:00 noon EST. The rosary is led by Father Anthony Pillari, an American priest currently in Italy.
The whole world – including the Church – has been thrown into chaos because of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Thousands of people have passed away as a result of the viral outbreak, while thousands more have been sickened.
And, across the world, business has come to a grinding halt, resulting in sudden job loss and threatening economic recession.
If there ever was a time for prayer, this is it. Catholics around the planet are aching for Mass and the Sacraments, but in many places are unable to access them because of bishops’ orders or government restrictions.
We know that community with other believers is vital all the time, but especially during this time of global calls for “sheltering-in-place” and quarantine.
“The rosary is the weapon for these times,” St. Padre Pio said. Through prayer, we can shape history, change the world, and bring this painful crisis to an end. Join us today!
Send photos or videos of you and your family praying the rosary with Father Pillari to [email protected]
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lifesitenews--2020-04-14--‘Expect action’: Trump’s Justice Department to review crackdowns on religious services

WASHINGTON , D.C. , April 14 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― A representative of the U.S. Department of Justice has promised “ action ” regarding the violations of Americans ’ freedom of religion that took place this week .
“ During this sacred week for many Americans , AG Barr is monitoring govt regulation of religious services .
While social distancing policies are appropriate during this emergency , they must be applied evenhandedly & not single out religious orgs .
Expect action from DOJ next week !
” Kerri Kupec tweeted on April 12 .
Kupec has been the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Department of Justice since December 2018 .
Kupec ’ s tweet follows legal threats against practicing Christians from county and state officials who have barred them from attending church services .
In late March , Virginia ’ s Democrat Governor Ralph Northam banned assemblies of more than ten people , even at church services .
Kentucky ’ s Democrat Governor Andy Beashear threatened to have license plates of Christians attending church services recorded and sent to health authorities , who would then order the Christians into quarantine .
Over Holy Week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive-in ” services in church parking lots , in which families remained in their own cars , apart from other households , listening to the service via radio .
Police in Greenville , Mississippi fined Christians attending a Baptist worship service in their cars $ 500 last Wednesday .
Many Twitter users responded enthusiastically to Kupec ’ s post , highlighting that whereas Christians are banned from going to church , people are permitted to frequent certain businesses .
One reader pointed out that whereas people are not allowed to congregate in churches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walmart “ where thousands touch everything on a constant basis.
” This led another reader to suggest that church services could be held in “ a Walmart parking lot.
” “ Walmart is very busy ; 500 in the store at a time , ” observed a Christian named Robert .
To a suggestion that people in churches are packed “ shoulder to shoulder , ” Catholic “ Teusch Chick ” stated , “ It ’ s real easy to get space between people in a pew .
This isn ’ t a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil authorities are taking advantage of the Chinese coronavirus pandemic to increase their power .
“ Our rights as Americans must be protected from the people taking advantage of this situation for their own power grab , i.e .
Democrat politicians , ” wrote Renee Williams of North Carolina .
In the U.S. , freedom of religion is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution , which reads , “ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ; or abridging the freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble , and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
” After Bill Gates proposed “ digital certificates ” proving a person has been vaccinated against the coronavirus , U.S. Attorney General William Barr said he was “ very concerned about the slippery slope in terms of continuing encroachments on personal liberty.
” However , Barr ’ s DOJ has also “ quietly asked Congress for the ability to ask chief judges to detain people indefinitely without trial during emergencies — part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes as the novel coronavirus spreads throughout the United States , ” Politico reported March 21 .
The DOJ ’ s request “ raised eyebrows because of its potential implications for habeas corpus — the constitutional right to appear before a judge after arrest and seek release.
” It also sought to “ change the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure in some cases to expand the use of videoconference hearings and to let some of those hearings happen without defendants ’ consent , according to the draft legislative text .
”

Around the U.S., Christians are banned from congregating – in certain places even if they remain in their cars.
Urgent appeal to the bishops of the world: Feed your flock Sign the petition here.
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 14, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― A representative of the U.S. Department of Justice has promised “action” regarding the violations of Americans’ freedom of religion that took place this week.
“During this sacred week for many Americans, AG Barr is monitoring govt regulation of religious services. While social distancing policies are appropriate during this emergency, they must be applied evenhandedly & not single out religious orgs. Expect action from DOJ next week!” Kerri Kupec tweeted on April 12.
During this sacred week for many Americans, AG Barr is monitoring govt regulation of religious services. While social distancing policies are appropriate during this emergency, they must be applied evenhandedly & not single out religious orgs. Expect action from DOJ next week! — KerriKupecDOJ (@KerriKupecDOJ) April 12, 2020
Kupec has been the Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the Department of Justice since December 2018.
Kupec’s tweet follows legal threats against practicing Christians from county and state officials who have barred them from attending church services. In late March, Virginia’s Democrat Governor Ralph Northam banned assemblies of more than ten people, even at church services. Kentucky’s Democrat Governor Andy Beashear threatened to have license plates of Christians attending church services recorded and sent to health authorities, who would then order the Christians into quarantine.
Over Holy Week, Christians were fined even for attending “drive-in” services in church parking lots, in which families remained in their own cars, apart from other households, listening to the service via radio. Police in Greenville, Mississippi fined Christians attending a Baptist worship service in their cars $500 last Wednesday.
Many Twitter users responded enthusiastically to Kupec’s post, highlighting that whereas Christians are banned from going to church, people are permitted to frequent certain businesses.
One reader pointed out that whereas people are not allowed to congregate in churches, they are allowed to crowd into Walmart “where thousands touch everything on a constant basis.” This led another reader to suggest that church services could be held in “a Walmart parking lot.”
“Walmart is very busy; 500 in the store at a time,” observed a Christian named Robert. To a suggestion that people in churches are packed “shoulder to shoulder,” Catholic “Teusch Chick” stated, “It’s real easy to get space between people in a pew. This isn’t a complicated concept.”
Another user worried that civil authorities are taking advantage of the Chinese coronavirus pandemic to increase their power.
“Our rights as Americans must be protected from the people taking advantage of this situation for their own power grab, i.e. Democrat politicians,” wrote Renee Williams of North Carolina.
In the U.S., freedom of religion is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution, which reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
After Bill Gates proposed “digital certificates” proving a person has been vaccinated against the coronavirus, U.S. Attorney General William Barr said he was “very concerned about the slippery slope in terms of continuing encroachments on personal liberty.”
However, Barr’s DOJ has also “quietly asked Congress for the ability to ask chief judges to detain people indefinitely without trial during emergencies — part of a push for new powers that comes as the novel coronavirus spreads throughout the United States,” Politico reported March 21. The DOJ’s request “raised eyebrows because of its potential implications for habeas corpus — the constitutional right to appear before a judge after arrest and seek release.” It also sought to “change the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure in some cases to expand the use of videoconference hearings and to let some of those hearings happen without defendants’ consent, according to the draft legislative text.”
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lifesitenews--2020-04-14--Cardinal Pell: ‘Senior people in Rome’ believe Vatican officials linked to my imprisonment

PETITION : Join prayer pledge in thanksgiving for Cardinal Pell 's full exoneration Sign the petition here .
AUSTRALIA , April 14 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Cardinal George Pell has said that senior people in Rome believe his conviction and imprisonment in Australia was related to the trouble he was causing to “ corrupt officials in the Vatican ” as he led the financial reforms .
In an interview released today with Australia ’ s Sky News , host Andrew Bolt asks Pell whether he had ever considered that the trouble he was causing to corrupt officials in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has since experienced in Australia .
Pell responded : “ Most of the senior people in Rome who are in any way sympathetic to financial reform believe that they are.
” Pell said that from his own perspective he had heard too much from people “ going from possibility , to probability , to fact ” and that he didn ’ t have any evidence of a link between his work at the Vatican and his charges and subsequent conviction in Australia .
However , Pell did say that he was pleased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Vatican is being exposed and that it has been shown that he had opposed such corruption while in Rome .
“ One of my fears was that what we had done would remain hidden for ten years or so , that it would be revealed and then the baddies would say ‘ well Pell and Casey were in charge then they turned a blind eye or did nothing to it ’ , ” the acquitted cardinal said .
“ Now thanks be to God that ’ s all gone , because there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas and around Christmas exposing all sorts of things , like a disastrous purchase , actually a couple of them in London , and it was very clearly demonstrated that we tenaciously opposed those things.
” Bolt questioned Pell about his relationship with Pope Francis , given their differing theological views and positions on issues such as “ climate change , ” but Pell said that he had received Pope Francis ’ support .
BOLT : You and the Pope are not close .
He is very much on the left and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conservative and a climate skeptic .
He has been a weak leader , but you have demanded reforms of your church , particularly financial reforms .
In this matter though , this matter has the Pope supported you as you would have wished ?
PELL : Absolutely .
My theological views do n't line up exactly with that of Pope Francis , but I worked in his group ‘ The C9 ’ of his closest advisors .
He is the successor of Peter .
He 's owed respect and I think he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would say things that some other people mightn ’ t and say and I think he respects me for that .
He certainly says that he respects the Australian judicial program processes but he has been very supportive right through .
Asked by Bolt how high he thinks that corruption in the Vatican goes , Pell said that he does not believe that it goes as high as the Pope .
BOLT : How high up in the Vatican does the corruption go ?
PELL : Who knows ?
It 's a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite sure where the vein runs , how thick and broad it is and how high it goes .
BOLT : I 've described it as running right to the feet of the Pope , not to the Pope personally but right up to the very feet of the Pope .
Would I be wrong ?
PELL : Yes .
I…We ’ ve got Cardinal Parolin the Secretary of State - he is certainly not corrupt .
Just how high up it goes is an interesting hypothesis .
In November last year Cardinal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible for arranging both a 50 million Euro loan to help the Vatican purchase a scandal-ridden Italian hospital and for requesting a subsequent $ 25 million grant from a US-based Catholic foundation in order to cover that loan .
Parolin made no reference , however , to evidence that the request for the $ 25 million grant was originally linked to a request coming from Pope Francis .
Asked by Bolt about some of his fellow Australian archbishops who “ have gone missing in action ” by not giving clear support to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's life .
But actually what was surprising was even my theological opponents in Rome did n't believe the stories .
”

However, the cardinal said he did not have evidence of a link between his Vatican work and the prosecution in Australia.
PETITION: Join prayer pledge in thanksgiving for Cardinal Pell's full exoneration Sign the petition here.
AUSTRALIA, April 14, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Cardinal George Pell has said that senior people in Rome believe his conviction and imprisonment in Australia was related to the trouble he was causing to “corrupt officials in the Vatican” as he led the financial reforms.
In an interview released today with Australia’s Sky News, host Andrew Bolt asks Pell whether he had ever considered that the trouble he was causing to corrupt officials in the Vatican was related to the troubles he has since experienced in Australia. Pell responded: “Most of the senior people in Rome who are in any way sympathetic to financial reform believe that they are.”
Pell said that from his own perspective he had heard too much from people “going from possibility, to probability, to fact” and that he didn’t have any evidence of a link between his work at the Vatican and his charges and subsequent conviction in Australia.
However, Pell did say that he was pleased that much of the financial corruption at the Vatican is being exposed and that it has been shown that he had opposed such corruption while in Rome.
“One of my fears was that what we had done would remain hidden for ten years or so, that it would be revealed and then the baddies would say ‘well Pell and Casey were in charge then they turned a blind eye or did nothing to it’,” the acquitted cardinal said.
“Now thanks be to God that’s all gone, because there was a flurry of articles just before Christmas and around Christmas exposing all sorts of things, like a disastrous purchase, actually a couple of them in London, and it was very clearly demonstrated that we tenaciously opposed those things.”
Bolt questioned Pell about his relationship with Pope Francis, given their differing theological views and positions on issues such as “climate change,” but Pell said that he had received Pope Francis’ support.
BOLT: You and the Pope are not close. He is very much on the left and is a global warming preacher. You are a conservative and a climate skeptic. He has been a weak leader, but you have demanded reforms of your church, particularly financial reforms. In this matter though, this matter has the Pope supported you as you would have wished? PELL: Absolutely. My theological views don't line up exactly with that of Pope Francis, but I worked in his group ‘The C9’ of his closest advisors. He is the successor of Peter. He's owed respect and I think he values my honesty and perhaps that I would say things that some other people mightn’t and say and I think he respects me for that. He certainly says that he respects the Australian judicial program processes but he has been very supportive right through.
Asked by Bolt how high he thinks that corruption in the Vatican goes, Pell said that he does not believe that it goes as high as the Pope.
BOLT: How high up in the Vatican does the corruption go? PELL: Who knows? It's a little bit like Victoria, you're not quite sure where the vein runs, how thick and broad it is and how high it goes. BOLT: I've described it as running right to the feet of the Pope, not to the Pope personally but right up to the very feet of the Pope. Would I be wrong? PELL: Yes. I…We’ve got Cardinal Parolin the Secretary of State – he is certainly not corrupt. Just how high up it goes is an interesting hypothesis.
In November last year Cardinal Parolin informed Catholic media that he was responsible for arranging both a 50 million Euro loan to help the Vatican purchase a scandal-ridden Italian hospital and for requesting a subsequent $25 million grant from a US-based Catholic foundation in order to cover that loan. Parolin made no reference, however, to evidence that the request for the $25 million grant was originally linked to a request coming from Pope Francis.
Asked by Bolt about some of his fellow Australian archbishops who “have gone missing in action” by not giving clear support to him, Pell simply responded, “That's life. But actually what was surprising was even my theological opponents in Rome didn't believe the stories.”
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lifesitenews--2020-04-10--Chicago Catholics pray outside cathedral on Good Friday to protest church closings during COVID-19

CHICAGO , Illinois , April 10 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Catholics from across the Archdiocese of Chicago gathered in prayer outside Holy Name Cathedral on the city ’ s near north side at noon today in an effort to raise awareness about how churches are and must be treated as “ essential ” during the COVID-19 outbreak .
Like other large cities , Chicago has been cracking down on public gatherings of any kind since pro-abortion Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued his stay-at-home executive order on March 21 .
Chicago ’ s Archbishop , Cardinal Blase Cupich , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has forbidden “ any public celebrations , even outside including live Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.
” Lisa Bergman , the event ’ s lead organizer , said she was expecting law enforcement to show up , and that she was willing to go to jail if they did , but that she didn ’ t experience any problems during her time outside the cathedral .
Two passersby happened to join in as Bergman , a graduate of the University of Notre Dame who now runs St. Augustine Academy Press , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her fellow Catholics .
Although less than a dozen people showed up in person for the prayerful protest , Bergman said there were “ many , many more ” Catholic in the diocese who expressed solidarity with her and wanted to go but couldn ’ t due to health issues or family obligations .
One person who did attend brought a sign that read , “ 400 inside Costco , why not 20 in Church ?
” Bergman told LifeSite she was inspired by the Acies ordinata protests that have been held in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Bergman released a statement to LifeSite explaining why she organized the protest .
In her letter , she argues that it ’ s not reasonable or honest to say that shopping centers , liquor stores , coffee shops , and other businesses should be open while “ we can ’ t allow a lesser number of people inside a church.
” “ Throughout history , when plague and destruction have struck , Christians have been the ones to run toward it , to fulfill the call of the Gospel , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being told that the Church is not essential , ” she explains .
Noting that “ the sacraments are wellsprings of grace for the Church , '' Bergman calls to mind how Peter was fleeing Rome but then Christ appeared to him and “ one look from his Lord was enough to send him back ” to his crucifixion .
“ Now , ” Bergman continues , “ our Lord looks at us ... as we shelter away from this virus and its fearful consequences , our Lord is walking toward it.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she reached out to in the weeks leading up to today would agree with her statement , which can be read in its entirety below .
For now , Bergman does not have future plans for other protests , though she believes others will join in similiar prayerful activities in public if churches remain closed .
As we enter Holy Week , we call to mind that Christ was obedient unto death…and that the sacraments are wellsprings of grace for the Church because of our priests ’ imitation of His obedience .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this obedience .
But as we shelter away from this virus and its fearful consequences , our Lord is walking toward it .
Where are you going , Lord ?
I go to be crucified again .
Throughout history , when plague and destruction have struck , Christians have been the ones to run toward it , to fulfill the call of the Gospel , to care for the sick , feed the hungry , shelter the homeless .
We give as Christ gave , because our treasure is in heaven .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church is not essential .
We are willing to let people die utterly alone…but churches are dangerous .
For generations , Christianity has been declining in the West , but if we needed proof of where we stand , here it is .
What can we do ?
We feel now some of the anguish that Christ ’ s disciples felt as He went to His death .
They could do nothing .
They hid for fear .
Peter denied Him three times .
How much greater was the anguish in Peter ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rome years later , and the vision of Christ appeared to him , going to be crucified again ?
Every ounce of human prudence told Peter he should escape to fight another day .
But one look from his Lord was enough to send him back .
Now our Lord looks at us .
We are following the dictates of human prudence as we ought .
He does not reproach us…but He walks the other way .
He waits for us to ask Him , “ Where are you going , Lord ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawful authorities , both in the state and in the Church .
Love of neighbor dictates that we must do our part to help limit the spread of this virus .
For this reason our Bishops have released us from our Sunday obligation .
But love of neighbor is only half of what we are called to do as Christians , because our life here on earth is not the only one we have to secure .
First and foremost , we must love the Lord our God with all our heart , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all our strength .
If we don ’ t use our heart and soul and strength to defend our Lord and His Church , and insist that our churches are essential , and must be treated as such , then we must contend with Matthew 10:32-33 : “ Every one therefore that shall confess me before men , I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven .
But he that shall deny me before men , I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there can be 400 people inside your local Costco , with some woman touching every single bag of lettuce on the stack , and then to say that we can ’ t allow a lesser number of people inside a church .
It is not honest to say that we need to allow people to buy liquor and marijuana and mocha lattes to help keep them happy , but that we can ’ t allow our churches to be kept open for private prayer .
And most of all , it is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stretching around the block , while prohibiting churches from finding creative solutions for outdoor services to safely serve their flocks .
So if respectful Civil Disobedience is what it takes to make this point , then this becomes our duty .
When we ponder the sacrifice of Christ , magnified by what the saints were willing to suffer for His sake , we must be willing to take up our cross too .
Some say that it is selfish and irresponsible to put people ’ s lives at risk , when we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But a thousand livestreamed Masses can never add up to a single live Mass , where we offer the perfect sacrifice to God , and where He comes to us .
Our life on earth can end at any moment , for any reason ; are we content to put souls at risk ?
Every business and public place that is open right now could equally be a source of risk .
But some things we can ’ t do without , like food , and some things it is not prudent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise .
People are dying without the Last Rites , and Confession is available in emergencies only .
Where do we draw the line ?
Are we content to say that it is prudent to do without the Sacraments…that feeding our souls doesn ’ t matter ?
What about that Korean church , or that church choir in Washington ?
They all got sick !
Yes , and in neither case were they implementing best practices for social distancing .
Our churches are not inherently dangerous ; on the contrary , they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ails us .
With creativity and perseverance , we can give God the worship He is due , in ways that are safe .
We are doing our best to be patient , to offer up this sacrifice , and we have gained untold spiritual benefits by doing so .
But no one knows for certain how long this will last .
When we fast , we know that there is an end in sight to our fasting .
God does not ask us to starve ourselves to death , nor is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of the Sacraments for long periods of time .
We wouldn ’ t accept being denied other necessities , and we shouldn ’ t accept it for this .
But above all , we owe it to ourselves to look at the English Catholics who risked everything to practice their faith…at the Christians of the Catacombs who endangered their lives for every Mass…of the Catholic Church in Poland under Communism…and ask ourselves : do we not have the same call they did ?
Each faced a different challenge , and each rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cross .
Can you name a single saint who would have tolerated what is happening right now ?
I can think of not one .
It is our sacred duty as the Mystical Body of Christ to insist that our faith is just as essential as food , healthcare , gas stations , hardware stores , restaurants , laundries , the postal service , plumbers and electricians , etc .
This does not mean that we should recklessly disobey the mandates we have been given , to the extent that they are just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for most , it is prudent to stay home and not frequent the sacraments as often .
But to the extent that these mandates are unjust to the practice of our Faith , which is truly necessary for our health , both in this life and the next , we must do what we can to unshackle our Church and allow the healing waters of the Sacraments to flow once more .
Then , lit by “ the True Light that enlighteneth every man , ” She can stand once more as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the darkness of fear , rather than hiding that light under a bushel .

Event organizer Lisa Bergman said they that if shopping centers and liquor stores were open then churches should be as well.
Urgent appeal to the bishops of the world: Feed your flock Sign the petition here.
CHICAGO, Illinois, April 10, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Catholics from across the Archdiocese of Chicago gathered in prayer outside Holy Name Cathedral on the city’s near north side at noon today in an effort to raise awareness about how churches are and must be treated as “essential” during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Like other large cities, Chicago has been cracking down on public gatherings of any kind since pro-abortion Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued his stay-at-home executive order on March 21. Chicago’s Archbishop, Cardinal Blase Cupich, has closed all schools and churches and has forbidden “any public celebrations, even outside including live Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.”
Lisa Bergman, the event’s lead organizer, said she was expecting law enforcement to show up, and that she was willing to go to jail if they did, but that she didn’t experience any problems during her time outside the cathedral. Two passersby happened to join in as Bergman, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame who now runs St. Augustine Academy Press, prayed the Stations of the Cross with her fellow Catholics.
Although less than a dozen people showed up in person for the prayerful protest, Bergman said there were “many, many more” Catholic in the diocese who expressed solidarity with her and wanted to go but couldn’t due to health issues or family obligations. One person who did attend brought a sign that read, “400 inside Costco, why not 20 in Church?” Bergman told LifeSite she was inspired by the Acies ordinata protests that have been held in Rome and Germany over the last several years.
Bergman released a statement to LifeSite explaining why she organized the protest. In her letter, she argues that it’s not reasonable or honest to say that shopping centers, liquor stores, coffee shops, and other businesses should be open while “we can’t allow a lesser number of people inside a church.”
“Throughout history, when plague and destruction have struck, Christians have been the ones to run toward it, to fulfill the call of the Gospel, to care for the sick….but now we are being told that the Church is not essential,” she explains.
Noting that “the sacraments are wellsprings of grace for the Church,” Bergman calls to mind how Peter was fleeing Rome but then Christ appeared to him and “one look from his Lord was enough to send him back” to his crucifixion. “Now,” Bergman continues, “our Lord looks at us…as we shelter away from this virus and its fearful consequences, our Lord is walking toward it.”
Bergman said that the hundreds of Catholics she reached out to in the weeks leading up to today would agree with her statement, which can be read in its entirety below. For now, Bergman does not have future plans for other protests, though she believes others will join in similiar prayerful activities in public if churches remain closed.
As we enter Holy Week, we call to mind that Christ was obedient unto death…and that the sacraments are wellsprings of grace for the Church because of our priests’ imitation of His obedience. We too are doing our best to imitate this obedience. But as we shelter away from this virus and its fearful consequences, our Lord is walking toward it. Where are you going, Lord? I go to be crucified again. Throughout history, when plague and destruction have struck, Christians have been the ones to run toward it, to fulfill the call of the Gospel, to care for the sick, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless. We give as Christ gave, because our treasure is in heaven. But now we are being told that the Church is not essential. We are willing to let people die utterly alone…but churches are dangerous. For generations, Christianity has been declining in the West, but if we needed proof of where we stand, here it is. What can we do? We feel now some of the anguish that Christ’s disciples felt as He went to His death. They could do nothing. They hid for fear. Peter denied Him three times. How much greater was the anguish in Peter’s heart, as he fled from Rome years later, and the vision of Christ appeared to him, going to be crucified again? Every ounce of human prudence told Peter he should escape to fight another day. But one look from his Lord was enough to send him back. Now our Lord looks at us. We are following the dictates of human prudence as we ought. He does not reproach us…but He walks the other way. He waits for us to ask Him, “Where are you going, Lord?” We owe our obedience to our lawful authorities, both in the state and in the Church. Love of neighbor dictates that we must do our part to help limit the spread of this virus. For this reason our Bishops have released us from our Sunday obligation. But love of neighbor is only half of what we are called to do as Christians, because our life here on earth is not the only one we have to secure. First and foremost, we must love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength. If we don’t use our heart and soul and strength to defend our Lord and His Church, and insist that our churches are essential, and must be treated as such, then we must contend with Matthew 10:32-33: “Every one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven. But he that shall deny me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.” It is not reasonable to assert that there can be 400 people inside your local Costco, with some woman touching every single bag of lettuce on the stack, and then to say that we can’t allow a lesser number of people inside a church. It is not honest to say that we need to allow people to buy liquor and marijuana and mocha lattes to help keep them happy, but that we can’t allow our churches to be kept open for private prayer. And most of all, it is not honorable to have lines for pizza takeout stretching around the block, while prohibiting churches from finding creative solutions for outdoor services to safely serve their flocks. So if respectful Civil Disobedience is what it takes to make this point, then this becomes our duty. When we ponder the sacrifice of Christ, magnified by what the saints were willing to suffer for His sake, we must be willing to take up our cross too. Some say that it is selfish and irresponsible to put people’s lives at risk, when we have the safe option of livestreamed Mass. But a thousand livestreamed Masses can never add up to a single live Mass, where we offer the perfect sacrifice to God, and where He comes to us. Our life on earth can end at any moment, for any reason; are we content to put souls at risk? Every business and public place that is open right now could equally be a source of risk. But some things we can’t do without, like food, and some things it is not prudent to do without, like fresh air and exercise. People are dying without the Last Rites, and Confession is available in emergencies only. Where do we draw the line? Are we content to say that it is prudent to do without the Sacraments…that feeding our souls doesn’t matter? What about that Korean church, or that church choir in Washington? They all got sick! Yes, and in neither case were they implementing best practices for social distancing. Our churches are not inherently dangerous; on the contrary, they are a major part of the solution to what ails us. With creativity and perseverance, we can give God the worship He is due, in ways that are safe. We are doing our best to be patient, to offer up this sacrifice, and we have gained untold spiritual benefits by doing so. But no one knows for certain how long this will last. When we fast, we know that there is an end in sight to our fasting. God does not ask us to starve ourselves to death, nor is it His Will that we do without any of the Sacraments for long periods of time. We wouldn’t accept being denied other necessities, and we shouldn’t accept it for this. But above all, we owe it to ourselves to look at the English Catholics who risked everything to practice their faith…at the Christians of the Catacombs who endangered their lives for every Mass…of the Catholic Church in Poland under Communism…and ask ourselves: do we not have the same call they did? Each faced a different challenge, and each rose to meet it with fidelity to the Cross. Can you name a single saint who would have tolerated what is happening right now? I can think of not one. It is our sacred duty as the Mystical Body of Christ to insist that our faith is just as essential as food, healthcare, gas stations, hardware stores, restaurants, laundries, the postal service, plumbers and electricians, etc. This does not mean that we should recklessly disobey the mandates we have been given, to the extent that they are just and for our good; in fact, for most, it is prudent to stay home and not frequent the sacraments as often. But to the extent that these mandates are unjust to the practice of our Faith, which is truly necessary for our health, both in this life and the next, we must do what we can to unshackle our Church and allow the healing waters of the Sacraments to flow once more. Then, lit by “the True Light that enlighteneth every man,” She can stand once more as the beacon of hope for all amidst the darkness of fear, rather than hiding that light under a bushel.
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