lifesitenews--2020-03-12--Why coronavirus is a punishment from God that should lead to repentance

March 12 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — In relation to an epidemic , we must exercise prudence and take seriously the consequences of what we are doing for the good of our neighbor .
Exposing others to a significant and unnecessary risk of infection , for example , is a sin against justice .
There is also a risk involved in excessive caution .
Closing down all schools and businesses , were that to happen , would have a huge cost .
To impose this cost on children and employers without sufficient justification would also be a sin against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures taken or considered that affect the spiritual good of the faithful .
In nearly all cases , the response of bishops to the epidemic has been restrictive , public Masses being suspended in Italy being the most extreme , but the suspension of the Kiss of Peace or the Reception of the Chalice , at the less serious end of the scale , are now becoming widespread .
All of these measures may , or may not , be justified ; I do not have the expertise to judge .
But what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are negative and reactive .
An exception to this general tone has come from the Polish bishops , who have asked their priests to increase the number of Masses .
Since the danger of infection increases with the size of the congregation , and having more Masses implies a reduction in the average size of the congregation , then this is a perfectly sensible thing to suggest , even from a purely natural point of view .
The number of Masses a priest can say on a Sunday is limited by canon law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need , ” so it is useful for the bishops to say , in effect , that there is a pastoral need , identifiable but temporary .
But why , we may ask , are we not hearing appeals for prayers and votive Masses to be said to implore God ’ s mercy to end the epidemic ?
One clue to this is the claim by Cardinal Scola of Milan — once thought of as a conservative contender for the papacy — that “ divine punishment does not exist .
It is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Of course , God knows and predicts events but does not determine them.
” His Eminence is incorrect .
God is the Lord of history ; not a sparrow falls to the ground without His consent .
Of course the coronavirus is a punishment from God : all our sufferings are the consequence of sin ; for us sinners , they are a just penalty for our sin ; and God has complete control over what happens and how it affects us .
Both testaments of Scripture are full of examples @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully reflected in the liturgy .
The idea that God is a helpless bystander seems necessary , to some people , and perhaps to Cardinal Scola , to reassure the suffering that they haven ’ t been singled out for punishment because of their sins .
The flip-side of it , however , is that if , as I heard one priest say , “ God doesn ’ t want you to suffer , ” then it follows that God can not help us .
This is wrong .
He can help us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to prayer , in the way He judges best .
It is true that those who suffer most are not necessarily the greatest sinners , but the explanation of this is the familiar idea that the punishment God sends us is a sign of love .
God punished the Chosen People in the Old Testament more than other nations because He loved them more .
The spiritual means of averting calamity or rescuing our communities from it once it has struck are very much to the point .
God intends His punishments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stimulate us to repent and help us grow in holiness .
The Collects of the older Missal are , admittedly , clearer on this subject than those of the 1970 Missal , but these are still part of the Church ’ s liturgical patrimony and can not be considered to have been repudiated or to be “ erroneous.
” As well as the many Collects of Lent that make reference to these themes , there is a special Mass to be said for times of pestilence , which reminds us that God “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sinner , but penance ” and asks that the “ whip of thy anger ” ( “ iracundiae tuae flagella ” ) be removed from us .
What are we to do , then , in the face of calamity ?
The good works always recommended by the Church : prayer , penance , and acts to charity toward others .
The problems created by outbreaks of disease may or may not give us special opportunities for good works directed to the bodily needs of others , but they certainly give us opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ react to this epidemic not simply by cowering in our homes , but by responding as God wishes us to respond to danger and suffering : with filial trust in God , uniting our sufferings with those of Christ , and repenting of our part in the sins of society to which public calamities should always put us in mind .

March 12, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — In relation to an epidemic, we must exercise prudence and take seriously the consequences of what we are doing for the good of our neighbor. Exposing others to a significant and unnecessary risk of infection, for example, is a sin against justice. There is also a risk involved in excessive caution. Closing down all schools and businesses, were that to happen, would have a huge cost. To impose this cost on children and employers without sufficient justification would also be a sin against justice.
Of even greater concern are measures taken or considered that affect the spiritual good of the faithful. In nearly all cases, the response of bishops to the epidemic has been restrictive, public Masses being suspended in Italy being the most extreme, but the suspension of the Kiss of Peace or the Reception of the Chalice, at the less serious end of the scale, are now becoming widespread. All of these measures may, or may not, be justified; I do not have the expertise to judge. But what they have in common is that they are negative and reactive.
An exception to this general tone has come from the Polish bishops, who have asked their priests to increase the number of Masses. Since the danger of infection increases with the size of the congregation, and having more Masses implies a reduction in the average size of the congregation, then this is a perfectly sensible thing to suggest, even from a purely natural point of view. The number of Masses a priest can say on a Sunday is limited by canon law, with an exception for “pastoral need,” so it is useful for the bishops to say, in effect, that there is a pastoral need, identifiable but temporary.
But why, we may ask, are we not hearing appeals for prayers and votive Masses to be said to implore God’s mercy to end the epidemic? One clue to this is the claim by Cardinal Scola of Milan — once thought of as a conservative contender for the papacy — that “divine punishment does not exist. It is an incorrect view of Christianity.” He added: “Of course, God knows and predicts events but does not determine them.”
His Eminence is incorrect. God is the Lord of history; not a sparrow falls to the ground without His consent. Of course the coronavirus is a punishment from God: all our sufferings are the consequence of sin; for us sinners, they are a just penalty for our sin; and God has complete control over what happens and how it affects us. Both testaments of Scripture are full of examples of this, and it is equally fully reflected in the liturgy.
The idea that God is a helpless bystander seems necessary, to some people, and perhaps to Cardinal Scola, to reassure the suffering that they haven’t been singled out for punishment because of their sins. The flip-side of it, however, is that if, as I heard one priest say, “God doesn’t want you to suffer,” then it follows that God cannot help us. This is wrong. He can help us, and He will, especially in response to prayer, in the way He judges best. It is true that those who suffer most are not necessarily the greatest sinners, but the explanation of this is the familiar idea that the punishment God sends us is a sign of love. God punished the Chosen People in the Old Testament more than other nations because He loved them more.
The spiritual means of averting calamity or rescuing our communities from it once it has struck are very much to the point. God intends His punishments to be medicinal. They are to stimulate us to repent and help us grow in holiness.
The Collects of the older Missal are, admittedly, clearer on this subject than those of the 1970 Missal, but these are still part of the Church’s liturgical patrimony and cannot be considered to have been repudiated or to be “erroneous.” As well as the many Collects of Lent that make reference to these themes, there is a special Mass to be said for times of pestilence, which reminds us that God “does not seek the death of the sinner, but penance” and asks that the “whip of thy anger” (“iracundiae tuae flagella”) be removed from us.
What are we to do, then, in the face of calamity? The good works always recommended by the Church: prayer, penance, and acts to charity toward others. The problems created by outbreaks of disease may or may not give us special opportunities for good works directed to the bodily needs of others, but they certainly give us opportunities for prayer and penance.
We should react to this epidemic not simply by cowering in our homes, but by responding as God wishes us to respond to danger and suffering: with filial trust in God, uniting our sufferings with those of Christ, and repenting of our part in the sins of society to which public calamities should always put us in mind.
Follow Joseph Dr Joseph Shaw has a Doctorate in Philosophy from Oxford University, where he also gained a first degree in Politics and Philosophy and a graduate Diploma in Theology. He has published on Ethics and Philosophy of Religion and is the editor of The Case for Liturgical Restoration: Una Voce Position Papers on the Extraordinary Form (Angelico Press). He is the Chairman of the Latin Mass Society of England and Wales and Secretary of Una Voce International. He teaches Philosophy in Oxford University and lives nearby with his wife and nine children.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-12--Coronavirus mayhem: Churches closed, travel restricted, schools shuttered, sports suspended

March 12 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― As fear of coronavirus infections spreads across the world , spiritual leaders are shutting down churches and stopping public worship while various countries and organizations are tightening borders and canceling events that involve travel or large crowds .
Churches have been closed to the faithful in both Italy and Slovakia .
Polish bishops , however , have called for more Masses in response to the coronavirus , saying that it would be “ unimaginable ” to close churches .
In the United States , Archbishop Paul Etienne has suspended all public Masses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video yesterday explaining that he had introduced the ban “ out of an extreme measure of caution ” and reminded his priests of their obligation to say Mass every day .
Bishops in Quebec , Canada have followed suit .
Masses are also cancelled in Belgium .
In Philadelphia , Bishop Nelson J. Perez has taken the less extreme step of suspending his flock ’ s obligation to attend Sunday Mass this week instead of forbidding them the holy sacrifice .
The bishops of Austria have similarly released Catholics from their Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shrine of Lourdes , France have been closed since March 1 in response to the coronavirus outbreak .
The USA has shut its borders to travelers from Europe who are neither U.S. citizens nor residents .
The countries affected by this ban are Austria , Belgium , the Czech Republic , Denmark , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Hungary , Iceland , Italy , Latvia , Liechtenstein , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Malta , the Netherlands , Norway , Poland , Portugal , Slovakia , Slovenia , Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens and residents returning home from Europe will be expected to self-isolate for 14 days .
Non-citizens and non-residents who have been in China and Iran in the past 14 days will also be refused admittance .
U.S. citizens and residents will be allowed home if they land at one the eleven airports offering health screening .
According to CNN , these are Atlanta , Chicago , Dallas , Detroit , Honolulu , Los Angeles , New York ( JFK ) , Newark ( New Jersey ) , San Francisco , Seattle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone in closing its borders to Europeans .
The Czech Republic has also announced that it will close its borders to non-Czechs traveling from Austria , Denmark , France , Germany , Italy , Norway , Spain , Switzerland , Sweden , and the U.K. , as well as from China , Iran , and South Korea .
Australia will not permit non-Australian travelers from China , Iran , Italy , and South Korean to enter for 14 days after leaving those countries .
Australians traveling from these nations are being required to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Austria has banned travelers from China ’ s Hubei Province , Iran , Italy , and South Korea from visiting the country unless they have a recent medical certificate declaring them free of the coronavirus .
Hong Kong will not permit any non-resident who has been in South Korean or China ’ s Hubei Province for the past two weeks , or who has a Chinese passport issued in the Hubei Province , to enter Hong Kong .
Hong Kong residents returning home from those regions will have to self-isolate for two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN , which has a comprehensive list of travel restrictions , India is suspending all travel visas and has placed a two-week quarantine on all travelers who have recently visited China , France , Germany , Iran , Italy , South Korea , and Spain .
Italy has closed a number of its airports down completely to passenger travel .
It was announced today that Rome ’ s Ciampino airport will be shut to passenger traffic from midnight Friday .
Terminal 1 at Rome ’ s Fiumicino airport will close on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is now self-isolating because his wife Sophie began to experience flu-like symptoms after the couple returned home from London , England .
In Brazil , President Jair Bolsonaro ’ s press secretary , Fabio Wajngarten , tested positive for coronavirus today .
As Wajngarten met with Donald Trump over the weekend , this has led to questions about the American president ’ s health .
However , President Trump has stated that he is “ not concerned.
” President Bolsonaro is being monitored for the illness .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closures of schools in affected parts of the USA and around the world .
In the USA , public schools have now been closed in Seattle ; in the Elk Grove Unified School District in Northern California ; in Washington , D.C. ; in hard-hit New Rochelle , New York ; and in Connecticut , Georgia , Illinois , Tennessee , and many other states .
In addition , other schools are expected to close in the near future .
The Education Week website is carrying a list of the nation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily .
“ As of March 12 , 2020 , 11:49 a.m .
ET , 2,100 schools have been closed or are scheduled to close , affecting 1,309,426 students , ” it reported .
“ Schools are closing for many reasons related to coronavirus , including exposures , cleaning , or planning for extended closures.
” It was announced today that schools in Ontario will be closed for two weeks following the annual March Break .
Schools and universities have been closed in Italy , where millions of people are in self-isolation ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Schools and universities in Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom remain open .
Schools in Armenia , Iran , Japan , and South Korea are also closed , as are schools in Madrid , Spain and Manilla , Philippines .
Kazakhstan , which as yet has no cases of coronavirus , has nevertheless closed its own schools .
France ’ s schools will close on Monday .
A list of international school closures due to coronavirus fears can be found here .
The spring sports season has been interrupted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Basketball Association , Major League Soccer , and now the National Hockey League have all suspended their games because of the coronavirus .
Meanwhile , the governor of Washington has banned all assemblies of people numbering over 250 .
Catholic priest Fr .
Anthony Pillari told LifeSiteNews that times of crisis are a “ great spiritual opportunity ” for those with faith to help those who have no faith and no hope .
Pillari said that Jesus told his followers that they should have “ great hope ” in the time of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus epidemic.
” Calling the crisis a “ great spiritual opportunity , ” Pillari reminded us that we should be happy when facing death , for it will bring us to Christ .
“ The current crisis is a wonderful opportunity to bear witness to others of our own peace , calm , faith , and hope in Christ and in what — we hope — awaits us after this life , ” he said .
“ That calm , joyful witness can help others discover the only true source of hope and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminder that we will all die one day should also help us reflect on what is truly important .
“ As opposed to sudden death which leaves little to no time for conversion , the knowledge of the possibility of imminent death can be most helpful , ” Pillari wrote .
“ It can lead people to reflect on how they are spending their time , on the meaning of life , on what is truly important , on the mistakes they have made.
” He noted also that this is a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Things ― Death , Judgment , Heaven and Hell ― and to evangelize our unchurched brothers and sisters .

Governments' and local churches' response to the outbreak are being felt worldwide.
March 12, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― As fear of coronavirus infections spreads across the world, spiritual leaders are shutting down churches and stopping public worship while various countries and organizations are tightening borders and canceling events that involve travel or large crowds.
Churches closed
Churches have been closed to the faithful in both Italy and Slovakia.
Polish bishops, however, have called for more Masses in response to the coronavirus, saying that it would be “unimaginable” to close churches.
In the United States, Archbishop Paul Etienne has suspended all public Masses in the Seattle archdiocese. Etienne released a video yesterday explaining that he had introduced the ban “out of an extreme measure of caution” and reminded his priests of their obligation to say Mass every day. Bishops in Quebec, Canada have followed suit. Masses are also cancelled in Belgium.
In Philadelphia, Bishop Nelson J. Perez has taken the less extreme step of suspending his flock’s obligation to attend Sunday Mass this week instead of forbidding them the holy sacrifice. The bishops of Austria have similarly released Catholics from their Sunday obligation.
The miraculous pools at the shrine of Lourdes, France have been closed since March 1 in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Travel restricted
The USA has shut its borders to travelers from Europe who are neither U.S. citizens nor residents. The countries affected by this ban are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
U.S. citizens and residents returning home from Europe will be expected to self-isolate for 14 days.
Non-citizens and non-residents who have been in China and Iran in the past 14 days will also be refused admittance. U.S. citizens and residents will be allowed home if they land at one the eleven airports offering health screening. According to CNN, these are Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York (JFK), Newark (New Jersey), San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington.
The USA is not alone in closing its borders to Europeans. The Czech Republic has also announced that it will close its borders to non-Czechs traveling from Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, and the U.K., as well as from China, Iran, and South Korea.
Australia will not permit non-Australian travelers from China, Iran, Italy, and South Korean to enter for 14 days after leaving those countries. Australians traveling from these nations are being required to self-isolate for two weeks after returning home.
Austria has banned travelers from China’s Hubei Province, Iran, Italy, and South Korea from visiting the country unless they have a recent medical certificate declaring them free of the coronavirus.
Hong Kong will not permit any non-resident who has been in South Korean or China’s Hubei Province for the past two weeks, or who has a Chinese passport issued in the Hubei Province, to enter Hong Kong. Hong Kong residents returning home from those regions will have to self-isolate for two weeks after their arrival.
According to CNN, which has a comprehensive list of travel restrictions, India is suspending all travel visas and has placed a two-week quarantine on all travelers who have recently visited China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, South Korea, and Spain.
Italy has closed a number of its airports down completely to passenger travel. It was announced today that Rome’s Ciampino airport will be shut to passenger traffic from midnight Friday. Terminal 1 at Rome’s Fiumicino airport will close on Tuesday.
Canada has not imposed travel restrictions, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is now self-isolating because his wife Sophie began to experience flu-like symptoms after the couple returned home from London, England.
In Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro’s press secretary, Fabio Wajngarten, tested positive for coronavirus today. As Wajngarten met with Donald Trump over the weekend, this has led to questions about the American president’s health. However, President Trump has stated that he is “not concerned.” President Bolsonaro is being monitored for the illness.
Schools closed
The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to the closures of schools in affected parts of the USA and around the world. In the USA, public schools have now been closed in Seattle; in the Elk Grove Unified School District in Northern California; in Washington, D.C.; in hard-hit New Rochelle, New York; and in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee, and many other states. In addition, other schools are expected to close in the near future. The Education Week website is carrying a list of the nation’s school closures, which it updates twice daily.
“As of March 12, 2020, 11:49 a.m. ET, 2,100 schools have been closed or are scheduled to close, affecting 1,309,426 students,” it reported.
“Schools are closing for many reasons related to coronavirus, including exposures, cleaning, or planning for extended closures.”
It was announced today that schools in Ontario will be closed for two weeks following the annual March Break. Schools and universities have been closed in Italy, where millions of people are in self-isolation; Poland; and the Republic of Ireland. Schools and universities in Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom remain open. Schools in Armenia, Iran, Japan, and South Korea are also closed, as are schools in Madrid, Spain and Manilla, Philippines. Kazakhstan, which as yet has no cases of coronavirus, has nevertheless closed its own schools. France’s schools will close on Monday. A list of international school closures due to coronavirus fears can be found here.
Games suspended
The spring sports season has been interrupted in the USA and Canada. The National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer, and now the National Hockey League have all suspended their games because of the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the governor of Washington has banned all assemblies of people numbering over 250.
Coronavirus a ‘great spiritual opportunity’
Catholic priest Fr. Anthony Pillari told LifeSiteNews that times of crisis are a “great spiritual opportunity” for those with faith to help those who have no faith and no hope.
Pillari said that Jesus told his followers that they should have “great hope” in the time of any tribulation, “including the current virus epidemic.”
Calling the crisis a “great spiritual opportunity,” Pillari reminded us that we should be happy when facing death, for it will bring us to Christ.
“The current crisis is a wonderful opportunity to bear witness to others of our own peace, calm, faith, and hope in Christ and in what — we hope — awaits us after this life,” he said.
“That calm, joyful witness can help others discover the only true source of hope and life: our Blessed Lord.”
The reminder that we will all die one day should also help us reflect on what is truly important.
“As opposed to sudden death which leaves little to no time for conversion, the knowledge of the possibility of imminent death can be most helpful,” Pillari wrote.
“It can lead people to reflect on how they are spending their time, on the meaning of life, on what is truly important, on the mistakes they have made.”
He noted also that this is a good time to reflect on the Four Last Things ― Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell ― and to evangelize our unchurched brothers and sisters.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-12--Priest: Coronavirus is a ‘great spiritual opportunity’ to deepen faith, help others

March 12 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― A priest has offered a reflection of hope in the face of the coronavirus outbreak that has led not only to massive social and financial disruption , illness , and death , but also to the loss of Sunday Mass for thousands of Catholics this month .
Churches have been closed to the faithful in both Italy and Slovakia , and Archbishop Paul Etienne has suspended all public Masses in the Seattle archdiocese in the United States .
Etienne released a video yesterday explaining that he had introduced the ban “ out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reminded his priests of their obligation to say Mass every day .
In Quebec , Canada , bishops have also suspended Sunday Masses .
In Philadelphia , Bishop Nelson J. Perez has taken the less extreme step of suspending his flock ’ s obligation to attend Sunday Mass this week instead of forbidding them the holy sacrifice .
Austria ’ s bishops have done the same .
As serious and distressing as these measures are , Fr .
Anthony Pillari told LifeSiteNews ( read full comments below ) that the Lord Himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great hope ” in the time of any tribulation , “ including the current virus epidemic.
” Calling the crisis a “ great spiritual opportunity , ” Pillari reminded us that we should be happy when facing death , for it will bring us to Christ .
“ The current crisis is a wonderful opportunity to bear witness to others of our own peace , calm , faith , and hope in Christ and in what — we hope — awaits us after this life , ” he said .
“ That calm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only true source of hope and life : our Blessed Lord.
” The reminder that we will all die one day should also help us reflect on what is truly important .
“ As opposed to sudden death which leaves little to no time for conversion , the knowledge of the possibility of imminent death can be most helpful , ” Pillari wrote .
“ It can lead people to reflect on how they are spending their time , on the meaning of life , on what is truly important , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted also that this is a good time to reflect on the Four Last Things ― Death , Judgment , Heaven , and Hell ― and to evangelize our unchurched brothers and sisters .
“ Now when these things begin to take place , look up and raise your heads , because your redemption is drawing near.
” ( Lk 21:28 ) .
Our Lord speaks here of the great hope we should have in any time of tribulation , including the current virus epidemic .
And He is speaking here of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and persecutions on a level that has men “ fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world.
” ( Lk 21:26 ) .
Even when that time comes , we will be called to lift up our heads with hope because of what is drawing near : our redemption !
When faced with the possibility of death ( though that seems a remote possibility for most of us in the current situation ) , we should have the attitude of St. Paul , whose “ desire is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is far better , ” ( Phil 1:23 ) , but who is willing to remain on the earth if that is God ’ s will , to work for the salvation of others .
The current crisis is a wonderful opportunity to bear witness to others of our own peace , calm , faith , and hope in Christ and in what — we hope — awaits us after this life .
That calm , joyful witness can help others discover the only true source of hope and life : our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great opportunity , according to the means and vocation of each , to invite others to embrace what St. Paul terms “ the obedience of faith ” ( Rom 1:5 ) .
It is a great blessing for our societies—the vast majority of which have turned away from God—to be faced with this crisis and with the possibility of death ( however remote , in fact , that possibility is ) .
As opposed to sudden death which leaves little to no time for conversion , the knowledge of the possibility of imminent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can lead people to reflect on how they are spending their time , on the meaning of life , on what is truly important , on the mistakes they have made .
This is therefore a time for the Church to invite all men to embrace “ The Way , the Truth , and the Life , ” ( Jn 14:6 ) to give them hope that salvation is possible for them , that with God ’ s grace they can change their lives and receive His forgiveness .
For those still attending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online — it is a good opportunity to preach on the four last things : death , judgment , Heaven , and Hell .
For those with no faith or for those who have abandoned the practice of the faith , it is a privileged moment to evangelize , to offer them the hope that comes from the possibility of conversion and of receiving all that Christ offers .
Let us ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to obtain for each of us , through Her prayers , the grace to bear witness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis , to the saving truth of Christ .
And let us ask Her to obtain for all those who are far from Her Son the grace of true conversion .

Fr. Anthony Pillari said the Lord Himself told us that we should have 'great hope' in the time of any tribulation, 'including the current virus epidemic.'
March 12, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― A priest has offered a reflection of hope in the face of the coronavirus outbreak that has led not only to massive social and financial disruption, illness, and death, but also to the loss of Sunday Mass for thousands of Catholics this month.
Churches have been closed to the faithful in both Italy and Slovakia, and Archbishop Paul Etienne has suspended all public Masses in the Seattle archdiocese in the United States. Etienne released a video yesterday explaining that he had introduced the ban “out of an extreme measure of caution” and reminded his priests of their obligation to say Mass every day. In Quebec, Canada, bishops have also suspended Sunday Masses. In Philadelphia, Bishop Nelson J. Perez has taken the less extreme step of suspending his flock’s obligation to attend Sunday Mass this week instead of forbidding them the holy sacrifice. Austria’s bishops have done the same.
As serious and distressing as these measures are, Fr. Anthony Pillari told LifeSiteNews (read full comments below) that the Lord Himself told us that we should have “great hope” in the time of any tribulation, “including the current virus epidemic.”
Calling the crisis a “great spiritual opportunity,” Pillari reminded us that we should be happy when facing death, for it will bring us to Christ.
“The current crisis is a wonderful opportunity to bear witness to others of our own peace, calm, faith, and hope in Christ and in what — we hope — awaits us after this life,” he said.
“That calm, joyful witness can help others discover the only true source of hope and life: our Blessed Lord.”
The reminder that we will all die one day should also help us reflect on what is truly important.
“As opposed to sudden death which leaves little to no time for conversion, the knowledge of the possibility of imminent death can be most helpful,” Pillari wrote.
“It can lead people to reflect on how they are spending their time, on the meaning of life, on what is truly important, on the mistakes they have made.”
He noted also that this is a good time to reflect on the Four Last Things ― Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell ― and to evangelize our unchurched brothers and sisters.
* * *
A Great Spiritual Opportunity
By Fr. Anthony Pillari
“Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Lk 21:28). Our Lord speaks here of the great hope we should have in any time of tribulation, including the current virus epidemic. And He is speaking here of a much worse tribulation — of natural disasters and persecutions on a level that has men “fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world.” (Lk 21:26). Even when that time comes, we will be called to lift up our heads with hope because of what is drawing near: our redemption!
When faced with the possibility of death (though that seems a remote possibility for most of us in the current situation), we should have the attitude of St. Paul, whose “desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better,” (Phil 1:23), but who is willing to remain on the earth if that is God’s will, to work for the salvation of others. The current crisis is a wonderful opportunity to bear witness to others of our own peace, calm, faith, and hope in Christ and in what — we hope — awaits us after this life. That calm, joyful witness can help others discover the only true source of hope and life: our Blessed Lord.
This is also a great opportunity, according to the means and vocation of each, to invite others to embrace what St. Paul terms “the obedience of faith” (Rom 1:5). It is a great blessing for our societies—the vast majority of which have turned away from God—to be faced with this crisis and with the possibility of death (however remote, in fact, that possibility is). As opposed to sudden death which leaves little to no time for conversion, the knowledge of the possibility of imminent death can be most helpful. It can lead people to reflect on how they are spending their time, on the meaning of life, on what is truly important, on the mistakes they have made.
This is therefore a time for the Church to invite all men to embrace “The Way, the Truth, and the Life,” (Jn 14:6) to give them hope that salvation is possible for them, that with God’s grace they can change their lives and receive His forgiveness. For those still attending Mass — whether in person or following online — it is a good opportunity to preach on the four last things: death, judgment, Heaven, and Hell. For those with no faith or for those who have abandoned the practice of the faith, it is a privileged moment to evangelize, to offer them the hope that comes from the possibility of conversion and of receiving all that Christ offers.
Let us ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to obtain for each of us, through Her prayers, the grace to bear witness, right now in the midst of this crisis, to the saving truth of Christ. And let us ask Her to obtain for all those who are far from Her Son the grace of true conversion.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-12--Police sting leads to men who used gay hookup app Grinder to lure boys for sex abuse

PAWNEE COUNTY , Oklahoma , March 12 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – An Oklahoma sheriff says two men arrested and charged with the rape of minors used a homosexual hookup app to precisely target underage boys for “ gay sex.
” The homosexual app Grindr was mentioned by Sheriff Mike Waters of Pawnee County , Oklahoma , in a Tulsa News on 6 report as the tool used to lure the underage boys .
The report says the investigation began when a middle school student notified police that an older classmate made a vulgar proposal to him .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grindr as a lure were part of a larger police sting , reported Tulsa News on 6 on March 10 .
The sting resulted in the arrests of 11 men by Oklahoma police investigators .
One of the charges of the suspects has been dropped .
The Tulsa News on 6 report says , and court records show , that Grindr was directly used by two of the arrested men , 25-year-old Thomas Muench and 25-year-old Quinton Griesel , for the purpose of targeting their victims .
The news report also says a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men , Griesel , engaged in “ sex acts ” with a male teenager in a bathroom stall at Pawnee High School .
Griesel worked in the school cafeteria and was arrested in early February after the boy he is accused of raping contacted the police .
He was booked for sodomy , second-degree rape , and lewd acts to a child under 16 .
A Tulsa Channel 8 report says a court affidavit shows that the boy and Griesel connected on Grindr and met in a school bathroom after lunch to engage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acts.
” Another court affidavit shows that the other man charged with rape , Muench , also met his victim , a 15-year-old boy , on Grindr .
According to police , this sexual abuse crime was not committed on school property .
The other suspects are facing a multitude of charges from soliciting a minor for sex and child porn , to lewd acts with a minor .
Penalties for persons found guilty of even having one image of child porn can face up to 20 years in prison .
This goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person be found with more than 100 child porn images .
Grindr describes itself as the world ’ s most used social networking app for homosexuals , bisexuals , transgenders , and queer people .
The app is owned by a Chinese business , which has caused concern that Chinese intelligence uses it to collect the sensitive personal information of its users , such as HIV status , messages , and where a person is located .
It had around 27 million users as of 2017 .
According to police , all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least thought — that they were talking to boys under age 18 .
Court records show that some of the men were talking with undercover police .
The Tulsa News on 6 report quoted Sheriff Waters as saying the 11 arrests for sex crimes were “ jaw dropping , it 's unbelievable.
” “ The public needs to know ; the parents need to know how dangerous this is , ” he added .
The reality of the targeting of youths for the purpose of sex trafficking is that it is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the recent documentary about sex trafficking , Blind Eyes Opened , shows .
Mike Fisher , who serves as the Pawnee and Osage County District Attorney , said in the Tulsa News on 6 report that kids do not “ understand how dangerous this is , ” adding that “ I can guarantee the parents don't.
” Fisher also noted that the best way to combat this type of situation is “ old-fashioned parenting , ” adding that parents should not be afraid to look at their kid ’ s phones .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ blog in 2018 titled “ 10 reasons not to give your child – or teen – a smartphone.
” In his blog , Van Maren goes over the dangers of smartphones for young children , citing examples of why parents should be more guarded when it comes to what kinds of technology they let their kids access .
A September Breitbart News report listed Grindr as one of the “ top 15 potentially dangerous apps parents should look for on their kid ’ s smartphones.
” A February report by LifeSiteNews highlighted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Exploitation ( NCOSE ) showing the top 13 companies in the world that facilitate sexual exploitation .
The NCOSE has a webpage dedicated specifically to male sexual exploitation that states : “ The media , politicians , and society at large have all failed to adequately address the experiences of boys and men involving sex trafficking , prostitution , child sexual abuse , sexual objectification , or early childhood exposure to pornography .
As a result , countless men and boys suffer in silence without receiving the appropriate services for recovery .
”

PAWNEE COUNTY, Oklahoma, March 12, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – An Oklahoma sheriff says two men arrested and charged with the rape of minors used a homosexual hookup app to precisely target underage boys for “gay sex.”
The homosexual app Grindr was mentioned by Sheriff Mike Waters of Pawnee County, Oklahoma, in a Tulsa News on 6 report as the tool used to lure the underage boys. The report says the investigation began when a middle school student notified police that an older classmate made a vulgar proposal to him.
The arrests of the two men who used Grindr as a lure were part of a larger police sting, reported Tulsa News on 6 on March 10. The sting resulted in the arrests of 11 men by Oklahoma police investigators. One of the charges of the suspects has been dropped.
The Tulsa News on 6 report says, and court records show, that Grindr was directly used by two of the arrested men, 25-year-old Thomas Muench and 25-year-old Quinton Griesel, for the purpose of targeting their victims. The news report also says a court affidavit shows one of the charged men, Griesel, engaged in “sex acts” with a male teenager in a bathroom stall at Pawnee High School.
Griesel worked in the school cafeteria and was arrested in early February after the boy he is accused of raping contacted the police. He was booked for sodomy, second-degree rape, and lewd acts to a child under 16. A Tulsa Channel 8 report says a court affidavit shows that the boy and Griesel connected on Grindr and met in a school bathroom after lunch to engage in the illegal and lewd “sex acts.”
Another court affidavit shows that the other man charged with rape, Muench, also met his victim, a 15-year-old boy, on Grindr. According to police, this sexual abuse crime was not committed on school property.
The other suspects are facing a multitude of charges from soliciting a minor for sex and child porn, to lewd acts with a minor. Penalties for persons found guilty of even having one image of child porn can face up to 20 years in prison. This goes up to life in prison should a person be found with more than 100 child porn images.
Grindr describes itself as the world’s most used social networking app for homosexuals, bisexuals, transgenders, and queer people. The app is owned by a Chinese business, which has caused concern that Chinese intelligence uses it to collect the sensitive personal information of its users, such as HIV status, messages, and where a person is located. It had around 27 million users as of 2017.
According to police, all of the arrested suspects were aware — or at least thought — that they were talking to boys under age 18. Court records show that some of the men were talking with undercover police.
The Tulsa News on 6 report quoted Sheriff Waters as saying the 11 arrests for sex crimes were “jaw dropping, it's unbelievable.”
“The public needs to know; the parents need to know how dangerous this is,” he added.
The reality of the targeting of youths for the purpose of sex trafficking is that it is a growing problem in the United States, as the recent documentary about sex trafficking, Blind Eyes Opened, shows.
Mike Fisher, who serves as the Pawnee and Osage County District Attorney, said in the Tulsa News on 6 report that kids do not “understand how dangerous this is,” adding that “I can guarantee the parents don't.”
Fisher also noted that the best way to combat this type of situation is “old-fashioned parenting,” adding that parents should not be afraid to look at their kid’s phones.
Jonathon Van Maren of LifeSiteNews published a blog in 2018 titled “10 reasons not to give your child – or teen – a smartphone.” In his blog, Van Maren goes over the dangers of smartphones for young children, citing examples of why parents should be more guarded when it comes to what kinds of technology they let their kids access.
A September Breitbart News report listed Grindr as one of the “top 15 potentially dangerous apps parents should look for on their kid’s smartphones.”
A February report by LifeSiteNews highlighted a report by The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) showing the top 13 companies in the world that facilitate sexual exploitation.
The NCOSE has a webpage dedicated specifically to male sexual exploitation that states: “The media, politicians, and society at large have all failed to adequately address the experiences of boys and men involving sex trafficking, prostitution, child sexual abuse, sexual objectification, or early childhood exposure to pornography. As a result, countless men and boys suffer in silence without receiving the appropriate services for recovery.”
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lifesitenews--2020-03-12--Globalists hosted coronavirus pandemic simulation weeks before first instances of COVID-19

March 12 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — As concern around the world increases about the global coronavirus outbreak , news has surfaced about an event co-hosted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in November 2019 , in which 15 global business , government , and public health leaders took part in a simulation exercise based on responding to an international “ coronavirus ” pandemic .
The first report of the 2019 novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) currently spreading around the world occurred in November 2019 .
The term “ coronavirus ” refers to a group of viruses rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus discussed during October ’ s Event 201 simulation exercise differed in a number of ways from the Covid-19 virus .
In the Event 201 simulation , the coronavirus disease starts in pig farms in Brazil and is transferred to humans , with a resulting death toll of 65 million people within 18 months — surpassing the deadliest pandemic in history , the 1918 Spanish flu .
Increased recent interest in the event is understandable , not least because one of the purposes of the event was to help international policymakers in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if such a pandemic actually developed .
Among the seven recommendations made by the group of global leaders was that “ [ g ] overnments and the private sector should assign a greater priority to developing methods to combat mis- and disinformation prior to the next pandemic response.
” The discussions on combatting misinformation are available to view on the Event 201 website .
Notable among them are the comments from Professor George F. Gao .
He is the director-general of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention .
Gao said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ we have more cases in China , those are death cases reported , and also my staff told me that there is misinformation and there are some people who believe this is man-made , some pharmaceutical company made the virus , so there are some violations and even deaths because of this misinformation.
” Timothy Evans , director and associate dean of the School of Population and Global Health at McGill University in Montreal , spoke of the need to involve global institutions such as the U.N. and the World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national governments , although he noted that when such institutions challenge governments directly , “ they often get into this issue of sovereignty.
” Evans spoke of the need for “ soft ” and “ stealth ” power influences such as religious leaders , business leaders , and influential people capable of contacting heads of state directly .
Mr. Lavan Thiru , of the Monetary Authority in Singapore , said there may be a need for governments to step up their “ enforcement actions ” on fake news .
“ Maybe this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases where we are able to bring forward some bad actors and leave it for the courts to decide whether they have actually spread some fake news , ” Thiru said .
In their official recommendations statement , the group said governments and social media companies will need to partner in order to counter “ misinformation.
” “ This will require developing the ability to flood media with fast , accurate , and consistent information , ” their statement reads .
“ Public health authorities should work with private employers and trusted community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promulgate factual information to employees and citizens .
Trusted , influential private-sector employers should create the capacity to readily and reliably augment public messaging , manage rumors and misinformation , and amplify credible information to support emergency public communications.
” The statement also argues that “ media companies should commit to ensuring that authoritative messages are prioritized and that false messages are suppressed through the use of technology.
” It appears that such policies are now in place during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak .
A New York Post article by biologist and China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have leaked from a Chinese lab has been blocked by Facebook , with the social media giant stating that it was “ false information.
” “ At an emergency meeting in Beijing held last Friday , Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke about the need to contain the coronavirus and set up a system to prevent similar epidemics in the future , ” Mosher wrote on February 22 .
“ A national system to control biosecurity risks must be put in place ‘ to protect the people ’ s health , ’ ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ ‘ national security ’ issue , ” Mosher continued .
“ Xi didn ’ t actually admit that the coronavirus now devastating large swaths of China had escaped from one of the country ’ s bioresearch labs .
But the very next day , evidence emerged suggesting that this is exactly what happened , as the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology released a new directive titled : ‘ Instructions on strengthening biosecurity management in microbiology labs that handle advanced viruses like the novel coronavirus.
’ ” Mosher revealed that China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handle the novel coronavirus is the Wuhan Institute of Virology ’ s National Biosafety Laboratory .
After being posted on social media , the article went viral and led to Mosher appearing on Tucker Carlson and other shows .
It got over 13 million views and 100,000 shares before it was blocked by Facebook .
Mosher says the reason why some people are so angry about his article is because by putting the blame for the epidemic on the Chinese Communist Party , he is negating the opportunity for the Left to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump .
Facebook , as well as other Big Tech companies , appears to be increasing efforts to influence what information about the virus is publicized on social media platforms .
Last week , Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the group was “ removing false claims and conspiracy theories [ related to COVID-19 ] that have been flagged by leading global health organizations.
” Meanwhile , Twitter has placed a warning label that links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) when users search for “ coronavirus.
” Yesterday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — including Amazon , Google , and Facebook — met with officials at Downing Street , the residence of U.K. prime minister Boris Johnson , to discuss how they can help make sure the public gets the most accurate and up-to-date information on coronavirus .
A government statement said that the “ scope and impact of disinformation linked to coronavirus was also discussed , and how we can all play a role in tackling this .
”

One of the purposes of the event was to help international policymakers in their understanding of the challenges they could face if such a pandemic actually developed.
March 12, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — As concern around the world increases about the global coronavirus outbreak, news has surfaced about an event co-hosted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in October 2019, in which 15 global business, government, and public health leaders took part in a simulation exercise based on responding to an international “coronavirus” pandemic.
The first report of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) currently spreading around the world occurred in November 2019.
The term “coronavirus” refers to a group of viruses rather than one unique strain, and the coronavirus discussed during October’s Event 201 simulation exercise differed in a number of ways from the Covid-19 virus.
In the Event 201 simulation, the coronavirus disease starts in pig farms in Brazil and is transferred to humans, with a resulting death toll of 65 million people within 18 months — surpassing the deadliest pandemic in history, the 1918 Spanish flu.
Increased recent interest in the event is understandable, not least because one of the purposes of the event was to help international policymakers in their understanding of the challenges they could face if such a pandemic actually developed.
Among the seven recommendations made by the group of global leaders was that “[g]overnments and the private sector should assign a greater priority to developing methods to combat mis- and disinformation prior to the next pandemic response.”
The discussions on combatting misinformation are available to view on the Event 201 website. Notable among them are the comments from Professor George F. Gao. He is the director-general of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Gao said, in the context of the simulation, that “we have more cases in China, those are death cases reported, and also my staff told me that there is misinformation and there are some people who believe this is man-made, some pharmaceutical company made the virus, so there are some violations and even deaths because of this misinformation.”
Timothy Evans, director and associate dean of the School of Population and Global Health at McGill University in Montreal, spoke of the need to involve global institutions such as the U.N. and the World Health Organization to combat any misinformation coming from national governments, although he noted that when such institutions challenge governments directly, “they often get into this issue of sovereignty.” Evans spoke of the need for “soft” and “stealth” power influences such as religious leaders, business leaders, and influential people capable of contacting heads of state directly.
Mr. Lavan Thiru, of the Monetary Authority in Singapore, said there may be a need for governments to step up their “enforcement actions” on fake news.
“Maybe this is a time for us to showcase some cases where we are able to bring forward some bad actors and leave it for the courts to decide whether they have actually spread some fake news,” Thiru said.
In their official recommendations statement, the group said governments and social media companies will need to partner in order to counter “misinformation.”
“This will require developing the ability to flood media with fast, accurate, and consistent information,” their statement reads.
“Public health authorities should work with private employers and trusted community leaders such as faith leaders, to promulgate factual information to employees and citizens. Trusted, influential private-sector employers should create the capacity to readily and reliably augment public messaging, manage rumors and misinformation, and amplify credible information to support emergency public communications.”
The statement also argues that “media companies should commit to ensuring that authoritative messages are prioritized and that false messages are suppressed through the use of technology.”
It appears that such policies are now in place during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
A New York Post article by biologist and China expert Steve Mosher that argued that COVID-19 may have leaked from a Chinese lab has been blocked by Facebook, with the social media giant stating that it was “false information.”
“At an emergency meeting in Beijing held last Friday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke about the need to contain the coronavirus and set up a system to prevent similar epidemics in the future,” Mosher wrote on February 22.
“A national system to control biosecurity risks must be put in place ‘to protect the people’s health,’” Xi said, because lab safety is a “‘national security’ issue,” Mosher continued.
“Xi didn’t actually admit that the coronavirus now devastating large swaths of China had escaped from one of the country’s bioresearch labs. But the very next day, evidence emerged suggesting that this is exactly what happened, as the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology released a new directive titled: ‘Instructions on strengthening biosecurity management in microbiology labs that handle advanced viruses like the novel coronavirus.’”
Mosher revealed that China’s only microbiology lab that can handle the novel coronavirus is the Wuhan Institute of Virology’s National Biosafety Laboratory.
After being posted on social media, the article went viral and led to Mosher appearing on Tucker Carlson and other shows. It got over 13 million views and 100,000 shares before it was blocked by Facebook.
Mosher says the reason why some people are so angry about his article is because by putting the blame for the epidemic on the Chinese Communist Party, he is negating the opportunity for the Left to use the situation to attack U.S. president Donald Trump.
Facebook, as well as other Big Tech companies, appears to be increasing efforts to influence what information about the virus is publicized on social media platforms. Last week, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the group was “removing false claims and conspiracy theories [related to COVID-19] that have been flagged by leading global health organizations.”
Meanwhile, Twitter has placed a warning label that links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when users search for “coronavirus.”
Yesterday evening, representatives from major technology companies — including Amazon, Google, and Facebook — met with officials at Downing Street, the residence of U.K. prime minister Boris Johnson, to discuss how they can help make sure the public gets the most accurate and up-to-date information on coronavirus. A government statement said that the “scope and impact of disinformation linked to coronavirus was also discussed, and how we can all play a role in tackling this.”
March 13, 2020 correction: An earlier version of this report stated that Event 201 was in November, whereas it was in October.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-12--Prof forced to reject view that unborn babies can’t feel pain after new study

March 12 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — A professor who previously believed that unborn children “ can not experience pain ” has just co-authored a study that suggests that the pre-born can in fact feel pain , and that they can feel it far earlier than 24 weeks gestation .
In January of this year , British psychology professor Stuart Derbyshire and John C. Bockmann , a physician ’ s assistant in the U.S. Army , published a paper in the Journal of Medical Ethics titled “ Reconsidering fetal pain.
” Bockmann appeared on The Jonathan van Maren Show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report .
Bockmann said his study shows that we can be “ reasonably certain ” that fetuses feel pain before 24 weeks .
He added that he himself believes that unborn babies can feel pain at 18 to 20 weeks , and possibly as early as to 12 or 13 .
Bockmann says his conclusions are based on the research he did on the cerebral cortex .
The report ’ s conclusion represents a shift in the views of Professor Derbyshire , who teaches at the National University of Singapore .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Planned Parenthood in the U.S. and the Pro-Choice Forum in the United Kingdom .
In an article he wrote for the British Medical Journal in 2006 , Derbyshire stated that it was “ sound policy ” to believe that fetuses “ can not experience pain.
” Bockmann told van Maren that he believes that Derbyshire ’ s acceptance of the claim that unborn babies feel pain is extremely significant .
“ There are two co-equal stories here , ” Bockmann said .
“ One is that , yes , fetuses can feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as twelve or thirteen [ weeks ] .
But that to me is not even the sole story .
An equally big story is the fact that Stuart Derbyshire , one of the primary proponents of no fetal pain ... has changed his perspective .
That is incredibly courageous and honest .
I just don ’ t have enough words to describe how unusual this is.
” Listen to van Maren ’ s complete interview with John Bockmann by clicking below .
The Van Maren Show is hosted on numerous platforms , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Google Play .
For a full listing of episodes , and to subscribe to various channels , visit our Acast webpage here .
To receive weekly emails when a new episode is uploaded , subscribe below :

In 2006, Professor Stuart Derbyshire denied that pre-born children could feel pain. Now that's changed.
March 12, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — A professor who previously believed that unborn children “cannot experience pain” has just co-authored a study that suggests that the pre-born can in fact feel pain, and that they can feel it far earlier than 24 weeks gestation.
In January of this year, British psychology professor Stuart Derbyshire and John C. Bockmann, a physician’s assistant in the U.S. Army, published a paper in the Journal of Medical Ethics titled “Reconsidering fetal pain.” Bockmann appeared on The Jonathan van Maren Show this week to explain the details of the report.
Bockmann said his study shows that we can be “reasonably certain” that fetuses feel pain before 24 weeks. He added that he himself believes that unborn babies can feel pain at 18 to 20 weeks, and possibly as early as to 12 or 13. Bockmann says his conclusions are based on the research he did on the cerebral cortex.
The report’s conclusion represents a shift in the views of Professor Derbyshire, who teaches at the National University of Singapore. In the past, Derbyshire was a consultant to Planned Parenthood in the U.S. and the Pro-Choice Forum in the United Kingdom. In an article he wrote for the British Medical Journal in 2006, Derbyshire stated that it was “sound policy” to believe that fetuses “cannot experience pain.”
Bockmann told van Maren that he believes that Derbyshire’s acceptance of the claim that unborn babies feel pain is extremely significant.
“There are two co-equal stories here,” Bockmann said. “One is that, yes, fetuses can feel pain…possibly down to as early as twelve or thirteen [weeks]. But that to me is not even the sole story. An equally big story is the fact that Stuart Derbyshire, one of the primary proponents of no fetal pain … has changed his perspective. That is incredibly courageous and honest. I just don’t have enough words to describe how unusual this is.”
Listen to van Maren’s complete interview with John Bockmann by clicking below.
The Van Maren Show is hosted on numerous platforms, including Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, iTunes, and Google Play.
For a full listing of episodes, and to subscribe to various channels, visit our Acast webpage here.
To receive weekly emails when a new episode is uploaded, subscribe below:
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lifesitenews--2020-03-12--Mayor’s tiebreaking vote makes Nebraska town America’s latest ‘sanctuary for unborn’

AUBURN , Nebraska , March 12 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Auburn , Nebraska became the latest locality in the United States to symbolically declare itself a “ sanctuary ” for preborn babies Monday , with its city council narrowly voting to approve non-binding human rights recognition from conception onward .
“ The city of Auburn , Neb.
, shall be known as a community that supports the inalienable right to life for all citizens , born and unborn , ” the statement reads , “ and respects their inherent dignity , value and importance at every stage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate revolved around whether the statement would have any practical effect beyond an expression of values , News Channel Nebraska reported .
Councilman Shawn Clark said he took it as a statement of the community ’ s support for a local safe house that helps women choose life in crisis pregnancies .
Councilwoman Katy Billings was perhaps the measure ’ s most strident opponent , going so far as to cry before casting her “ no ” vote despite claiming to be pro-life .
“ I worry that if we set a precedent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slippery slope ” to the city council opining on more hot-button issues , ” she claimed .
Councilman F.L .
Zacarola , meanwhile , framed the resolution as in keeping with healthy society ’ s reverence for new life .
“ Birth was revered .
Not necessarily a religious thing , but more life has been brought , ” he said .
“ We are strengthened by the life that we bring to this world.
” Councilman Doug Hitzel said the statement was valuable for promoting the community ’ s future health .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that stay in place , the kids need to be here , ” he said .
“ You actually have to have kids .
You need to teach your people that they need to have kids and love them and care for them , not dispose of them.
” Ultimately , Mayor Dan White cast the deciding vote in favor of the statement , breaking a 3-3 tie .
Similar declarations – some purely symbolic , some with potential legal ramifications – have been enacted in communities across the United States , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina , and Texas .

'You need to teach your people that they need to have kids and love them and care for them, not dispose of them,' a councilman declared.
AUBURN, Nebraska, March 12, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Auburn, Nebraska became the latest locality in the United States to symbolically declare itself a “sanctuary” for preborn babies Monday, with its city council narrowly voting to approve non-binding human rights recognition from conception onward.
“The city of Auburn, Neb., shall be known as a community that supports the inalienable right to life for all citizens, born and unborn,” the statement reads, “and respects their inherent dignity, value and importance at every stage of development.”
Much of the city council debate revolved around whether the statement would have any practical effect beyond an expression of values, News Channel Nebraska reported. Councilman Shawn Clark said he took it as a statement of the community’s support for a local safe house that helps women choose life in crisis pregnancies.
Councilwoman Katy Billings was perhaps the measure’s most strident opponent, going so far as to cry before casting her “no” vote despite claiming to be pro-life. “I worry that if we set a precedent like this, it’s a slippery slope” to the city council opining on more hot-button issues,” she claimed.
Councilman F.L. Zacarola, meanwhile, framed the resolution as in keeping with healthy society’s reverence for new life. “Birth was revered. Not necessarily a religious thing, but more life has been brought,” he said. “We are strengthened by the life that we bring to this world.”
Councilman Doug Hitzel said the statement was valuable for promoting the community’s future health. “If you want to have businesses that stay in place, the kids need to be here,” he said. “You actually have to have kids. You need to teach your people that they need to have kids and love them and care for them, not dispose of them.”
Ultimately, Mayor Dan White cast the deciding vote in favor of the statement, breaking a 3-3 tie.
Similar declarations – some purely symbolic, some with potential legal ramifications – have been enacted in communities across the United States, including in Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Texas.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-12--Amazon, Microsoft, Uber & more threaten states opposed to transgender agenda

March 12 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – A coalition of major businesses has signed an open letter threatening to boycott states that enact legislation resisting the transgender agenda , on everything from “ transitioning ” minors to pitting female athletes against biological males .
Organized by the pro-LGBT groups Human Rights Campaign ( HRC ) and Freedom for All Americans Education Fund , the letter claims its signatories are “ deeply concerned ” by various state laws that “ would affect access to medical care for transgender people , parental rights , social and family services , student sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as restrooms , ” and “ unnecessarily and uncharitably single out already marginalized groups for additional disadvantage ” ( what “ disadvantage ” that would be is unexplained ) .
Such bills “ seek to put the authority of state government behind discrimination and promote mistreatment of a targeted LBGTQ population , ” it declares , also without explanation .
This allegedly “ directly affects our businesses ” by making it “ exceedingly difficult for us to recruit the most qualified candidates for jobs , ” and placing “ substantial burdens on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then makes a veiled threat to states that won ’ t embrace gender fluidity by noting that such laws “ can influence our decisions ” as to “ where to invest and grow.
” The signatories include Airbnb , American Airlines , Amazon , Apple , Capital One , Google , Hilton , Ikea , Levi , Microsoft , Nike , Paypal , Nestle , and Uber .
Contrary to the letter ’ s framing as a stand against “ discrimination , ” the bills in question are meant to address concerns understandable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adults from subjecting gender-dysphoric minors to life-altering chemicals or surgeries before they ’ re mature enough to consider the ramifications , protecting girls ’ and women ’ s privacy from being forced to share restrooms , lockers , and similar intimate facilities with males , and preventing biologically-male athletes from using their biological advantages to dominate female athletics .
“ Many economists doubt the effect of such politically motivated boycotts , ” the Washington Times reported .
“ In 2012 , for example , boycotts of Chick-fil-A for its CEO ’ s announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ buycott ’ of customer support that generated long lines for the company ’ s restaurants.
” Left-wing businesses have also threatened boycotts over state pro-life laws and religious liberty protections , most notably in Georgia and Tennessee , though so far they have been unsuccessful in getting pro-family lawmakers to back down .

The pro-LGBT companies' letter states that laws 'can influence our decisions' 'where to invest and grow.'
March 12, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A coalition of major businesses has signed an open letter threatening to boycott states that enact legislation resisting the transgender agenda, on everything from “transitioning” minors to pitting female athletes against biological males.
Organized by the pro-LGBT groups Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Freedom for All Americans Education Fund, the letter claims its signatories are “deeply concerned” by various state laws that “would affect access to medical care for transgender people, parental rights, social and family services, student sports, or access to public facilities such as restrooms,” and “unnecessarily and uncharitably single out already marginalized groups for additional disadvantage” (what “disadvantage” that would be is unexplained).
Such bills “seek to put the authority of state government behind discrimination and promote mistreatment of a targeted LBGTQ population,” it declares, also without explanation. This allegedly “directly affects our businesses” by making it “exceedingly difficult for us to recruit the most qualified candidates for jobs,” and placing “substantial burdens on the families of our employees.”
The letter then makes a veiled threat to states that won’t embrace gender fluidity by noting that such laws “can influence our decisions” as to “where to invest and grow.”
The signatories include Airbnb, American Airlines, Amazon, Apple, Capital One, Google, Hilton, Ikea, Levi, Microsoft, Nike, Paypal, Nestle, and Uber.
Contrary to the letter’s framing as a stand against “discrimination,” the bills in question are meant to address concerns understandable to most Americans, such as preventing adults from subjecting gender-dysphoric minors to life-altering chemicals or surgeries before they’re mature enough to consider the ramifications, protecting girls’ and women’s privacy from being forced to share restrooms, lockers, and similar intimate facilities with males, and preventing biologically-male athletes from using their biological advantages to dominate female athletics.
“Many economists doubt the effect of such politically motivated boycotts,” the Washington Times reported. “In 2012, for example, boycotts of Chick-fil-A for its CEO’s announced opposition to same-sex marriage spurred a so-called ‘buycott’ of customer support that generated long lines for the company’s restaurants.”
Left-wing businesses have also threatened boycotts over state pro-life laws and religious liberty protections, most notably in Georgia and Tennessee, though so far they have been unsuccessful in getting pro-family lawmakers to back down.
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