lifesitenews--2020-03-18--Global warming boosters dismayed: Turns out coronavirus hates heat

March 17 , 2020 ( American Thinker ) — For decades , leftists have blamed all actual or potentially harmful events on global warming .
They then justify their political initiatives — from socialism to open borders to abortion — as reasonable responses to climate change .
Since the Chinese Virus appeared on the scene , however , the world 's leftists have fallen silent about global warming .
That silence may have to become permanent because it seems that coronavirus hates the heat .
People have speculated that the coronavirus , like most viruses , prefers cold , dry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indeed , that common knowledge is what led President Trump to say he believes that the coronavirus will start retreating in April .
Two studies indicate that Trump 's instincts may be correct .
Four Chinese professors who studied the coronavirus 's spread in China concluded that it does retreat in the face of warmer , wetter weather ( emphasis added ) : This paper investigates how air temperature and humidity influence the transmission of COVID-19 .
After estimating the serial interval of COVID-19 from 105 pairs of the virus carrier and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reproductive number , R , for each of all 100 Chinese cities with more than 40 cases .
Using the daily R values from January 21 to 23 , 2020 as proxies of non-intervened transmission intensity , we find , under a linear regression framework for 100 Chinese cities , high temperature and high relative humidity significantly reduce the transmission of COVID-19 , respectively , even after controlling for population density and GDP per capita of cities .
One degree Celsius increase in temperature and one percent increase in relative humidity lower R @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This result is consistent with the fact that the high temperature and high humidity significantly reduce the transmission of influenza .
It indicates that the arrival of summer and rainy season in the northern hemisphere can effectively reduce the transmission of the COVID-19 .
Another study out of the University of Maryland hypothesizes that the virus exists along a very narrow latitude , one that 's cold in the winter and spring ( although not as severe as at the poles ) : We examined climate data from cities with significant community spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to areas that are either not affected , or do not have significant community spread .
To date , Coronavirus Disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) , caused by SARS-CoV-2 , has established significant community spread in cities and regions along a narrow east west distribution roughly along the 30–50o N ' corridor at consistently similar weather patterns consisting of average temperatures of 5-11oC , combined with low specific ( 3–6 g/kg ) and absolute humidity ( 4–7 g/m3 ) .
There has been a lack of significant community establishment in expected locations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and extensive population interaction through travel .
Here 's the world temperature map from the study .
The black circles represent regions with significant coronavirus transmission .
Significantly , they all exist along the green band , with warmer climates less affected : Theoretically , if we want to protect ourselves from the coronavirus , we must back away from all the climate change efforts we 've been making .
The Manhattan Contrarian spells out the practical effects of this conclusion : Published with permission from the American Thinker .

Theoretically, if we want to protect ourselves from the coronavirus, we must back away from all the climate change efforts we've been making.
March 17, 2020 (American Thinker) — For decades, leftists have blamed all actual or potentially harmful events on global warming. They then justify their political initiatives — from socialism to open borders to abortion — as reasonable responses to climate change. Since the Chinese Virus appeared on the scene, however, the world's leftists have fallen silent about global warming. That silence may have to become permanent because it seems that coronavirus hates the heat.
People have speculated that the coronavirus, like most viruses, prefers cold, dry weather to warm, wet weather. Indeed, that common knowledge is what led President Trump to say he believes that the coronavirus will start retreating in April.
Two studies indicate that Trump's instincts may be correct. Four Chinese professors who studied the coronavirus's spread in China concluded that it does retreat in the face of warmer, wetter weather (emphasis added):
This paper investigates how air temperature and humidity influence the transmission of COVID-19. After estimating the serial interval of COVID-19 from 105 pairs of the virus carrier and the infected, we calculate the daily effective reproductive number, R, for each of all 100 Chinese cities with more than 40 cases. Using the daily R values from January 21 to 23, 2020 as proxies of non-intervened transmission intensity, we find, under a linear regression framework for 100 Chinese cities, high temperature and high relative humidity significantly reduce the transmission of COVID-19, respectively, even after controlling for population density and GDP per capita of cities. One degree Celsius increase in temperature and one percent increase in relative humidity lower R by 0.0383 and 0.0224, respectively. This result is consistent with the fact that the high temperature and high humidity significantly reduce the transmission of influenza. It indicates that the arrival of summer and rainy season in the northern hemisphere can effectively reduce the transmission of the COVID-19.
Another study out of the University of Maryland hypothesizes that the virus exists along a very narrow latitude, one that's cold in the winter and spring (although not as severe as at the poles):
We examined climate data from cities with significant community spread of COVID-19 using ERA-5 reanalysis, and compared to areas that are either not affected, or do not have significant community spread. Findings: To date, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has established significant community spread in cities and regions along a narrow east west distribution roughly along the 30–50o N' corridor at consistently similar weather patterns consisting of average temperatures of 5-11oC, combined with low specific (3–6 g/kg) and absolute humidity (4–7 g/m3). There has been a lack of significant community establishment in expected locations that are based only on population proximity and extensive population interaction through travel.
Here's the world temperature map from the study. The black circles represent regions with significant coronavirus transmission. Significantly, they all exist along the green band, with warmer climates less affected:
Theoretically, if we want to protect ourselves from the coronavirus, we must back away from all the climate change efforts we've been making. The Manhattan Contrarian spells out the practical effects of this conclusion:
Immediately give up using re-usable tote bags, and go for single use plastic grocery bags. Those reusable tote bags pick up germs and spread them all over the place for days. You need bags that you can use once and get rid of immediately before they infect you and everyone around you. John Tierney has the scoop in today's New York Post: “Researchers have been warning for years about the risks of these [reusable] bags spreading deadly viral and bacterial diseases, but public officials have ignored their concerns, determined to eliminate single-use bags and other plastic products despite their obvious advantages in reducing the spread of pathogens.” Tierney has plenty more details at the link, including citations to articles in scientific journals. And while you're at it, those highly sanitary single use plastic straws are also an excellent option to avoid contact between your lips and what may be a contaminated cup or glass.
To the extent that you must travel around, you can avoid all common conveyances (planes, trains and buses). Those could be filled with carriers of the virus. Instead, go by yourself in an automobile. Carpool? Forget it. How do you know that your companion is not infected? It's one person per car for the duration.
Crank up the thermostat. Researchers in China have determined that the coronavirus spreads most successfully at 8.72 deg C (that's about 48 deg F), and its spread slows progressively the warmer you get from there. “The study, by a team from Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou … [concluded that] the 'virus is highly sensitive to high temperature.'” To be fair, this study was more about outdoor than indoor temperatures; but why take a chance in the environment you can control?
Published with permission from the American Thinker.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-18--Will the Vatican stand up to protect and preserve Islam?

March 17 , 2020 ( Turning Point Project ) — Suppose the Muslim world were to lose faith in Islam .
Suppose that Muslims ignored the Koran , stopped going to mosque and dismissed Muhammad as a bloodthirsty warlord and slave trader .
How would the Catholic Church respond ?
Would Church leaders greet the news enthusiastically , and declare their solidarity with the newly emancipated Iranians , Saudis , and Egyptians ?
Would they declare their esteem for the millions who had finally thrown off the yoke imposed by a false prophet 1400 years ago ?
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be too sure .
Given certain Church leaders ’ recent enthusiasm for Islam and their campaigns against “ Islamophobia , ” one can ’ t help but wonder .
Could it be that Church leaders might even be disappointed that Muslims had abandoned their Abrahamic faith ?
At first glance , these may seem to be purely academic questions .
One could argue that there ’ s no chance that Muslims are going to abandon Islam .
So , why speculate ?
But , in fact , there are good reasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise the possibility of a loss of faith among Muslims is that it ’ s happened before and , from a historical perspective , not that long ago .
The Muslim world didn ’ t suffer a total loss of faith in Islam , but its faith was severely weakened .
Some historians say that doubts about Islam began with Napoleon ’ s conquest of Egypt , and then increased with the downfall of the Ottoman Empire after World War I and Turkey ’ s subsequent transformation to a secular state under Kemal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twentieth century , much of the Muslim world had begun a process of Westernization and secularization .
Islam was still practiced , though more out of habit than conviction .
Not everyone was happy with this “ Islam Lite , ” however .
As early as the 1930 ’ s , Islamic groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood began plotting to restore pure Mohammedan Islam to its rightful place .
Then , in 1979 , the slow drift away from Islam was reversed .
In the wake of the Iranian Revolution , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Middle East .
A good account of what happened can be found in BBC reporter Kim Ghattas ’ new book Black Wave .
Ms. Ghattas describes how , following the clerics ’ rise to power in Iran , the eponymous “ black wave ” of dark hijabs , chadors , and abayas soon engulfed much of the Muslim World .
Yet Ms. Ghattas sees signs that the black wave may be receding as more and more people “ rise against the forces of darkness that have impoverished the region ... ” She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throw off their clerical oppressors .
Yet another reason to question the viability of Islam in the Middle East .
Her hope finds confirmation in a quote from an Iranian Christian leader in the 2019 documentary film , Sheep Among Wolves , Volume II .
“ Islam is dead , ” he declares .
The “ mosques are empty , ” and “ no one follows Islam inside of Iran.
” That ’ s undoubtedly a large exaggeration , but there is a good deal of anecdotal evidence that a turnaround may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization , Operation World , named Iran ’ s as the fastest-growing evangelical Church in the world .
Mohabat News , the country ’ s Christian news agency , reported that “ Christianity has been growing at an exponential rate.
” Meanwhile , Open Doors USA reported that there may be up to a million secret believers .
And Iran ’ s Intelligence Minister has admitted that mass conversions are “ happening right under our eyes.
” Much of this growth can be attributed to disillusionment with the hardline government .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The best evangelist for Jesus was the Ayatollah Khomeini.
” Why so ?
Because “ the ayatollahs brought the true face of Islam to light and people discovered it was a lie.
” The rapid spread of the COVID-19 in Iran has also added fuel to the fire of discontent .
The fact that clerics in the city of Qom have refused to close the busy pilgrimage sites despite the demands of public health officials has resulted in increased skepticism about the mullahs .
In 2018 , the director of Elam ministries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most open people to the Gospel.
” That may be so , but the conversion of the whole country to Christianity is probably not on the immediate horizon .
Still , the possibility that Iran may be moving in that direction brings us back to our original question : How would the Church respond ?
Ironically , there are indications that the response might not be enthusiastic .
In the first place , many of those who are turning away from Islam are turning to secularism and even to atheism ; most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Evangelical and Pentecostal sects .
In the second place , the Vatican has been a rather solid supporter not only of the Iranian regime , but of Islam in general .
In a 2018 Crux article , John Allen wrote : “ There are few diplomatic relationships in which the Vatican has invested greater efforts in recent years than the one with Tehran , seeing it as fundamental not only to a series of thorny situations around the world… but also to a broader quest to avoid a much-feared ‘ clash of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regime is heavily invested in its relationship with Rome — as indicated by the fact that Iran has more diplomats accredited to its Vatican Embassy than any other country except the Dominican Republic .
Perhaps the most important sign of alignment with the Tehran regime was the Vatican endorsement of the Iranian nuclear agreement — an endorsement that was strongly seconded by the American bishops .
But it ’ s not just the regime that Iranian protesters object to .
Many are also protesting against the religious ideology that the clerics use to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests in 2018 , one popular slogan was , “ The people are paupers , while the mullahs live like gods.
” During the January 2020 protests following the downing of a Ukraine passenger jet , videos showed students chanting : “ We don ’ t want Islamic Republic.
” This , one assumes , does not mean that they are opposed to the idea of a republic , but that they are opposed to one that is based on the religion of Islam .
Unfortunately , in recent decades , those certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Islamic faith .
They have repeatedly declared their solidarity with Islam and , despite acres of evidence to the contrary , they continue to maintain that Islam is a religion of peace that has “ nothing to do with terrorism.
” Not only has Church leadership come to the defense of Islam : it has , arguably , become an enabler of Islam .
The spread of Islam into Europe was made possible in part by the European bishops ’ lobbying campaign in favor of Muslim migration , and their frequent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome the stranger .
More than that , many Church leaders have committed themselves to the proposition that Islam and Christianity are close cousins — two faiths that share both a common Abrahamic heritage and common theological ground .
After all , as Nostra Aetate reminds us , Muslims “ revere ” Jesus , “ honor Mary , ” and “ value the moral life.
” So , it ’ s quite possible that instead of standing by oppressed Muslims , Church leadership may adopt a stand-by-your-imam attitude .
They have invested heavily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common faith with Islam , and it will be difficult to let go of that idea .
On top of that , recent Church documents seem to suggest that “ people of the book ” — i.e.
, Muslims and Jews — are not really in need of evangelization .
Conceivably , Church leaders might even criticize Protestant evangelicals for alienating Muslims from their authentic faith tradition .
If all of this is difficult to credit , remember that , in recent years , the Vatican entered into a power-sharing agreement with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not unthinkable that , if push comes to shove , it would stand with the ayatollahs in Iran rather than with Iranian Christians or disaffected Muslims .
In turn , Muslims who are trying to throw off the yoke of Islam might come to see the Catholic Church as simply another oppressive faith — a twin brother of Islam .
At a time when Islam is being rejected by more and more Muslims , Catholic leaders should think twice about identifying the Church too closely with Islam .
In the middle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Islam was dying a natural death .
Then , a relatively small number of true believers managed to fan the dying embers back to life .
It would be ironic if , in the twenty-first century , Islam entered into a similar period of decline , and ill-advised Catholics strove to keep it alive .
This article originally appeared in the March 9 , 2020 edition of Crisis .
It is published here with permission from the Turning Point Project .

It would be ironic if Islam entered into a period of decline, and ill-advised Catholics strove to keep it alive. Unfortunately, it's all quite possible.
March 17, 2020 (Turning Point Project) — Suppose the Muslim world were to lose faith in Islam. Suppose that Muslims ignored the Koran, stopped going to mosque and dismissed Muhammad as a bloodthirsty warlord and slave trader. How would the Catholic Church respond? Would Church leaders greet the news enthusiastically, and declare their solidarity with the newly emancipated Iranians, Saudis, and Egyptians? Would they declare their esteem for the millions who had finally thrown off the yoke imposed by a false prophet 1400 years ago?
That’s what one might expect, but don’t be too sure. Given certain Church leaders’ recent enthusiasm for Islam and their campaigns against “Islamophobia,” one can’t help but wonder. Could it be that Church leaders might even be disappointed that Muslims had abandoned their Abrahamic faith?
At first glance, these may seem to be purely academic questions. One could argue that there’s no chance that Muslims are going to abandon Islam. So, why speculate? But, in fact, there are good reasons to entertain them.
One reason to raise the possibility of a loss of faith among Muslims is that it’s happened before and, from a historical perspective, not that long ago. The Muslim world didn’t suffer a total loss of faith in Islam, but its faith was severely weakened.
Some historians say that doubts about Islam began with Napoleon’s conquest of Egypt, and then increased with the downfall of the Ottoman Empire after World War I and Turkey’s subsequent transformation to a secular state under Kemal Atatürk. By the middle of the twentieth century, much of the Muslim world had begun a process of Westernization and secularization. Islam was still practiced, though more out of habit than conviction.
Not everyone was happy with this “Islam Lite,” however. As early as the 1930’s, Islamic groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood began plotting to restore pure Mohammedan Islam to its rightful place. Then, in 1979, the slow drift away from Islam was reversed. In the wake of the Iranian Revolution, a revived and expansionist fundamentalism quickly spread through the Middle East. A good account of what happened can be found in BBC reporter Kim Ghattas’ new book Black Wave. Ms. Ghattas describes how, following the clerics’ rise to power in Iran, the eponymous “black wave” of dark hijabs, chadors, and abayas soon engulfed much of the Muslim World.
Yet Ms. Ghattas sees signs that the black wave may be receding as more and more people “rise against the forces of darkness that have impoverished the region…” She’s particularly hopeful that Iranians will throw off their clerical oppressors. Yet another reason to question the viability of Islam in the Middle East. Her hope finds confirmation in a quote from an Iranian Christian leader in the 2019 documentary film, Sheep Among Wolves, Volume II. “Islam is dead,” he declares. The “mosques are empty,” and “no one follows Islam inside of Iran.”
That’s undoubtedly a large exaggeration, but there is a good deal of anecdotal evidence that a turnaround may be underway in Iran. The mission research organization, Operation World, named Iran’s as the fastest-growing evangelical Church in the world. Mohabat News, the country’s Christian news agency, reported that “Christianity has been growing at an exponential rate.” Meanwhile, Open Doors USA reported that there may be up to a million secret believers. And Iran’s Intelligence Minister has admitted that mass conversions are “happening right under our eyes.”
Much of this growth can be attributed to disillusionment with the hardline government. According to a pastor in Sheep Among Wolves, “The best evangelist for Jesus was the Ayatollah Khomeini.” Why so? Because “the ayatollahs brought the true face of Islam to light and people discovered it was a lie.”
The rapid spread of the COVID-19 in Iran has also added fuel to the fire of discontent. The fact that clerics in the city of Qom have refused to close the busy pilgrimage sites despite the demands of public health officials has resulted in increased skepticism about the mullahs.
In 2018, the director of Elam ministries argued that “Iranians have become the most open people to the Gospel.” That may be so, but the conversion of the whole country to Christianity is probably not on the immediate horizon. Still, the possibility that Iran may be moving in that direction brings us back to our original question: How would the Church respond?
Ironically, there are indications that the response might not be enthusiastic. In the first place, many of those who are turning away from Islam are turning to secularism and even to atheism; most of the Iranian converts to Christianity are converting to Evangelical and Pentecostal sects. In the second place, the Vatican has been a rather solid supporter not only of the Iranian regime, but of Islam in general.
In a 2018 Crux article, John Allen wrote: “There are few diplomatic relationships in which the Vatican has invested greater efforts in recent years than the one with Tehran, seeing it as fundamental not only to a series of thorny situations around the world… but also to a broader quest to avoid a much-feared ‘clash of civilizations.’”
Likewise, the Iranian regime is heavily invested in its relationship with Rome — as indicated by the fact that Iran has more diplomats accredited to its Vatican Embassy than any other country except the Dominican Republic. Perhaps the most important sign of alignment with the Tehran regime was the Vatican endorsement of the Iranian nuclear agreement — an endorsement that was strongly seconded by the American bishops.
But it’s not just the regime that Iranian protesters object to. Many are also protesting against the religious ideology that the clerics use to justify their power. During the mass protests in 2018, one popular slogan was, “The people are paupers, while the mullahs live like gods.” During the January 2020 protests following the downing of a Ukraine passenger jet, videos showed students chanting: “We don’t want Islamic Republic.” This, one assumes, does not mean that they are opposed to the idea of a republic, but that they are opposed to one that is based on the religion of Islam.
Unfortunately, in recent decades, those certain Church leaders have positioned themselves as defenders of the Islamic faith. They have repeatedly declared their solidarity with Islam and, despite acres of evidence to the contrary, they continue to maintain that Islam is a religion of peace that has “nothing to do with terrorism.” Not only has Church leadership come to the defense of Islam: it has, arguably, become an enabler of Islam. The spread of Islam into Europe was made possible in part by the European bishops’ lobbying campaign in favor of Muslim migration, and their frequent reminders that Catholics have an obligation to welcome the stranger.
More than that, many Church leaders have committed themselves to the proposition that Islam and Christianity are close cousins — two faiths that share both a common Abrahamic heritage and common theological ground. After all, as Nostra Aetate reminds us, Muslims “revere” Jesus, “honor Mary,” and “value the moral life.”
So, it’s quite possible that instead of standing by oppressed Muslims, Church leadership may adopt a stand-by-your-imam attitude. They have invested heavily in the idea that Christians share a common faith with Islam, and it will be difficult to let go of that idea. On top of that, recent Church documents seem to suggest that “people of the book” — i.e., Muslims and Jews — are not really in need of evangelization. Conceivably, Church leaders might even criticize Protestant evangelicals for alienating Muslims from their authentic faith tradition.
If all of this is difficult to credit, remember that, in recent years, the Vatican entered into a power-sharing agreement with the Communist Party of China. It’s not unthinkable that, if push comes to shove, it would stand with the ayatollahs in Iran rather than with Iranian Christians or disaffected Muslims. In turn, Muslims who are trying to throw off the yoke of Islam might come to see the Catholic Church as simply another oppressive faith — a twin brother of Islam. At a time when Islam is being rejected by more and more Muslims, Catholic leaders should think twice about identifying the Church too closely with Islam.
In the middle of the last century it looked like supremacist Islam was dying a natural death. Then, a relatively small number of true believers managed to fan the dying embers back to life. It would be ironic if, in the twenty-first century, Islam entered into a similar period of decline, and ill-advised Catholics strove to keep it alive.
This article originally appeared in the March 9, 2020 edition of Crisis. It is published here with permission from the Turning Point Project.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-18--The world’s most prominent tyrants want Joe Biden to be president

March 17 , 2020 ( American Thinker ) — During Sunday 's Democrat debate , Biden endorsed Putin 's longtime anti-fracking stance that Putin has been promoting in the U.S. and elsewhere in the West .
Putin 's stance against fracking is grounded in self-interest .
Russia 's largest exports are oil and natural gas .
American fracking has dramatically weakened the market for Russian oil and natural gas and thus the Russian economy .
American frackers have strengthened the president 's hand in the Middle East to the point where the president has withdrawn forces from Syria and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Saudis , Iranians , Turks , and others to fight among themselves in a giant quagmire .
The Saudis have started economic warfare against the Russians and Iranians by increasing production .
This will further hurt the Russian and Iranian economies and militaries .
Putin has figured out that Biden would be a better president from the Russian perspective than Trump , and in 2020 , he will be supporting Biden for president .
Throughout his first term as president , Trump has been maneuvering to reduce U.S. dependence on China economically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S .
This has manifested itself in trade negotiations and tariffs .
Biden , on the other hand , has been consistently friendly with the Chinese on trade .
We are also curious if Hunter Biden is still managing a portfolio for the Chinese government .
Trump has been tough on China to the point where the Chinese government accusing the U.S. military of starting the Wuhan coronavirus .
Xi will be engaged in a U.S.-based propaganda campaign to undermine Trump and support Biden for the rest of 2020 .
Obama-Biden negotiated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iranian mullahs .
Trump backed out of the deal and imposed strict economic sanctions against the Iranian regime , followed by the killing of the head of the IRGC , a significant player in the regime .
Then the IRGC shot down a Ukrainian airliner , and now Iran is enduring one of the worst outbreaks of Wuhan coronavirus .
Several senior officials in the Iranian regime have become sick , and some have died .
Trump 's first term has not been good for the Iranian regime .
The regime would like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the good old days of Obama-Biden .
Expect various forms of foreign interference into the 2020 U.S. elections from Russia , China , and Iran .
This post first appeared at the American Thinker .
It is published here with the author 's permission .

Expect various forms of foreign interference into the 2020 U.S. elections from Russia, China, and Iran.
March 17, 2020 (American Thinker) — During Sunday's Democrat debate, Biden endorsed Putin's longtime anti-fracking stance that Putin has been promoting in the U.S. and elsewhere in the West. Putin's stance against fracking is grounded in self-interest. Russia's largest exports are oil and natural gas. American fracking has dramatically weakened the market for Russian oil and natural gas and thus the Russian economy.
American frackers have strengthened the president's hand in the Middle East to the point where the president has withdrawn forces from Syria and other locations and left the Russians, Syrians, Saudis, Iranians, Turks, and others to fight among themselves in a giant quagmire. The Saudis have started economic warfare against the Russians and Iranians by increasing production. This will further hurt the Russian and Iranian economies and militaries.
Putin has figured out that Biden would be a better president from the Russian perspective than Trump, and in 2020, he will be supporting Biden for president.
Throughout his first term as president, Trump has been maneuvering to reduce U.S. dependence on China economically and bring back manufacturing jobs to the U.S. This has manifested itself in trade negotiations and tariffs. Biden, on the other hand, has been consistently friendly with the Chinese on trade. We are also curious if Hunter Biden is still managing a portfolio for the Chinese government.
Trump has been tough on China to the point where the Chinese government accusing the U.S. military of starting the Wuhan coronavirus. Xi will be engaged in a U.S.-based propaganda campaign to undermine Trump and support Biden for the rest of 2020.
Obama-Biden negotiated the Iranian nuclear deal greatly favored by the Iranian mullahs. Trump backed out of the deal and imposed strict economic sanctions against the Iranian regime, followed by the killing of the head of the IRGC, a significant player in the regime. Then the IRGC shot down a Ukrainian airliner, and now Iran is enduring one of the worst outbreaks of Wuhan coronavirus. Several senior officials in the Iranian regime have become sick, and some have died. Trump's first term has not been good for the Iranian regime. The regime would like nothing better than to go back to the good old days of Obama-Biden.
Expect various forms of foreign interference into the 2020 U.S. elections from Russia, China, and Iran.
This post first appeared at the American Thinker. It is published here with the author's permission.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-18--EU human rights court rebuffs Swedish midwives punished for refusing to do abortions

STRASBOURG , France , March 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — The European Court of Human Rights has declared “ inadmissible ” the applications by two Swedish midwives who had refused to commit abortions .
Because they were unable to reconcile committing abortions with their conscience , Ellinor Grimmark and Linda Steen were denied unemployment benefits in Sweden .
The two separate decisions by the European Court of Human Rights were issued on March 12 .
Robert Clarke , deputy director of ADF International , called the decision “ a dangerous departure from the Court ’ s purpose in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very disappointed by the Court ’ s decision not to take up the cases of Ms Grimmark and Ms Steen .
A positive judgment from the Court would have been an important step in the protection of the right to freedom of conscience , ” he added .
Clarke pointed out that medical professionals “ should be able to work without being forced to choose between their deeply held convictions and their careers.
” “ Although freedom of conscience is protected as a fundamental right in almost every other European country , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uphold this important protection in Sweden.
” Paul Coleman , executive director of ADF International , also weighed in on the decision .
“ Rather than forcing midwives and other medical professionals out of their profession , Sweden should look to safeguard their moral convictions , ” he said .
Linda Steen , the court decision recounts , contacted the childbirth/delivery section at the women ’ s clinic in Nyköping in March 2015 and informed her employer that she would be unable to assist in committing abortions .
“ She was told that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unless she agreed to perform abortions , ” the court documents state .
Eventually , Steen “ was transferred , against her wishes , to her previous post as a nurse.
” Likewise , Ellinor Grimmark had informed her employer that she would be “ unable to assist in carrying out abortions because of her religious faith and conscience.
” A few days later , court documents show , “ she received a telephone call from the hospital during which she was told that she was not welcome to work at the hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date.
” Grimmark experienced similar treatment at other hospitals where she applied .
After going through the Swedish court system , both midwives wanted to have their case heard by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg , France .
Both filed complaints under articles 9 , 10 , and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights .
Article 9 guarantees freedom of conscience as well as freedom of religion .
According to both decisions , “ [ t ] he Court notes that the applicant ’ s refusal to assist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and conscience constitutes such a manifestation of her religion which is protected under Article 9 of the Convention .
There was thus an interference with her freedom of religion under Article 9 § 1 of the Convention.
” At the same time , the court argued that this interference was “ prescribed by law since , under the Swedish law , an employee is under a duty to perform all work duties given to him or her.
” This law trumps human rights as formulated by the European Convention .
“ The Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and therefore has a positive obligation to organize its health system in a way as to ensure that the effective exercise of freedom of conscience of health professionals in the professional context does not prevent the provision of such services , ” the court decisions stated .
Article 10 guarantees “ the right to freedom of expression.
” As with article 9 , the human right is limited in its exercise and manifestation .
“ The Court considers that there has been no separate interference with the applicant ’ s freedom of expression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It has not even been alleged that the applicant ’ s opinion produced any adverse effects on the applicant , other than the loss of the job opportunity at the women ’ s clinic in Nyköping , ” the decision on Steen ’ s case read .
In the decision on Grimmark ’ s case , only the location was changed , not the wording of the court ’ s reasoning .
Finally , Article 14 prohibits discrimination based “ on any ground such as sex , race , colour , language , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national or social origin , association with a national minority , property , birth or other status.
” Here , “ [ t ] he Court considers that the applicant ’ s situation and the situation of other midwives who had agreed to perform abortions are not sufficiently similar to be compared with each other .
The applicant can not therefore claim to be in the same situation as those midwives .
”

The human right to freedom of conscience, the court declared, is trumped in Sweden by an employee's obligation to do whatever an employer demands of him.
STRASBOURG, France, March 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — The European Court of Human Rights has declared “inadmissible” the applications by two Swedish midwives who had refused to commit abortions. Because they were unable to reconcile committing abortions with their conscience, Ellinor Grimmark and Linda Steen were denied unemployment benefits in Sweden.
The two separate decisions by the European Court of Human Rights were issued on March 12.
Robert Clarke, deputy director of ADF International, called the decision “a dangerous departure from the Court’s purpose in protecting fundamental freedoms.”
“We are very disappointed by the Court’s decision not to take up the cases of Ms Grimmark and Ms Steen. A positive judgment from the Court would have been an important step in the protection of the right to freedom of conscience,” he added.
Clarke pointed out that medical professionals “should be able to work without being forced to choose between their deeply held convictions and their careers.”
“Although freedom of conscience is protected as a fundamental right in almost every other European country, the decision today marks a missed opportunity to uphold this important protection in Sweden.”
Paul Coleman, executive director of ADF International, also weighed in on the decision.
“Rather than forcing midwives and other medical professionals out of their profession, Sweden should look to safeguard their moral convictions,” he said.
Linda Steen, the court decision recounts, contacted the childbirth/delivery section at the women’s clinic in Nyköping in March 2015 and informed her employer that she would be unable to assist in committing abortions.
“She was told that she could not start at the clinic unless she agreed to perform abortions,” the court documents state. Eventually, Steen “was transferred, against her wishes, to her previous post as a nurse.”
Likewise, Ellinor Grimmark had informed her employer that she would be “unable to assist in carrying out abortions because of her religious faith and conscience.” A few days later, court documents show, “she received a telephone call from the hospital during which she was told that she was not welcome to work at the hospital during the summer or at any later date.”
Grimmark experienced similar treatment at other hospitals where she applied.
After going through the Swedish court system, both midwives wanted to have their case heard by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.
Both filed complaints under articles 9, 10, and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Article 9 guarantees freedom of conscience as well as freedom of religion.
According to both decisions, “[t]he Court notes that the applicant’s refusal to assist in abortions due to her religious faith and conscience constitutes such a manifestation of her religion which is protected under Article 9 of the Convention. There was thus an interference with her freedom of religion under Article 9 § 1 of the Convention.”
At the same time, the court argued that this interference was “prescribed by law since, under the Swedish law, an employee is under a duty to perform all work duties given to him or her.” This law trumps human rights as formulated by the European Convention.
“The Court observes that Sweden provides nationwide abortion services and therefore has a positive obligation to organize its health system in a way as to ensure that the effective exercise of freedom of conscience of health professionals in the professional context does not prevent the provision of such services,” the court decisions stated.
Article 10 guarantees “the right to freedom of expression.” As with article 9, the human right is limited in its exercise and manifestation.
“The Court considers that there has been no separate interference with the applicant’s freedom of expression under Article 10 of the Convention. It has not even been alleged that the applicant’s opinion produced any adverse effects on the applicant, other than the loss of the job opportunity at the women’s clinic in Nyköping,” the decision on Steen’s case read.
In the decision on Grimmark’s case, only the location was changed, not the wording of the court’s reasoning.
Finally, Article 14 prohibits discrimination based “on any ground such as sex, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth or other status.”
Here, “[t]he Court considers that the applicant’s situation and the situation of other midwives who had agreed to perform abortions are not sufficiently similar to be compared with each other. The applicant cannot therefore claim to be in the same situation as those midwives.”
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lifesitenews--2020-03-18--School ‘brainwashed’ our 13-year-old daughter to think she’s a boy, say UK parents

SURREY , United Kingdom , March 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Parents in the U.K. have accused teaching staff of secretly brainwashing their 13-year-old daughter to think she is a boy , according to a report in the Mail on Sunday .
According to the report , Ashleigh and Ged Barnett say they were confused when their “ pretty teenage girl ” started talking about feeling that she was really a boy and cutting her hair very short , before discovering that she had been having weekly one-on-one sessions with a teaching assistant in charge of the school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valley School in Woking , Surrey , was also reportedly calling the teenage girl by a male name and encouraging her to get changed in a boys ’ cubicle .
“ Our daughter was egged on to feel that she ’ s a boy in a girl ’ s body , ” Mrs. Barnett said .
“ The teaching assistant also pointed her in the direction of the YouTube website of a trans activist , which featured a video where they showed off their mastectomy scars and told how well the operation had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The parents said the LGBT sessions had been done without their knowledge .
“ The school didn ’ t think it was fit to tell us , ” Mrs Barnett said .
“ We are her parents , but responsibility to care for our child has been taken away .
The attitude is that it ’ s the child ’ s choice and it ’ s got nothing to do with us.
” According to the report , head teacher Jane Davies told the unhappy parents via email that she believes that their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changing facilities she prefers and appeared to defend not informing the parents of what was happening with their child .
“ We will continue to provide a safe environment for [ your child ] , but it is not our place to alert you to how she feels , ” she wrote .
“ It is important that you understand that she is old enough to make her own decisions.
” Mr. Barnett said his daughter had shown “ no signs of gender dysphoria immediately prior to the ‘ mentoring , ’ but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barnett said that last August , their daughter “ had lovely long hair , wore a dress and make-up , and looked like a pretty teenage girl , ” but after the LGBT sessions “ she didn ’ t look like the same child.
” “ Children at 13 or 14 , especially girls , are sometimes not happy in their own bodies — that ’ s what puberty does to you , ” she added .
“ They are very vulnerable .
It only takes one person with an agenda to plant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the wrong body.
’ ” The parents have made a number of complaints , including that the school failed to tell them that their daughter had identified as “ transgender ” and that it had “ failed to prevent radicalization.
” The school denies the allegations .
Davies said that “ safeguarding will always be the priority of the school ” but that she was unable to comment further because the parents are in the process of a formal complaint .
Mrs. Barnett also reportedly believes that the teaching assistant who led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a charity called “ Eikon.
” Eikon says it provides “ guidance and support ” for “ LGBT young people aged 11–19 ” and that it is “ trying to support all young people who identify LGBT+ in Surrey.
” But Eikon ’ s chief executive , Chris Hickford , denied that his organization trained staff to radicalize children .
“ The suggestion any Eikon member of staff would train others to radicalize young people is not at all accurate , ” he said .
“ The training assistant may well have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended or helped facilitate , but Eikon has not provided LBGT+ training to him.
” According to the report , the teenage girl is now seeing a psychologist .
A national spokesperson for the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children ( SPUC ) , a U.K.-based pro-life , pro-family group , told LifeSiteNews that , taken at face value , the story shows a “ terrifying disregard for the rights of parents in the education of their children.
” “ For years , girls in the U.K. as young as 12 have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours without their parents ’ knowledge or consent , ” the spokesman continued , “ and the culture of death and disorder has developed in U.K. schools at a frightening pace .
If teaching staff feel entitled to confuse children about the most basic biological realities , then schools have become little more than indoctrination centers for perversity .
”

The school was also reportedly calling the teenage girl by a male name and encouraging her to get changed in a boys' cubicle.
SURREY, United Kingdom, March 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Parents in the U.K. have accused teaching staff of secretly brainwashing their 13-year-old daughter to think she is a boy, according to a report in the Mail on Sunday.
According to the report, Ashleigh and Ged Barnett say they were confused when their “pretty teenage girl” started talking about feeling that she was really a boy and cutting her hair very short, before discovering that she had been having weekly one-on-one sessions with a teaching assistant in charge of the school’s LGBT group.
The Hoe Valley School in Woking, Surrey, was also reportedly calling the teenage girl by a male name and encouraging her to get changed in a boys’ cubicle.
“Our daughter was egged on to feel that she’s a boy in a girl’s body,” Mrs. Barnett said.
“The teaching assistant also pointed her in the direction of the YouTube website of a trans activist, which featured a video where they showed off their mastectomy scars and told how well the operation had gone,” the mother continued.
The parents said the LGBT sessions had been done without their knowledge.
“The school didn’t think it was fit to tell us,” Mrs Barnett said. “We are her parents, but responsibility to care for our child has been taken away. The attitude is that it’s the child’s choice and it’s got nothing to do with us.”
According to the report, head teacher Jane Davies told the unhappy parents via email that she believes that their daughter should be left to use the changing facilities she prefers and appeared to defend not informing the parents of what was happening with their child.
“We will continue to provide a safe environment for [your child], but it is not our place to alert you to how she feels,” she wrote.
“It is important that you understand that she is old enough to make her own decisions.”
Mr. Barnett said his daughter had shown “no signs of gender dysphoria immediately prior to the ‘mentoring,’ but presented with classic signs afterwards.”
Mrs. Barnett said that last August, their daughter “had lovely long hair, wore a dress and make-up, and looked like a pretty teenage girl,” but after the LGBT sessions “she didn’t look like the same child.”
“Children at 13 or 14, especially girls, are sometimes not happy in their own bodies — that’s what puberty does to you,” she added. “They are very vulnerable. It only takes one person with an agenda to plant a little seed that they are ‘in the wrong body.’”
The parents have made a number of complaints, including that the school failed to tell them that their daughter had identified as “transgender” and that it had “failed to prevent radicalization.”
The school denies the allegations. Davies said that “safeguarding will always be the priority of the school” but that she was unable to comment further because the parents are in the process of a formal complaint.
Mrs. Barnett also reportedly believes that the teaching assistant who led the one-on-one sessions had received training from a charity called “Eikon.” Eikon says it provides “guidance and support” for “LGBT young people aged 11–19” and that it is “trying to support all young people who identify LGBT+ in Surrey.”
But Eikon’s chief executive, Chris Hickford, denied that his organization trained staff to radicalize children.
“The suggestion any Eikon member of staff would train others to radicalize young people is not at all accurate,” he said. “The training assistant may well have been at professional networking events that Eikon also attended or helped facilitate, but Eikon has not provided LBGT+ training to him.”
According to the report, the teenage girl is now seeing a psychologist.
A national spokesperson for the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), a U.K.-based pro-life, pro-family group, told LifeSiteNews that, taken at face value, the story shows a “terrifying disregard for the rights of parents in the education of their children.”
“For years, girls in the U.K. as young as 12 have been able to get abortions during school hours without their parents’ knowledge or consent,” the spokesman continued, “and the culture of death and disorder has developed in U.K. schools at a frightening pace. If teaching staff feel entitled to confuse children about the most basic biological realities, then schools have become little more than indoctrination centers for perversity.”
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lifesitenews--2020-03-17--Drive-thru confessions, outdoor Masses: Heroic priests find creative ways to nourish faithful

March 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler , Texas has asked all bishops , priests and deacons to “ find creative ways to give Our Daily Bread to the faithful members of the Body of Christ , ” but clergy around the world had already begun to answer the call to find innovative ways to deliver the sacraments and otherwise keep the faith alive in their parishes and dioceses .
“ Pray that all bishops , priests and deacons may find creative ways to give Our Daily Bread to the faithful members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Strickland in a tweet .
“ The virus is horrendous but spiritual death by starvation is worse , ” he continued .
“ May the Eucharist truly be the source & summit of our life in Christ.
” Bishop Strickland isn ’ t the only one issuing an appeal for ingenuity in these extraordinary times .
“ Priests : Come up with creative ways of making sacraments available !
” encouraged Fr .
Lamansky , a priest studying in Rome .
“ One possibility : Sit in the parking lot and set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pray without leaving their vehicles .
Offer Communion through the car window ( thoroughly sanitizing your hands after each time ) , ” suggested Lamansky .
“ Just because public Masses are suspended does n't mean people should be without the sacraments .
Think outside the box .
Come up with ways to make sacraments available in a manner that avoids contagion and respects diocesan policies and civil laws , ” added Fr .
Lamansky .
Fr .
Shaun Whittington of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Sunman , Indiana , forged ahead last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parking lot , not unlike drive-in movie theaters of times past .
Father conducted the Mass from a trailer perched on a hill above the church parking lot where parishioners participated from their parked cars .
“ Parking Lot Mass was a success !
We had positive feedback !
Thanks to Fr .
Whittington for coming up with an innovative solution so that we are able to attend Mass and receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament while also being compliant to the COVID-19 safeguard directives , ” declared a statement on the parish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the St. Nicholas Facebook page , a message notes that while the parish ’ s planned St. Joseph feast day dinner has been canceled , parishioners are encouraged to “ Bring bread to be blessed & taken home.
” After the Archdiocese of Washington , D.C. shut down public Masses , Fr .
Scott Holmer of St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Bowie , Maryland was undeterred from keeping confessions available to his parishioners during the time Mass would normally be held and multiple other times during the week .
“ Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by opening up the Church or the office to visitors , I have set up a “ drive-through confessional ” and will be hearing confessions in the Church parking lot to maintain a six-foot distance while penitents stay in their cars , ” wrote Fr .
Holmer in a letter to parishioners .
“ The lights might not be on for you in the Church but they will be in the parking lot !
” he added .
“ This is turning out to be a Lent unlike any other , ” notrd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lord is inviting us to an increased concern for the welfare of our neighbors and offering us the opportunity to make sacrifices for them .
What a great Lenten penance for us all.
” Also in the Archdiocese of Washington , D.C. , Monsignor Robert Panke , pastor at St. John Neumann in Gaithersburg , Maryland , has turned the main parish church into a 24- hour , seven-days-per-week Adoration Chapel .
While the parish has had a perpetual Adoration Chapel since 2006 , it is small and could only accommodate a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ By placing the monstrance on the altar in the main church , many people are able to spread out and adore the Lord ’ s presence without having to worry about being in close proximity to others .
Additionally , after the Holy Water fonts had to be removed due to concerns about spreading the virus , dispensers of hand sanitizer were blessed and set in place of the fonts , with a sign that assures parishioners : IT HAS BEEN BLESSED They shall wash their hands and their feet , so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a statute forever to them , even to him and to his offspring A ‘ flash of creativity ’ fills an empty parish church during Mass A small-town Italian priest , saddened at the prospect of celebrating Mass without his parishioners , sent out a call to them asking them to take selfies and send them to him .
“ Send me photographs of yourselves , of you and your family , the photo of your face , I need to see faces in front of me when I celebrate Mass next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbari , according to a WantedinMilan.com report .
“ I will print the photo you send me and I will stick it with sellotape on the pew : it is a way to make me feel less alone.
” “ Obviously I will put the children in the front benches , the altar boys on the altar , and all the adults in the other places , ” added Fr .
Corbari , who said he was happy to once again have his church full of smiling faces .
Vatican News said Fr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ flash of creativity ” that was appreciated by Pope Francis .
If you know of other examples of priests and bishops finding ingenious ways to deliver the sacraments or simply to keep the faith alive in their parishes and dioceses during the global coronavirus shutdown , please forward your tips to : [ email protected ]

Dedicated clergy find ingenious ways to bring the sacraments to the people during the pandemic.
March 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas has asked all bishops, priests and deacons to “find creative ways to give Our Daily Bread to the faithful members of the Body of Christ,” but clergy around the world had already begun to answer the call to find innovative ways to deliver the sacraments and otherwise keep the faith alive in their parishes and dioceses.
“Pray that all bishops, priests and deacons may find creative ways to give Our Daily Bread to the faithful members of the Body of Christ,” pleaded Bishop Strickland in a tweet.
“The virus is horrendous but spiritual death by starvation is worse,” he continued. “May the Eucharist truly be the source & summit of our life in Christ.”
Pray that all bishops, priests and deacons may find creative ways to give Our Daily Bread to the faithful members of the Body of Christ. The virus is horrendous but spiritual death by starvation is worse. May the Eucharist truly be the source & summit of our life in Christ. — Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler) March 17, 2020
Bishop Strickland isn’t the only one issuing an appeal for ingenuity in these extraordinary times.
“Priests: Come up with creative ways of making sacraments available!” encouraged Fr. Lamansky, a priest studying in Rome.
“One possibility: Sit in the parking lot and set up a monstrance. People can come and pray without leaving their vehicles. Offer Communion through the car window (thoroughly sanitizing your hands after each time),” suggested Lamansky.
Priests: Come up with creative ways of making sacraments available! One possibility: Sit in the parking lot and set up a monstrance. People can come and pray without leaving their vehicles. Offer Communion through the car window (thoroughly sanitizing your hands after each time). — Fr. Lamansky (@Lamansky) March 17, 2020
“Just because public Masses are suspended doesn't mean people should be without the sacraments. Think outside the box. Come up with ways to make sacraments available in a manner that avoids contagion and respects diocesan policies and civil laws,” added Fr. Lamansky.
Just because public Masses are suspended doesn't mean people should be without the sacraments. Think outside the box. Come up with ways to make sacraments available in a manner that avoids contagion and respects diocesan policies and civil laws. — Fr. Lamansky (@Lamansky) March 17, 2020
Drive-in theatre style Mass in Indiana
Fr. Shaun Whittington of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Sunman, Indiana, forged ahead last weekend and offered Mass in the parish parking lot, not unlike drive-in movie theaters of times past.
Father conducted the Mass from a trailer perched on a hill above the church parking lot where parishioners participated from their parked cars.
“Parking Lot Mass was a success! We had positive feedback! Thanks to Fr. Whittington for coming up with an innovative solution so that we are able to attend Mass and receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament while also being compliant to the COVID-19 safeguard directives,” declared a statement on the parish’s Facebook page.
Elsewhere on the St. Nicholas Facebook page, a message notes that while the parish’s planned St. Joseph feast day dinner has been canceled, parishioners are encouraged to “Bring bread to be blessed & taken home.”
Drive-thru confessional in Maryland
After the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. shut down public Masses, Fr. Scott Holmer of St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Bowie, Maryland was undeterred from keeping confessions available to his parishioners during the time Mass would normally be held and multiple other times during the week.
“Since I cannot guarantee your physical safety by opening up the Church or the office to visitors, I have set up a “drive-through confessional” and will be hearing confessions in the Church parking lot to maintain a six-foot distance while penitents stay in their cars,” wrote Fr. Holmer in a letter to parishioners.
“The lights might not be on for you in the Church but they will be in the parking lot!” he added.
“This is turning out to be a Lent unlike any other,” notrd Fr. Holmer. “I believe the Lord is inviting us to an increased concern for the welfare of our neighbors and offering us the opportunity to make sacrifices for them. What a great Lenten penance for us all.”
Main church turned into a 24/7 Adoration Chapel
Also in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., Monsignor Robert Panke, pastor at St. John Neumann in Gaithersburg, Maryland, has turned the main parish church into a 24- hour, seven-days-per-week Adoration Chapel.
While the parish has had a perpetual Adoration Chapel since 2006, it is small and could only accommodate a handful of people in cramped quarters. By placing the monstrance on the altar in the main church, many people are able to spread out and adore the Lord’s presence without having to worry about being in close proximity to others.
Additionally, after the Holy Water fonts had to be removed due to concerns about spreading the virus, dispensers of hand sanitizer were blessed and set in place of the fonts, with a sign that assures parishioners:
IT HAS BEEN BLESSED
They shall wash their hands and their feet, so that they may not die.
It shall be a statute forever to them, even to him and to his offspring
throughout their generations.
Exodus 30:21.
A ‘flash of creativity’ fills an empty parish church during Mass
A small-town Italian priest, saddened at the prospect of celebrating Mass without his parishioners, sent out a call to them asking them to take selfies and send them to him.
“Send me photographs of yourselves, of you and your family, the photo of your face, I need to see faces in front of me when I celebrate Mass next Sunday,” explained Fr. Giuseppe Corbari, according to a WantedinMilan.com report. “I will print the photo you send me and I will stick it with sellotape on the pew: it is a way to make me feel less alone.”
“Obviously I will put the children in the front benches, the altar boys on the altar, and all the adults in the other places,” added Fr. Corbari, who said he was happy to once again have his church full of smiling faces.
Vatican News said Fr. Corbari’s ingenuity was a “flash of creativity” that was appreciated by Pope Francis.
****
Note to readers:
If you know of other examples of priests and bishops finding ingenious ways to deliver the sacraments or simply to keep the faith alive in their parishes and dioceses during the global coronavirus shutdown, please forward your tips to: [email protected]
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lifesitenews--2020-03-17--Bishop walks empty Irish streets with Blessed Sacrament, blesses self-quarantined

WATERFORD , Ireland , March 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― An Irish bishop walked through the almost empty streets of his city , carrying a monstrance .
Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan of the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore , 60 , was filmed carrying the Blessed Sacrament through the shuttered streets .
This is a relatively quiet and sad St. Patrick ’ s Day in the Republic of Ireland because 292 cases of the coronavirus have been reported there .
The Irish Times remarked that this “ must be the strangest St Patrick ’ s Day [ Waterford City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the Irish bishops who have suspended public Masses .
“ Masses throughout the diocese will take place without the congregation physically present , therefore no public masses , ” he said last week .
“ Your local priest will celebrate daily Mass offering it up for your intentions and indeed for the whole country.
” “ Bishop Phonsie ” also filmed a special St. Patrick ’ s Day message for his diocese , in which he sings a hymn to Ireland ’ s patron saint .
“ We won ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most dioceses , ” he told viewers , “ and there won ’ t be any parades .
But you and I , we can celebrate .
Despite all that ’ s going on , we can celebrate our national patron saint , St. Patrick.
” Cullinan described the difficult life and mission of St. Patrick and said he is an inspiration for the Irish in their struggle against the COVID-19 coronavirus .
“ What an inspiration for all of us ... as we battle with this crisis before us , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recitation of part of a long prayer composed by St. Patrick .
Known as “ St .
Patrick ’ s Breastplate ” and “ Dear ’ s Cry , ” the prayer is particularly apropos in a time of trial : Through a mighty strength , the invocation of the Trinity , Through belief in the Threeness , Through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation .
Through the strength of Christ 's birth with His baptism , Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial , Through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom .
Through the strength of the love of cherubim , In the obedience of angels , In the service of archangels , In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward , In the prayers of patriarchs , In the predictions of prophets , In the preaching of apostles , In the faith of confessors , In the innocence of holy virgins , In the deeds of righteous men .
The radiance of the moon , The stability of the earth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , God 's eye to look before me , God 's word to speak for me , From everyone who shall wish me ill , All these powers between me and those evils , Against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose my body and soul , Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards , Against every knowledge that corrupts man 's body and soul ; So that there may come to me an abundance of reward .
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me , Christ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of me , Christ in every eye that sees me , Christ in every ear that hears me .
Through a mighty strength , the invocation of the Trinity , Through belief in the Threeness , Through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation .

Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, who suspended public Masses in his diocese, was filmed carrying the Blessed Sacrament through shuttered streets.
WATERFORD, Ireland, March 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― An Irish bishop walked through the almost empty streets of his city, carrying a monstrance.
Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan of the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore, 60, was filmed carrying the Blessed Sacrament through the shuttered streets. This is a relatively quiet and sad St. Patrick’s Day in the Republic of Ireland because 292 cases of the coronavirus have been reported there. The Irish Times remarked that this “must be the strangest St Patrick’s Day [Waterford City] has ever experienced.”
Cullinan is among the Irish bishops who have suspended public Masses.
“Masses throughout the diocese will take place without the congregation physically present, therefore no public masses,” he said last week.
“Your local priest will celebrate daily Mass offering it up for your intentions and indeed for the whole country.”
“Bishop Phonsie” also filmed a special St. Patrick’s Day message for his diocese, in which he sings a hymn to Ireland’s patron saint.
“We won’t have public Mass today, at least in most dioceses,” he told viewers, “and there won’t be any parades. But you and I, we can celebrate. Despite all that’s going on, we can celebrate our national patron saint, St. Patrick.”
Cullinan described the difficult life and mission of St. Patrick and said he is an inspiration for the Irish in their struggle against the COVID-19 coronavirus.
“What an inspiration for all of us … as we battle with this crisis before us,” he remarked.
Cullinan finished his message with a recitation of part of a long prayer composed by St. Patrick. Known as “St. Patrick’s Breastplate” and “Dear’s Cry,” the prayer is particularly apropos in a time of trial:
I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation. I arise today Through the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism, Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial, Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension, Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom. I arise today Through the strength of the love of cherubim, In the obedience of angels, In the service of archangels, In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, In the prayers of patriarchs, In the predictions of prophets, In the preaching of apostles, In the faith of confessors, In the innocence of holy virgins, In the deeds of righteous men. I arise today, through The strength of heaven, The light of the sun, The radiance of the moon, The splendor of fire, The speed of lightning, The swiftness of wind, The depth of the sea, The stability of the earth, The firmness of rock. I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me, God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's shield to protect me, God's host to save me From snares of devils, From temptation of vices, From everyone who shall wish me ill, afar and near. I summon today All these powers between me and those evils, Against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose my body and soul, Against incantations of false prophets, Against black laws of pagandom, Against false laws of heretics, Against craft of idolatry, Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards, Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul; Christ to shield me today Against poison, against burning, Against drowning, against wounding, So that there may come to me an abundance of reward. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-17--Trans activist Yaniv pleads guilty to weapons charge, will be sentenced

SURREY , British Columbia , March 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Transgender activist Jonathan “ Jessica ” Yaniv pleaded guilty Monday to one charge of possessing a prohibited weapon and will be sentenced June 1 , 2020 .
Judge Jay Solomon of the British Columbia Provincial Court also ordered a pre-sentencing report that will include a psychological report , the Post Millennial reported .
A 32-year-old male who claims to be a woman and describes himself as a “ proud lesbian , ” Yaniv is internationally notorious for filing more than 16 human rights complaints against Vancouver-area estheticians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as for widely disseminated online social media messages that reveal his disturbing interest in young girls .
With this guilty plea , Yaniv now has a criminal record and could be sentenced to up to six months in jail or fined up to $ 5,000 , or both .
Langley RCMP charged Yaniv in December with two counts of possessing an illegal weapon in connection with an August 5 incident in which Yaniv was seen brandishing and appeared to fire off a Taser during a heated livestreamed debate with American conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White .
In response to numerous complaints , RCMP arrested Yaniv at his Walnut Grove home that evening and detained him overnight .
They searched his residence the next day and found two stun guns , pepper spray , and bear spray , the Post Millennial reported at that time .
Yaniv is also being civilly sued by reporters Keean Bexte and David Menzies of Rebel News for allegedly assaulting both men on separate occasions .
The Surrey RCMP is investigating Yaniv ’ s alleged assault of Bexte .
In an incident Bexte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Yaniv is seen aggressively approaching the retreating Rebel reporter , shouting , “ Get away from me !
” before allegedly clouting Bexte in the back of the head .
Menzies , co-plaintiff in the civil suit , alleges that Yaniv attacked him with a cane outside Yaniv ’ s condo last August , an incident he recorded .
Meanwhile , Amy Eileen Hamm , a reporter for the Post Millennial , is suing Yaniv for defamation after the trans activist claimed that Hamm sexually assaulted him in a ladies ’ room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite this , Yaniv continues to go on the offensive , now targeting Kari Simpson of CultureGuard , a parents ’ rights group fighting the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity ( SOGI ) program in schools .
Chris Elston , an observer at Monday ’ s proceedings , tweeted that Yaniv protested against Simpson attending the public court .
Yaniv also filed two new human rights complaints in October against estheticians for refusing to wax his legs .
The B.C .
Human Rights Tribunal has deferred these complaints because Yaniv hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to three salons he accused of discrimination in complaints the tribunal heard and dismissed in 2019 , reported by the Justice Center for Constitutional Freedoms .
Yaniv filed a discrimination complaint in July against Christian activist Bill Whatcott .
He is seeking $ 35,000 in damages after Whatcott publicly referred to him in sidewalk preaching and a flyer as a “ biological male ” and a “ transvestite deviant ” looking to “ prey on vulnerable biological women.
” Yaniv further tweeted in January that he is “ not allowing ” U.K. comedian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yaniv in the past , to perform in Vancouver this summer .
His critics have accused him of an untoward interest in underage girls .
In July 2018 , he requested permission from the City of Langley , B.C .
for “ LGBTQ2S+ organizations ” to host a topless ‘ All-Bodies Swim ’ at its municipal pools “ for people aged 12+.
” Parents and “ caretakers ” were barred from admittance .
Yaniv is also alleged to have contacted underage girls online , and screenshots of his comments about whether he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change rooms and about menstruation in 10- to 12-year-old girls have circulated on the internet .

With this guilty plea, Yaniv now has a criminal record and could be sentenced to up to six months in jail or fined up to $5,000, or both.
SURREY, British Columbia, March 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Transgender activist Jonathan “Jessica” Yaniv pleaded guilty Monday to one charge of possessing a prohibited weapon and will be sentenced June 1, 2020.
Judge Jay Solomon of the British Columbia Provincial Court also ordered a pre-sentencing report that will include a psychological report, the Post Millennial reported.
A 32-year-old male who claims to be a woman and describes himself as a “proud lesbian,” Yaniv is internationally notorious for filing more than 16 human rights complaints against Vancouver-area estheticians for refusing to wax his genitals, as well as for widely disseminated online social media messages that reveal his disturbing interest in young girls.
With this guilty plea, Yaniv now has a criminal record and could be sentenced to up to six months in jail or fined up to $5,000, or both.
Langley RCMP charged Yaniv in December with two counts of possessing an illegal weapon in connection with an August 5 incident in which Yaniv was seen brandishing and appeared to fire off a Taser during a heated livestreamed debate with American conservative transgender “woman” and activist Blair White.
In response to numerous complaints, RCMP arrested Yaniv at his Walnut Grove home that evening and detained him overnight. They searched his residence the next day and found two stun guns, pepper spray, and bear spray, the Post Millennial reported at that time.
Yaniv is also being civilly sued by reporters Keean Bexte and David Menzies of Rebel News for allegedly assaulting both men on separate occasions. The Surrey RCMP is investigating Yaniv’s alleged assault of Bexte.
In an incident Bexte recorded outside the Surrey courthouse January 13, Yaniv is seen aggressively approaching the retreating Rebel reporter, shouting, “Get away from me!” before allegedly clouting Bexte in the back of the head.
Menzies, co-plaintiff in the civil suit, alleges that Yaniv attacked him with a cane outside Yaniv’s condo last August, an incident he recorded.
Meanwhile, Amy Eileen Hamm, a reporter for the Post Millennial, is suing Yaniv for defamation after the trans activist claimed that Hamm sexually assaulted him in a ladies’ room at the Surrey courthouse January 13.
Despite this, Yaniv continues to go on the offensive, now targeting Kari Simpson of CultureGuard, a parents’ rights group fighting the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) program in schools.
Chris Elston, an observer at Monday’s proceedings, tweeted that Yaniv protested against Simpson attending the public court.
Trying to get Kari kicked out. Yaniv is threatening to sue. Says to Kari “You’re not allowed to be here, bitch!” — cнrιѕ elѕтon ���� (@christophelston) March 16, 2020
Yaniv tweeted later:
I am proceeding with a lawsuit against Kari Simpson of @CultureGuard for a few things that are going to change the landscape of the #LGBTQ in BC regarding to stopping hatred against transgender individuals. We need to put an end to gender-based harassment. https://t.co/hhmb3JBbCT — Jessica Yaniv (@trustednerd) March 16, 2020
Yaniv also filed two new human rights complaints in October against estheticians for refusing to wax his legs. The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal has deferred these complaints because Yaniv hasn’t yet paid the $6,000 in costs to three salons he accused of discrimination in complaints the tribunal heard and dismissed in 2019, reported by the Justice Center for Constitutional Freedoms.
Yaniv filed a discrimination complaint in July against Christian activist Bill Whatcott. He is seeking $35,000 in damages after Whatcott publicly referred to him in sidewalk preaching and a flyer as a “biological male” and a “transvestite deviant” looking to “prey on vulnerable biological women.”
Yaniv further tweeted in January that he is “not allowing” U.K. comedian Ricky Gervais, who has mercilessly skewered Yaniv in the past, to perform in Vancouver this summer.
His critics have accused him of an untoward interest in underage girls. In July 2018, he requested permission from the City of Langley, B.C. for “LGBTQ2S+ organizations” to host a topless ‘All-Bodies Swim’ at its municipal pools “for people aged 12+.” Parents and “caretakers” were barred from admittance.
Yaniv is also alleged to have contacted underage girls online, and screenshots of his comments about whether he would see nude girls in women’s change rooms and about menstruation in 10- to 12-year-old girls have circulated on the internet.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-17--Numerous Canadian bishops cancel all Masses as coronavirus fears mount

March 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Many dioceses in Canada have either canceled all Masses or limited them to only weekdays after the reported cases of coronavirus rises across the nation and provincial health authorities impose more restrictions on public gatherings .
Archbishop Michael Mulhall of Kingston and Apostolic Administrator of Pembroke announced today that due to civil authorities declaring the province to be in a state of emergency , “ all Sunday Masses , weekday Masses and public church events will be cancelled until further notice.
” “ Pastors and administrators are to celebrate Sunday Mass privately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Missa pro populo ) , ” he said .
Public funerals are also canceled along with public weddings .
“ Baptisms may take place in the presence of a priest or deacon , the parents and godparents .
Weddings , if they take place , are to be in the presence of a priest or deacon and two witnesses , ” he said .
“ It is with great regret that I announce these measures , but they are necessary to minimize loss of life , especially among those most vulnerable to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priests in Ontario are keeping churches open and are offering adoration during the day .
Other dioceses in Canada that have canceled all Masses include the Diocese of Hamilton , Ontario .
Bishops in Quebec announced Monday that all Masses and celebrations , including funerals , would be canceled .
Churches can remain open for “ private prayer and personal devotion only.
” The Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories met on a conference call Monday regarding the coronavirus outbreak , the result of which was the cancellation of all Masses until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Archbishop Richard Smith gave a live address from St. Joseph ’ s Basilica to talk about the unprecedented cancellation of Masses saying , “ I never , I never thought that as an Archbishop , and I am sure the other bishops would say the same thing , that I 'd be suspending the celebration of the mass in my diocese.
” Smith , along with his brother bishops in the dioceses of Calgary , Grouard-McLennan , St. Paul , the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton , and Mackenzie-Fort Smith , N.W.T , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday informing them of the decision .
The bishops have all granted a dispensation to all Catholic faithful from their Sunday obligation .
Churches are to remain open for personal prayer and reflection , as well as for funerals .
Priests are to be available for confession as well as visiting the sick , including bringing them Holy Communion .
No decisions have been made as to how Masses will be celebrated during Holy Week and Easter .
Smith said the decision to cancel Masses did not come lightly and was painful for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We made the decision , a very , very painful one for us and for all Catholics , henceforward to cancel all Masses in our dioceses in all of our churches , ” said Smith .
“ This is especially painful for us because the Mass or the Eucharist is center to our faith , it 's central to our identity , we live for the Mass and we live from the Mass.
” Smith then noted to take the coronavirus seriously and to heed the advice of public health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we can not fool around with this , this is the directive that I have put in place , and this is the directive that I expect to be followed , ” said Smith .
“ We are in this together , we have to act together on this , whether it 's within the church or within society , and that ’ s what we ’ ll do.
” Vancouver Archbishop Michael Miller on Monday announced that Masses can continue , however , attendance must be limited to no more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday obligation has been lifted for everyone .
Holy Communion on the tongue is still allowed , however , “ the faithful are strongly recommended to receive Holy Communion only in the hand.
” Cardinal Thomas Collins of the Archdiocese of Toronto announced Tuesday that all weekend and weekday Masses would be canceled .
For funerals , the Rite of Committal will only be allowed to be held at the cemetery with immediate family members .
There will be no funeral Masses held .
“ I encourage all people who remain at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social interaction to engage in prayer – to pray the Rosary , to read the Scriptures and to offer prayers for those who are suffering the most in this crisis , ” said Collins .
“ We should also pray for the health care workers and others who are engaged in fighting this pandemic on the frontlines.
” The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement on March 13 , calling all Catholics to heed the advice of their local health authorities and to stay informed on local diocesan restrictions put in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada and those affected from coronavirus to the Blessed Mother .
“ We entrust our country and especially those affected , as well as their loved ones and caretakers , to the powerful and maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary , Mother of Christ and ours.
” All over the world , many churches and other places of worship have been closed due to coronavirus fears .
As of Monday , Canada ’ s total confirmed coronavirus cases stand at 468 .
There have been five deaths in Canada , including three in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ontario .
The Prime Minister of Canada , Justin Trudeau , is in self-isolation after his wife tested positive for coronavirus .
On Monday , Trudeau announced that Canada would be closing its borders to non-citizens and non-residents due to the coronavirus .
Schools and universities are closed in Alberta , Manitoba , Ontario , Quebec , Nova Scotia , Prince Edward Island , and Newfoundland and Labrador and British Columbia .
Schools in Saskatchewan will close effective March 20 .
Schools in New Brunswick will likely close soon as well .
Fr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times of crisis serve as a “ great spiritual opportunity ” for those with faith to help those who do not believe and feel hopeless .
Note : Due to the rapidly evolving situation , the above list of Canadian Mass cancellations and school closures will likely change significantly over the next few days .

Among the dioceses suspending all public Masses were Kingston, Hamilton, Alberta, Northwest Territories, Edmonton, Toronto, and Ottawa.
March 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Many dioceses in Canada have either canceled all Masses or limited them to only weekdays after the reported cases of coronavirus rises across the nation and provincial health authorities impose more restrictions on public gatherings.
Archbishop Michael Mulhall of Kingston and Apostolic Administrator of Pembroke announced today that due to civil authorities declaring the province to be in a state of emergency, “all Sunday Masses, weekday Masses and public church events will be cancelled until further notice.”
“Pastors and administrators are to celebrate Sunday Mass privately in keeping with CIC canon 534 (Missa pro populo),” he said.
Public funerals are also canceled along with public weddings.
“Baptisms may take place in the presence of a priest or deacon, the parents and godparents. Weddings, if they take place, are to be in the presence of a priest or deacon and two witnesses,” he said.
“It is with great regret that I announce these measures, but they are necessary to minimize loss of life, especially among those most vulnerable to the virus,” Mulhall said.
Some priests in Ontario are keeping churches open and are offering adoration during the day.
Other dioceses in Canada that have canceled all Masses include the Diocese of Hamilton, Ontario.
Bishops in Quebec announced Monday that all Masses and celebrations, including funerals, would be canceled. Churches can remain open for “private prayer and personal devotion only.”
The Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories met on a conference call Monday regarding the coronavirus outbreak, the result of which was the cancellation of all Masses until further notice.
On Tuesday, Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith gave a live address from St. Joseph’s Basilica to talk about the unprecedented cancellation of Masses saying, “I never, I never thought that as an Archbishop, and I am sure the other bishops would say the same thing, that I'd be suspending the celebration of the mass in my diocese.”
Smith, along with his brother bishops in the dioceses of Calgary, Grouard-McLennan, St. Paul, the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton, and Mackenzie-Fort Smith, N.W.T, all sent messages to their parishes on Monday informing them of the decision.
The bishops have all granted a dispensation to all Catholic faithful from their Sunday obligation. Churches are to remain open for personal prayer and reflection, as well as for funerals. Priests are to be available for confession as well as visiting the sick, including bringing them Holy Communion.
No decisions have been made as to how Masses will be celebrated during Holy Week and Easter.
Smith said the decision to cancel Masses did not come lightly and was painful for him as well as his brother bishops.
“We made the decision, a very, very painful one for us and for all Catholics, henceforward to cancel all Masses in our dioceses in all of our churches,” said Smith.
“This is especially painful for us because the Mass or the Eucharist is center to our faith, it's central to our identity, we live for the Mass and we live from the Mass.”
Smith then noted to take the coronavirus seriously and to heed the advice of public health officials.
“This issue is too serious, we cannot fool around with this, this is the directive that I have put in place, and this is the directive that I expect to be followed,” said Smith.
“We are in this together, we have to act together on this, whether it's within the church or within society, and that’s what we’ll do.”
Vancouver Archbishop Michael Miller on Monday announced that Masses can continue, however, attendance must be limited to no more than 50 people. Miller also noted that Sunday obligation has been lifted for everyone.
Holy Communion on the tongue is still allowed, however, “the faithful are strongly recommended to receive Holy Communion only in the hand.”
Cardinal Thomas Collins of the Archdiocese of Toronto announced Tuesday that all weekend and weekday Masses would be canceled. For funerals, the Rite of Committal will only be allowed to be held at the cemetery with immediate family members. There will be no funeral Masses held.
“I encourage all people who remain at home and who are cut off from regular social interaction to engage in prayer – to pray the Rosary, to read the Scriptures and to offer prayers for those who are suffering the most in this crisis,” said Collins.
“We should also pray for the health care workers and others who are engaged in fighting this pandemic on the frontlines.”
In Ottawa, Archbishop Terrence Prendergast canceled weekend Masses.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement on March 13, calling all Catholics to heed the advice of their local health authorities and to stay informed on local diocesan restrictions put in place.
The letter concluded in entrusting Canada and those affected from coronavirus to the Blessed Mother.
“We entrust our country and especially those affected, as well as their loved ones and caretakers, to the powerful and maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ and ours.”
All over the world, many churches and other places of worship have been closed due to coronavirus fears.
As of Monday, Canada’s total confirmed coronavirus cases stand at 468. There have been five deaths in Canada, including three in British Columbia and one reported today in Ontario.
The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, is in self-isolation after his wife tested positive for coronavirus.
On Monday, Trudeau announced that Canada would be closing its borders to non-citizens and non-residents due to the coronavirus.
Schools and universities are closed in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador and British Columbia. Schools in Saskatchewan will close effective March 20. Schools in New Brunswick will likely close soon as well.
Fr. Anthony Pillari recently told LifeSiteNews that times of crisis serve as a “great spiritual opportunity” for those with faith to help those who do not believe and feel hopeless.
Note: Due to the rapidly evolving situation, the above list of Canadian Mass cancellations and school closures will likely change significantly over the next few days.
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