lifesitenews--2020-04-17--UK Police Chiefs publish list of acceptable reasons to leave home during coronavirus lockdown

LONDON , England , April 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― The National Police Chiefs Council and College of Policing have published their guidelines to what the beleaguered residents of England may or may not do when they leave their homes .
The police guidelines were released yesterday after Britons were told that the current lockdown , which has curtailed the civil liberties of most people in England , Scotland , Northern Ireland , and Wales , will last at least another three weeks .
According to the BBC , the stipulations of the three-page document suggest that various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules in the wrong way.
” Since the publication of March ’ s Health Protection Regulations ( Scotland here ) , UK residents have understood that they may not leave their homes except to go to work , to buy groceries , and to exercise once a day .
However , the restrictions have led to zealous police officers checking shopping bags and ticketing their owners for buying “ non-essential ” items like wine , moving on citizens resting on park benches , and pursuing hikers with drones .
The actual regulations for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply been making up rules as they go along .
According to these regulations , which the National Police Chiefs ’ Council has stipulated are for England only , “ reasonable ” excuses “ to leave the place where you live ” include the following : • Visiting any open shop on the way to or from reasonable travel • Buying tools and supplies for emergency repairs , but not to redecorate • Going door-to-door as a delivery person , but not to offer casual labor “ Reasonable ” activities in pursuit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a run or cycle or practicing yoga • Walking in the countryside or in cities • Driving to the countryside in order to walk in it • Stopping to rest or eat while on a long walk Sitting in a park to do work that could otherwise be done at home is not considered a reasonable excuse .
Other reasons to leave the house include taking a pet to the veterinarian , “ providing support to vulnerable people , ” and , perhaps most surprising of all , moving into a friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to allow a cooling-off following arguments at home.
” Short social visits to friends and family , however , are not considered “ reasonable excuses ” although the stipulations acknowledge that there may be “ exceptional circumstances ” like a hospital allowing a particular person to visit a patient .
That residents of England are allowed to drive to the countryside and take long walks there is surprising given the Derbyshire Police campaign against people who dared to take their exercise in the Peak District .
Priti Patel , the British Home Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overzealousness of police on April 9 , when she stated in a radio interview that the police must not act in a “ heavy-handed manner ” during the national emergency .
According to the Daily Mail , the Home Secretary ’ s remarks followed police threats to check shopping bags for “ non-essential ” items .
Adding to the sense that police have been making rules up as they go along was the presence of London ’ s police chief Cressida Dick at a crowded event on Westminster Bridge yesterday evening .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now weekly Thursday ritual of applauding for the National Health Service , but without enforcing the social distancing rules .
These stipulate that people in Britain must stay at least six feet apart from people belonging to other households .

British people may not visit friends or family but may stay with a friend for several days 'to allow a cooling-off following arguments at home.'
LONDON, England, April 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― The National Police Chiefs Council and College of Policing have published their guidelines to what the beleaguered residents of England may or may not do when they leave their homes.
The police guidelines were released yesterday after Britons were told that the current lockdown, which has curtailed the civil liberties of most people in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, will last at least another three weeks.
According to the BBC, the stipulations of the three-page document suggest that various police officers have been “applying the rules in the wrong way.”
Since the publication of March’s Health Protection Regulations (Scotland here), UK residents have understood that they may not leave their homes except to go to work, to buy groceries, and to exercise once a day. However, the restrictions have led to zealous police officers checking shopping bags and ticketing their owners for buying “non-essential” items like wine, moving on citizens resting on park benches, and pursuing hikers with drones.
The actual regulations for England suggest that some police officers have simply been making up rules as they go along.
According to these regulations, which the National Police Chiefs’ Council has stipulated are for England only, “reasonable” excuses “to leave the place where you live” include the following:
Buying food, “including luxuring items and alcohol,” snacks, and staples
Visiting any open shop on the way to or from reasonable travel
Buying hot food from take-out shops
Collecting surplus food from a friend
Buying tools and supplies for emergency repairs, but not to redecorate
Travel to the workplace
Going door-to-door as a delivery person, but not to offer casual labor
“Reasonable” activities in pursuit of exercise include the following:
Going for a run or cycle or practicing yoga
Walking in the countryside or in cities
Gardening at an “allotment” (i.e. communal garden)
Driving to the countryside in order to walk in it
Stopping to rest or eat while on a long walk
Sitting in a park to do work that could otherwise be done at home is not considered a reasonable excuse.
Other reasons to leave the house include taking a pet to the veterinarian, “providing support to vulnerable people,” and, perhaps most surprising of all, moving into a friend’s residence for several days “to allow a cooling-off following arguments at home.” Short social visits to friends and family, however, are not considered “reasonable excuses” although the stipulations acknowledge that there may be “exceptional circumstances” like a hospital allowing a particular person to visit a patient.
That residents of England are allowed to drive to the countryside and take long walks there is surprising given the Derbyshire Police campaign against people who dared to take their exercise in the Peak District.
Despite posts yesterday highlighting issues of people still visiting the #PeakDistrict despite government guidance, the message is still not getting through. @DerPolDroneUnit have been out at beauty spots across the county, and this footage was captured at #CurbarEdge last night. pic.twitter.com/soxWvMl0ls — Derbyshire Police (@DerbysPolice) March 26, 2020
Priti Patel, the British Home Secretary, finally took a stand on the overzealousness of police on April 9, when she stated in a radio interview that the police must not act in a “heavy-handed manner” during the national emergency. According to the Daily Mail, the Home Secretary’s remarks followed police threats to check shopping bags for “non-essential” items.
Adding to the sense that police have been making rules up as they go along was the presence of London’s police chief Cressida Dick at a crowded event on Westminster Bridge yesterday evening. There Police Commissioner Dick took part in the now weekly Thursday ritual of applauding for the National Health Service, but without enforcing the social distancing rules. These stipulate that people in Britain must stay at least six feet apart from people belonging to other households.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-17--Contraception cut us off from God’s grace. His Divine Mercy restored us

Editor ’ s note : L.J .
and Joan Helferty believed they had every good reason to use contraception in their Catholic marriage .
But then everything started falling apart .
Their story , published exclusively on LifeSiteNews , is one of the best testimonies about the spiritual blindness that follows the sin of contraception and about the mercy of God that follows true repentance .
April 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Sunday Dec 10 , 2000 .
About 7:00 a.m. A cold crisp cloudy Sunday morning .
I was the first one awake and out of bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stoked the furnace and got our farmhouse warmed up before calling everyone .
Mass was at 9:00 .
There would be just enough time to get ready .
We had eleven children , nine at home and two older ones away at post-secondary institutions .
I had slept in this morning .
We had installed a new furnace that weekend and I was exhausted by the time we were finished on Saturday evening .
When I went downstairs into the kitchen on my way outside to the furnace , I noticed a hand-written @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place where our 15-year old son Matthew usually sat for family meals .
Curious , I glanced at the first line .
“ By the time you are reading this , I ’ ll already be dead .
Hey , it ’ s Matthew .
You ’ ll find my body in the front field… ” I froze .
“ Not possible , ” I thought .
This boy had everything going for him – brilliant , thoughtful , lots of friends , … “ Okay , this has to be some sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it just isn ’ t possible.
” I ran upstairs to his bedroom .
The bed was neatly made up .
It hadn ’ t been slept in .
I awoke my wife and told her to call 911 and ran outside , shouting his name , hoping that he would be sitting somewhere , not able to go through with his plan .
I was too late – only by minutes – he had used a hunting rifle in one decisive act .
When I returned to the house with the heart-breaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary phone calls while I sat on the kitchen steps in disbelief .
When she got off the phone , she came over to me and said , “ It ’ s because of the tubal.
” I couldn ’ t believe she was saying that .
After our eleventh child was born , we had secretly arranged for Joan to have a tubal ligation .
We hadn ’ t told anyone because we had always professed to be in union with the Catholic Church ’ s teaching regarding the use of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your family , if there was a serious reason to do so .
We seemed to lack the discipline to make that work for us , and we thought that we were at the point where we needed to stop having children , so we opted for tubal ligation .
Both of us went to confession afterwards , but the sacrament can ’ t help you much if you don ’ t have contrition and don ’ t plan to make satisfaction for the damage you have done .
The thoughtfulness and generosity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our parish members , friends , and our funeral director became manifest as soon as the terrible news spread , and helped to sustain us through the coming days , weeks and months .
It is impossible to describe the impact suicide has on each family member , especially the parents and the closest siblings .
Thankfully , in His generosity , God gave us several consolations , allowing us to be confident that Matthew ’ s eternal salvation was assured .
After the wake and funeral , I became driven , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our son in such a terrible manner .
Eventually , it became evident that Matthew had descended into deep depression and that he was listening to music on his personal CD player that would further contribute to his depression and offer the ultimate solution .
He had also been playing violent video games and a card game called ‘ Magic : The Gathering ’ with some of his friends .
But… this explanation was incomplete .
Lots of kids listen to this terrible music and play those games and have depressing lives , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Matthew was part of a loving family , and we hadn ’ t even noticed that he was depressed , until we looked back and saw some of the obvious signs .
As the months went by , Joan continued to insist that the tubal ligation was the explanation for our loss of Matthew .
To settle the matter , we decided to visit our former spiritual director and family friend , Father Jim Duffy of Madonna House .
He had called us on the day of Matthew ’ s death , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was perplexed that this had happened .
I agreed that I would accept that the tubal was the explanation , if Father Jim said so .
It was Divine Mercy Sunday , 2001 .
When we arrived at Madonna House in Toronto – it ’ s a 4-hour drive from our home – Father Jim offered mass for our intentions in their chapel , then we went to a nearby restaurant & park for lunch .
When Joan told him that she had undergone a tubal ligation , he stopped eating and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our experience was simply the re-telling of the stories of the Old Testament .
When the Jewish people strayed from the ways of God , when they rejected His teachings , they experienced suffering and loss .
When they realized their faults and turned back to God , their lives were restored .
But , I knew that Father Duffy , a devout and holy priest , with many decades of experience , would not mislead us .
During the drive home , we decided to arrange for a reversal of the tubal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this time with true contrition .
We realize now that when we had the tubal ligation , we cut our family off from many of God ’ s graces and guidance and protection .
We were blind .
Matthew was the one that suffered the most , and we didn ’ t even notice .
We are convinced that if we had been living within God ’ s order , either the perfect storm of circumstances and events that plunged Matthew so quickly into such deep depression would not have occurred or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his condition and been able to save him .
Since the reversal and confession of that sin , our family has been blessed tremendously .
There are still lots of challenges , but sincerely attempting to live within God ’ s order provides spiritual protection and peace of mind that we treasure dearly .
After the reversal of the tubal ligation , we were hoping for more children , but each pregnancy ended in miscarriage .
We have accepted that when you tamper with the natural law , there are natural consequences .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ children are married and we currently have close to 20 grandchildren .
One of our sons is a priest and one of our daughters is a Sister .
All of these things bring great joy to Joan and me .
The consequences of our sin were severe , but God has restored our lives miraculously .
Deo Gratias !
We hope that by sharing our experience , we will help others to avoid the sins related to artificial contraception and sterilization .
We have learned that God ’ s way is the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may seem at the time .
Please observe the Catholic Church ’ s teachings regarding family planning in Humanae Vitae .
Our son ’ s death on December 10 , 2000 was the worst day of our lives .
Divine Mercy Sunday in 2001 was indeed the day our lives were restored .

Editor’s note: L.J. and Joan Helferty believed they had every good reason to use contraception in their Catholic marriage. But then everything started falling apart. Their story, published exclusively on LifeSiteNews, is one of the best testimonies about the spiritual blindness that follows the sin of contraception and about the mercy of God that follows true repentance.
April 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Sunday Dec 10, 2000. About 7:00 a.m. A cold crisp cloudy Sunday morning. I was the first one awake and out of bed. That was normal. I usually stoked the furnace and got our farmhouse warmed up before calling everyone. Mass was at 9:00. There would be just enough time to get ready. We had eleven children, nine at home and two older ones away at post-secondary institutions.
I had slept in this morning. We had installed a new furnace that weekend and I was exhausted by the time we were finished on Saturday evening. When I went downstairs into the kitchen on my way outside to the furnace, I noticed a hand-written note on the table, at the place where our 15-year old son Matthew usually sat for family meals.
Curious, I glanced at the first line.
“By the time you are reading this, I’ll already be dead. Hey, it’s Matthew. You’ll find my body in the front field…”
I froze. “Not possible,” I thought. This boy had everything going for him – brilliant, thoughtful, lots of friends,… “Okay, this has to be some sort of terrible joke or experiment, because it just isn’t possible.”
I ran upstairs to his bedroom. The bed was neatly made up. It hadn’t been slept in. I awoke my wife and told her to call 911 and ran outside, shouting his name, hoping that he would be sitting somewhere, not able to go through with his plan. I was too late – only by minutes – he had used a hunting rifle in one decisive act.
When I returned to the house with the heart-breaking news, my wife Joan made the necessary phone calls while I sat on the kitchen steps in disbelief.
When she got off the phone, she came over to me and said, “It’s because of the tubal.”
I couldn’t believe she was saying that.
After our eleventh child was born, we had secretly arranged for Joan to have a tubal ligation. We hadn’t told anyone because we had always professed to be in union with the Catholic Church’s teaching regarding the use of the natural cycles to limit the size of your family, if there was a serious reason to do so.
We seemed to lack the discipline to make that work for us, and we thought that we were at the point where we needed to stop having children, so we opted for tubal ligation. Both of us went to confession afterwards, but the sacrament can’t help you much if you don’t have contrition and don’t plan to make satisfaction for the damage you have done.
The thoughtfulness and generosity of our parish priest, the police, our parish members, friends, and our funeral director became manifest as soon as the terrible news spread, and helped to sustain us through the coming days, weeks and months. It is impossible to describe the impact suicide has on each family member, especially the parents and the closest siblings. Thankfully, in His generosity, God gave us several consolations, allowing us to be confident that Matthew’s eternal salvation was assured.
After the wake and funeral, I became driven, attempting to understand how we had lost our son in such a terrible manner.
Eventually, it became evident that Matthew had descended into deep depression and that he was listening to music on his personal CD player that would further contribute to his depression and offer the ultimate solution. He had also been playing violent video games and a card game called ‘Magic: The Gathering’ with some of his friends. But… this explanation was incomplete. Lots of kids listen to this terrible music and play those games and have depressing lives, but they don’t commit suicide. Matthew was part of a loving family, and we hadn’t even noticed that he was depressed, until we looked back and saw some of the obvious signs.
As the months went by, Joan continued to insist that the tubal ligation was the explanation for our loss of Matthew.
I was not convinced.
To settle the matter, we decided to visit our former spiritual director and family friend, Father Jim Duffy of Madonna House. He had called us on the day of Matthew’s death, to offer prayers and condolences. He was perplexed that this had happened. I agreed that I would accept that the tubal was the explanation, if Father Jim said so. It was Divine Mercy Sunday, 2001. When we arrived at Madonna House in Toronto – it’s a 4-hour drive from our home – Father Jim offered mass for our intentions in their chapel, then we went to a nearby restaurant & park for lunch.
When Joan told him that she had undergone a tubal ligation, he stopped eating and his countenance dropped.
He gravely explained that our experience was simply the re-telling of the stories of the Old Testament. When the Jewish people strayed from the ways of God, when they rejected His teachings, they experienced suffering and loss. When they realized their faults and turned back to God, their lives were restored.
I was devastated.
But, I knew that Father Duffy, a devout and holy priest, with many decades of experience, would not mislead us. During the drive home, we decided to arrange for a reversal of the tubal ligation and to confess this sin again, this time with true contrition.
We realize now that when we had the tubal ligation, we cut our family off from many of God’s graces and guidance and protection. We were blind. Matthew was the one that suffered the most, and we didn’t even notice. We are convinced that if we had been living within God’s order, either the perfect storm of circumstances and events that plunged Matthew so quickly into such deep depression would not have occurred or we would have noticed the seriousness of his condition and been able to save him.
Since the reversal and confession of that sin, our family has been blessed tremendously. There are still lots of challenges, but sincerely attempting to live within God’s order provides spiritual protection and peace of mind that we treasure dearly.
After the reversal of the tubal ligation, we were hoping for more children, but each pregnancy ended in miscarriage. We have accepted that when you tamper with the natural law, there are natural consequences. Nineteen years later, several of our children are married and we currently have close to 20 grandchildren. One of our sons is a priest and one of our daughters is a Sister. All of these things bring great joy to Joan and me.
The consequences of our sin were severe, but God has restored our lives miraculously. Deo Gratias!
We hope that by sharing our experience, we will help others to avoid the sins related to artificial contraception and sterilization. We have learned that God’s way is the best way, regardless of how difficult it may seem at the time. Please observe the Catholic Church’s teachings regarding family planning in Humanae Vitae. Our son’s death on December 10, 2000 was the worst day of our lives. Divine Mercy Sunday in 2001 was indeed the day our lives were restored.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-04-17--WATCH: Priests drive Blessed Sacrament around Atlanta perimeter in 125 car procession

ATLANTA , Georgia , April 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Two Catholic priests drove the Blessed Sacrament exposed in a Monstrance around the perimeter of Atlanta on Easter Sunday to pray for the city ’ s protection and deliverance from the coronavirus .
An estimated 125 cars , with lights flashing in solidarity , took part in the vehicular Eucharistic procession .
Drivers were able to track the progress of the Blessed Sacrament on the Glimpse app , and join at the various entrances to Interstate 285 , which circles Georgia ’ s capital city of about 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed online and about 200 took part in a conference call during the procession to sing Marian hymns , pray the Rosary , the St. Michael ’ s Prayer , and the Divine Mercy Chaplet .
The hour-long event , which began at 3:00 PM with the singing of Tantum Ergo , concluded with the Divine Praises and benediction .
The inspiration for the event came from the initiative “ We are an Easter People ” which “ encouraged people in the local area to do whatever they could to bring Jesus to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told LifeSiteNews .
It also occurred to her “ in prayer ” that Atlanta “ needed deliverance , ” Beckman said .
She approached the priests at St. Monica Parish with the idea of a Eucharistic procession that would “ be in obedience to the civil authorities ” because people would be in their cars .
“ But to have Jesus in the lead , and have Jesus circle the entire metro Atlantic area , would be so powerful , and to have us all on a conference call , all praying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the intention to deliver us from Covid and to bring blessings upon those suffering from Covid would be so powerful , ” Beckman explained .
“ And they said they would do it.
” The event was organized within 30 hours , and “ we thought it would be small , ” she said , adding that she would have been “ happy if we get 40 cars.
” However , one of the priests with technological savvy suggested using Glimpse , so “ everybody can see where we are with Jesus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city , you can get on the Interstate and be with Jesus.
” As a result , cars kept joining the procession and in the end , 703 people had logged in to Glimpse to follow its progress , Beckman told LifeSiteNews .
Another “ little miracle ” several people commented on was that the weather was “ extremely bad , ” but “ the entire hour we were in procession it was almost like the storm completely stopped , ” she said .
The procession was especially poignant because Catholics were not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Moreover , Bishop Joel Conzen ordered churches and adoration chapels closed when Republican Governor Brian Kemp issued a shelter-in-place order on April 2 .
The Georgia Department of Public Health reported 15,669 confirmed cases and 3,108 hospitalized with the virus as of April 16 .
The state ’ s death toll from the virus is 587 .
“ [ A ] ny activity that would encourage people to leave their homes between now ” and the duration of the order — which has been extended to April 30 — “ would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 .
“ Drive-through sacraments or devotions should be suspended until this order is lifted .
We should refrain from encouraging people for the present moment to leave home to come to such Church-sponsored activities , ” he added .
Beckman said many participants were deeply affected by the Eucharistic procession .
“ People were crying , they were so moved to have so many people join together in such a short period of time .
It was beautiful , really , really beautiful , ” she told LifeSiteNews .
Beckman had seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including two teenage daughters , both of whom wept during the procession , “ and another family , the same thing happened to their kids , these young people were moved to tears , ” she said .
“ Because it was Easter , and we were not able to be in a church , and that was a very difficult suffering , so to do this was a closeness to Christ that was unique.
” Her hope is that other cities will follow suit , particularly for Divine Mercy Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ be the first of many around the whole world , ” she said .
Hope Gricus , who took part in the procession , said that prayer can cause change .
“ Prayer can stop famines or change lives , so through the procession and Eucharistic benediction , that can help Atlanta , ” she told LifeSiteNews .
Janice Givens , another participant in the procession , is praying for similar “ creative solutions from the bishops to allow our priests and pastors to allow us to be close to Jesus ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be what purgatory feels like , ” she told LifeSiteNews .
“ We know He ’ s there — we just can ’ t get to Him .
”

An estimated 125 cars, with lights flashing in solidarity, took part in the vehicular Eucharistic procession.
Urgent appeal to the bishops of the world: Feed your flock Sign the petition here.
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Two Catholic priests drove the Blessed Sacrament exposed in a Monstrance around the perimeter of Atlanta on Easter Sunday to pray for the city’s protection and deliverance from the coronavirus. An estimated 125 cars, with lights flashing in solidarity, took part in the vehicular Eucharistic procession.
Drivers were able to track the progress of the Blessed Sacrament on the Glimpse app, and join at the various entrances to Interstate 285, which circles Georgia’s capital city of about 11 million people.
Moreover, 703 people followed online and about 200 took part in a conference call during the procession to sing Marian hymns, pray the Rosary, the St. Michael’s Prayer, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The hour-long event, which began at 3:00 PM with the singing of Tantum Ergo, concluded with the Divine Praises and benediction.
The inspiration for the event came from the initiative “We are an Easter People” which “encouraged people in the local area to do whatever they could to bring Jesus to the faithful,” organizer Kari Beckman told LifeSiteNews.
It also occurred to her “in prayer” that Atlanta “needed deliverance,” Beckman said.
She approached the priests at St. Monica Parish with the idea of a Eucharistic procession that would “be in obedience to the civil authorities” because people would be in their cars.
“But to have Jesus in the lead, and have Jesus circle the entire metro Atlantic area, would be so powerful, and to have us all on a conference call, all praying the Rosary, and to St Michael with the intention to deliver us from Covid and to bring blessings upon those suffering from Covid would be so powerful,” Beckman explained.
“And they said they would do it.”
The event was organized within 30 hours, and “we thought it would be small,” she said, adding that she would have been “happy if we get 40 cars.”
However, one of the priests with technological savvy suggested using Glimpse, so “everybody can see where we are with Jesus, so depending where you live in the city, you can get on the Interstate and be with Jesus.”
As a result, cars kept joining the procession and in the end, 703 people had logged in to Glimpse to follow its progress, Beckman told LifeSiteNews.
Another “little miracle” several people commented on was that the weather was “extremely bad,” but “the entire hour we were in procession it was almost like the storm completely stopped,” she said.
The procession was especially poignant because Catholics were not able to attend the Easter Triduum services. Moreover, Bishop Joel Conzen ordered churches and adoration chapels closed when Republican Governor Brian Kemp issued a shelter-in-place order on April 2.
The Georgia Department of Public Health reported 15,669 confirmed cases and 3,108 hospitalized with the virus as of April 16. The state’s death toll from the virus is 587.
“[A]ny activity that would encourage people to leave their homes between now” and the duration of the order — which has been extended to April 30 — “would be unwise,” Conzen wrote on April 3.
“Drive-through sacraments or devotions should be suspended until this order is lifted. We should refrain from encouraging people for the present moment to leave home to come to such Church-sponsored activities,” he added.
Beckman said many participants were deeply affected by the Eucharistic procession.
“People were crying, they were so moved to have so many people join together in such a short period of time. It was beautiful, really, really beautiful,” she told LifeSiteNews.
Beckman had seven of her eight children in her car, including two teenage daughters, both of whom wept during the procession, “and another family, the same thing happened to their kids, these young people were moved to tears,” she said.
“Because it was Easter, and we were not able to be in a church, and that was a very difficult suffering, so to do this was a closeness to Christ that was unique.”
Her hope is that other cities will follow suit, particularly for Divine Mercy Sunday, and that this vehicular Eucharistic procession will “be the first of many around the whole world,” she said.
Hope Gricus, who took part in the procession, said that prayer can cause change.
“Prayer can stop famines or change lives, so through the procession and Eucharistic benediction, that can help Atlanta,” she told LifeSiteNews.
Janice Givens, another participant in the procession, is praying for similar “creative solutions from the bishops to allow our priests and pastors to allow us to be close to Jesus” at this time.
“This must be what purgatory feels like,” she told LifeSiteNews. “We know He’s there — we just can’t get to Him.”
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lifesitenews--2020-04-17--Pro-life Catholic scholars: Coronavirus is not the work of an angry ‘Mother Earth’

April 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The John Paul II Academy for Human Life and the Family wishes to communicate that Catholics and all reasonable men and women must beware the infiltration of a pagan , earth-centered New-Age sentiment subtly making its way into certain levels of our culture .
The present-day proponents of the primitive belief in an “ Earth Goddess ” have advanced their once simply ecological obsession to a personalization of their ‘ deity ’ and various agents have innocently and not so innocently provided echo of this archaic religion .
The idea that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is “ angry ” and punishing humanity for the felling of trees and pollution of various kinds is a backward step into the paganism which once held mankind in slavery .
Man , submitted to God , is the pinnacle of creation .
The earth was created as a stage on which men were to be tested .
It is not an end in itself .
To speak of it as such is childish anthropomorphism .
To impute to it human characteristics such as the earth “ feels ” , or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belief that the inanimate earth and the beauty of nature blooming upon it has a spirit of its own .
This is tantamount to a retreat into the pagan worship of things .
“ That men should die so that earth could be reborn ” , which is the implicit message in an article , recently and briefly appearing on the Vatican website , is akin to celebrating human sacrifice to placate pagan gods angered by man 's abuse or inattention , in this case the goddess Gaia .
It is immensely sad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldview by speaking of the “ earth having a fit ” or being angry , while simultaneously denying that God ’ s Justice includes the punishment of Hell so clearly forewarned by Our Lord .
The Church founded by the Risen Christ , Jesus , believes as always in the Last Judgement and in the Mercy of God , who does most certainly send calamities as warnings to His children on earth .

'It is immensely sad that Pope Francis should have encouraged this worldview by speaking of the 'earth having a fit' or being angry,' the group has said.
PRAYER PLEDGE: Rally around the daily Rosary to stop the coronavirus Sign the petition here.
April 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The John Paul II Academy for Human Life and the Family wishes to communicate that Catholics and all reasonable men and women must beware the infiltration of a pagan, earth-centered New-Age sentiment subtly making its way into certain levels of our culture.
The present-day proponents of the primitive belief in an “Earth Goddess” have advanced their once simply ecological obsession to a personalization of their ‘deity’ and various agents have innocently and not so innocently provided echo of this archaic religion.
The idea that “Gaia”, Pachamama, the Earth, is “angry” and punishing humanity for the felling of trees and pollution of various kinds is a backward step into the paganism which once held mankind in slavery.
Man, submitted to God, is the pinnacle of creation. The earth was created as a stage on which men were to be tested. It is not an end in itself. To speak of it as such is childish anthropomorphism. To impute to it human characteristics such as the earth “feels”, or the earth “heals” leads to the belief that the inanimate earth and the beauty of nature blooming upon it has a spirit of its own. This is tantamount to a retreat into the pagan worship of things.
“That men should die so that earth could be reborn”, which is the implicit message in an article, recently and briefly appearing on the Vatican website, is akin to celebrating human sacrifice to placate pagan gods angered by man's abuse or inattention, in this case the goddess Gaia.
It is immensely sad that Pope Francis should have encouraged this worldview by speaking of the “earth having a fit” or being angry, while simultaneously denying that God’s Justice includes the punishment of Hell so clearly forewarned by Our Lord.
The Church founded by the Risen Christ, Jesus, believes as always in the Last Judgement and in the Mercy of God, who does most certainly send calamities as warnings to His children on earth.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-17--Dark night of the soul: Faithful Catholic escapes death from coronavirus

April 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Dan Burke , the former president of EWTN News , sat down with me this week to discuss his recent diagnosis and recovery from the COVID-19 virus .
Although we discussed a wide range of issues , including liturgical abuses , what stood out to me from our conversation was the “ spiritual darkness ” he said he experienced while suffering from the virus in the hospital .
“ I do n't claim to be a mystic or any of that , ” he told me , “ and what I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I do n't want it to be — but if it 's possible for a human being in any way to understand what Jesus suffered in the garden or what he suffered when he said , ‘ my God , my God , why have you forsaken me , ’ that darkness for me was a sliver of a sliver of whatever that was for Jesus.
” Dan has had chronic asthma for many years .
“ I 've had more surgeries than I can count .
My body has never been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He informed me that he told his son that if he got the coronavirus he was going to die , and that he was okay with that .
He also explained that nurses would come to check on him in the intensive care unit but only occasionally .
He also said that he was offering up his sufferings for others and for institutions in the church , as he had done during previous ailments .
But , he said , this time around was “ totally new territory.
” “ It was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had in my life .
I had no sense of God 's presence at all .
I did n't despair and I did n't lose faith or hope .
But I was despairing , in a way — I was weeping a lot .
I was offering up the suffering.
” It was “ pitch-black , ” he continued , “ like if you 've ever camped out in places really far from the city , you when there 's no moon , there 's no moon out you .
Even if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only see it .
It 's sort of the darkness envelops the light at some point in the near distance .
You know , it was like that .
There was the darkness was impenetrable .
And it was just a horrible kind of suffering.
” Dan is the chairman of the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and just published a new book , entitled Spiritual Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits ( Sophia Institute Press ) .
It was released before he caught the coronavirus .
Dan told me that what struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the great need for “ repentance of the laity ” and for them to not receive Holy Communion in the hand but on their tongue while kneeling .
“ I believe that the highest order of demons are concerned with the disruption of worship , the proper worship of God , ” he said .
The John-Henry Westen Show is available by video on the show ’ s YouTube channel and right here on my LifeSite blog .
It is also available in audio format on platforms such as Spotify , Soundcloud , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for iTunes and Google Play as well .
To subscribe to the audio version on various channels , visit the ACast webpage here .
We ’ ve created a special email list for the show so that we can notify you every week when we post a new episode .
Please sign up now by clicking here .
You can also subscribe to the YouTube channel , and you ’ ll be notified by YouTube when there is new content .
You can send me feedback , or ideas for show topics by @ @ @ @ @ @

'It was the most black spiritual experience I've ever had in my life. I had no sense of God's presence at all,' Burke said.
PRAYER PLEDGE: Rally around the daily Rosary to stop the coronavirus Sign the petition here.
April 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Dan Burke, the former president of EWTN News, sat down with me this week to discuss his recent diagnosis and recovery from the COVID-19 virus. Although we discussed a wide range of issues, including liturgical abuses, what stood out to me from our conversation was the “spiritual darkness” he said he experienced while suffering from the virus in the hospital.
“I don't claim to be a mystic or any of that,” he told me, “and what I'm about to say could be audacious — and I don't want it to be — but if it's possible for a human being in any way to understand what Jesus suffered in the garden or what he suffered when he said, ‘my God, my God, why have you forsaken me,’ that darkness for me was a sliver of a sliver of whatever that was for Jesus.”
Dan has had chronic asthma for many years. “I've had more surgeries than I can count. My body has never been my friend,” he said. He informed me that he told his son that if he got the coronavirus he was going to die, and that he was okay with that.
He also explained that nurses would come to check on him in the intensive care unit but only occasionally. He also said that he was offering up his sufferings for others and for institutions in the church, as he had done during previous ailments. But, he said, this time around was “totally new territory.”
“It was the most black spiritual experience I've ever had in my life. I had no sense of God's presence at all. I didn't despair and I didn't lose faith or hope. But I was despairing, in a way — I was weeping a lot. I was offering up the suffering.”
It was “pitch-black,” he continued, “like if you've ever camped out in places really far from the city, you when there's no moon, there's no moon out you. Even if you flash a good flashlight, you can only see it. It's sort of the darkness envelops the light at some point in the near distance. You know, it was like that. There was the darkness was impenetrable. And it was just a horrible kind of suffering.”
Dan is the chairman of the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and just published a new book, entitled Spiritual Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits (Sophia Institute Press). It was released before he caught the coronavirus.
Dan told me that what struck him the most during his illness was the great need for “repentance of the laity” and for them to not receive Holy Communion in the hand but on their tongue while kneeling. “I believe that the highest order of demons are concerned with the disruption of worship, the proper worship of God,” he said.
The John-Henry Westen Show is available by video on the show’s YouTube channel and right here on my LifeSite blog.
It is also available in audio format on platforms such as Spotify, Soundcloud, and ACast. We are awaiting approval for iTunes and Google Play as well. To subscribe to the audio version on various channels, visit the ACast webpage here.
We’ve created a special email list for the show so that we can notify you every week when we post a new episode. Please sign up now by clicking here. You can also subscribe to the YouTube channel, and you’ll be notified by YouTube when there is new content.
You can send me feedback, or ideas for show topics by emailing [email protected].
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lifesitenews--2020-04-17--California county bans singing in online worship services

MENDOCINO COUNTY , California , April 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – On Good Friday , a county in the Golden State issued an order to churches banning singing ostensibly to further stem the spread of the coronavirus .
Mendocino County , which hugs California ’ s Pacific Coast about 100 miles north of San Francisco , published a revision of its former “ Shelter in Place Orders ” which some observers are saying goes too far .
The directive , which is in force until May 10 , limits events , including live-streamed events , to four individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The policy in Mendocino County is particularly chilling , ” wrote R. Albert Mohler , Jr. , president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in an essay at The Federalist .
“ Authorities can and should require that churches respect and maintain physical distancing between all the very limited participants in a streamed worship service .
The worship leader , the other musicians , and the pastor should comply with the local , state , and federal guidelines that are in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19 , ” wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an entirely different matter , however , to tell Christians that they can not sing in praise and honor of God , ” he continued .
“ Indeed , these orders came out just days before Resurrection Sunday—orders saying that Christians , on the day where they celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ , are prohibited from signing.
” “ During this crisis , governments must determine what services are essential to society and those that can be suspended in order to slow the spread of the virus .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments indicate that liquor stores and pet stores are essential but religious services are not , ” said Mohler .
“ When governments assert that abortions are essential but singing in a streamed worship service is just too unsafe and nonessential , then we have slipped into a complete upending of the American constitutional order.
” “ Government should never be in the position to derail any religious ministry and deem it nonessential .
That is , on its face , completely unconstitutional , ” he added .
Tyler O'Neil , conservative commentator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the Mendocino County music ban “ sounds like something out of a dystopian nightmare.
” “ Singing or playing wind instruments — even a harmonica — during a livestream video event can get citizens fined or thrown in prison , ” noted O ’ Neil .
“ No singing .
None .
No wind instruments .
None .
If Mendocino County churches wanted a triumphal trumpet solo as part of Easter Sunday worship to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus , that would be expressly banned , unless the trumpeter was in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” wrote O ’ Neil .
“ If they wanted a four-person choir to sing ‘ Christ the Lord is risen today , ’ members of that choir would have to join a livestream service virtually from their homes .
This is possible , of course , but it is extremely difficult to pull off.
” ‘ The coronavirus has brought many petty tyrants out of the shadows ’ “ At this juncture , we must observe a critical pattern emerging in American politics .
Many of the leading public figures trampling upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Mohler .
“ There is no coincidence in the hostility of Democrats towards religious liberty—it reflects the secular trajectory of the Democratic Party , ” he continued .
“ Many in the press and in the political power structures now refer to religious liberty with scare quotes around it , as if it is nothing more than a term of intellectual invention.
” “ The coronavirus has brought many petty tyrants out of the shadows , and it appears Mendocino County is home to some of the most abominable tyrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neil .

'Singing or playing wind instruments — even a harmonica — during a livestream video event can get citizens fined or thrown in prison.'
Urgent appeal to the bishops of the world: Feed your flock Sign the petition here.
MENDOCINO COUNTY, California, April 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – On Good Friday, a county in the Golden State issued an order to churches banning singing ostensibly to further stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Mendocino County, which hugs California’s Pacific Coast about 100 miles north of San Francisco, published a revision of its former “Shelter in Place Orders” which some observers are saying goes too far.
The directive, which is in force until May 10, limits events, including live-streamed events, to four individuals. It goes on to state:
No singing or use of wind instruments, harmonicas, or other instruments that could spread COVID-19 through projected droplets shall be permitted unless the recording of the event is done at one’s residence, and involving only the members of one’s household or living unit, because of the increased risk of transmission of COVID-19.
‘Particularly chilling’
“The policy in Mendocino County is particularly chilling,” wrote R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in an essay at The Federalist.
“Authorities can and should require that churches respect and maintain physical distancing between all the very limited participants in a streamed worship service. The worship leader, the other musicians, and the pastor should comply with the local, state, and federal guidelines that are in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” wrote Mohler on his website.
“It is an entirely different matter, however, to tell Christians that they cannot sing in praise and honor of God,” he continued. “Indeed, these orders came out just days before Resurrection Sunday—orders saying that Christians, on the day where they celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, are prohibited from singing.”
“During this crisis, governments must determine what services are essential to society and those that can be suspended in order to slow the spread of the virus. However, we have a major problem when governments indicate that liquor stores and pet stores are essential but religious services are not,” said Mohler. “When governments assert that abortions are essential but singing in a streamed worship service is just too unsafe and nonessential, then we have slipped into a complete upending of the American constitutional order.”
“Government should never be in the position to derail any religious ministry and deem it nonessential. That is, on its face, completely unconstitutional,” he added.
‘Dystopian nightmare’
Tyler O'Neil, conservative commentator and Senior Editor of PJ Media, said the Mendocino County music ban “sounds like something out of a dystopian nightmare.”
“Singing or playing wind instruments — even a harmonica — during a livestream video event can get citizens fined or thrown in prison,” noted O’Neil.
“No singing. None. No wind instruments. None. If Mendocino County churches wanted a triumphal trumpet solo as part of Easter Sunday worship to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, that would be expressly banned, unless the trumpeter was in his own house away from the sanctuary,” wrote O’Neil. “If they wanted a four-person choir to sing ‘Christ the Lord is risen today,’ members of that choir would have to join a livestream service virtually from their homes. This is possible, of course, but it is extremely difficult to pull off.”
‘The coronavirus has brought many petty tyrants out of the shadows’
“At this juncture, we must observe a critical pattern emerging in American politics. Many of the leading public figures trampling upon or compromising religious liberty are elected Democrats,” said Mohler.
“There is no coincidence in the hostility of Democrats towards religious liberty—it reflects the secular trajectory of the Democratic Party,” he continued. “Many in the press and in the political power structures now refer to religious liberty with scare quotes around it, as if it is nothing more than a term of intellectual invention.”
“The coronavirus has brought many petty tyrants out of the shadows, and it appears Mendocino County is home to some of the most abominable tyrants in America,” concluded O’Neil.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-17--Jeremy’s Egg: how the contents of an Easter egg changed the hearts of a whole class

Formerly Heart to Heart with Mother Miriam , Mother Miriam Live brings you inspiration and solutions for life ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Miriam is a Catholic nun on a mission to bring hope to a world that @ @ @ @ @ let her share that hope and joy with you !
To tune into Mother Miriam @ @ @ @ @ Facebook page here every Monday to Friday at 10am .

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Watch Mother Miriam's Live show from 4.17.2020. Today Mother reads a joyful Easter story Jeremy's Egg about a young disabled boy who brought the joy of Easter to his whole class. Listen to hear how he did this!
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lifesitenews--2020-04-17--Michigan Gov. Whitmer says abortions must continue because they’re ‘life-sustaining’

April 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Democrat Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer has made Michigan infamous for the scope of the restrictions she has imposed on private citizens in the name of containing COVID-19 , yet has allowed elective abortions to continue as normal .
On Thursday , she justified the double standard on the grounds that ending preborn lives is “ life-sustaining.
” “ We stopped elective surgeries here in Michigan , ” she said .
“ Some people have tried to say that that type of a procedure is considered the same and that ’ s ridiculous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on David Axelrod ’ s Axe Files podcast , the Daily Caller reported .
“ A woman ’ s health care , her whole future , her ability to decide if and when she starts a family is not an election , it is fundamental to her life , ” she claimed .
“ It is life sustaining and it ’ s something that government should not be getting in the middle of .
” U.S .
Surgeon General Jerome Adams and the federal Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) advised healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ procedures , both to limit the spread of the coronavirus and to free up time and resources to focus on infected patients .
In response , many states have temporarily ordered health providers to comply , some explicitly clarifying that abortions will be held to the same standard while others , like Michigan , exempt the abortion industry .
State Republicans and pro-life activists have pressured Whitmer to suspend abortions during this crisis , but so far their pleas have fallen on deaf ears .
“ Botched abortions can require follow-up surgical procedures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Life of Michigan argued .
“ Use of the abortion pill often results in complications such as excessive bleeding requiring visits to a doctor ’ s office .
Patients and staff inside abortion facilities increases the likelihood of coronavirus spreading from close contact.
” Whitmer has become one of the most infamous governors in the nation for the scope of the restrictions she has imposed , from ordering grocery stores to stop selling plants and seeds ( even as lottery tickets remain available ) to prohibiting travel between two private residences owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provoked a protest at the state capitol drawing thousands of angry Michiganders , and two federal lawsuits asserting violations of Americans ’ constituitonal rights .
Readers can click here for LifeSiteNews ’ live updates on the coronavirus and its impact all over the world .

April 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has made Michigan infamous for the scope of the restrictions she has imposed on private citizens in the name of containing COVID-19, yet has allowed elective abortions to continue as normal. On Thursday, she justified the double standard on the grounds that ending preborn lives is “life-sustaining.”
“We stopped elective surgeries here in Michigan,” she said. “Some people have tried to say that that type of a procedure is considered the same and that’s ridiculous,” Whitmer said during an interview on David Axelrod’s Axe Files podcast, the Daily Caller reported.
“A woman’s health care, her whole future, her ability to decide if and when she starts a family is not an election, it is fundamental to her life,” she claimed. “It is life sustaining and it’s something that government should not be getting in the middle of. ”
U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams and the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advised healthcare facilities to reschedule non-urgent appointments and elective procedures, both to limit the spread of the coronavirus and to free up time and resources to focus on infected patients. In response, many states have temporarily ordered health providers to comply, some explicitly clarifying that abortions will be held to the same standard while others, like Michigan, exempt the abortion industry.
State Republicans and pro-life activists have pressured Whitmer to suspend abortions during this crisis, but so far their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
“Botched abortions can require follow-up surgical procedures or emergency room visits,” Right to Life of Michigan argued. “Use of the abortion pill often results in complications such as excessive bleeding requiring visits to a doctor’s office. Patients and staff inside abortion facilities increases the likelihood of coronavirus spreading from close contact.”
Whitmer has become one of the most infamous governors in the nation for the scope of the restrictions she has imposed, from ordering grocery stores to stop selling plants and seeds (even as lottery tickets remain available) to prohibiting travel between two private residences owned by the same individual. Her lockdown provoked a protest at the state capitol drawing thousands of angry Michiganders, and two federal lawsuits asserting violations of Americans’ constituitonal rights.
Readers can click here for LifeSiteNews’ live updates on the coronavirus and its impact all over the world.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-17--Dem governor tells Tucker Carlson how he worked closely with top US cardinal to ban sacraments

TRENTON , New Jersey , April 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy revealed in an April 15 interview with Tucker Carlson that he worked closely with Pope-Francis appointed Cardinal Joseph Tobin to make sure priests were not dispensing the sacraments due to the coronavirus .
Murphy explained how he “ called up ” the Cardinal , who is Archbishop of Newark , when the coronavirus pandemic first made its effects felt in mid-March .
“ I said , listen , I ’ m really concerned about drive-through Holy Communion because we had heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus and unwittingly passed it on to parishioners , ” Murphy recounted .
Murphy made his remarks in the context of talking about having to confer with attorneys for everything , but how he was able to simply and unbureaucratically “ call up ” the Cardinal .
According to Murphy , Tobin declared : “ We 're not doing that .
I promise you .
And I ’ ll confirm that with my fellow bishops.
” Carlson said that “ government is not allowed to tell people how to worship , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue .
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of religion , including the “ free exercise ” of that religion .
At one point in the interview , Carlson asked Murphy by “ what authority ” he nullified the Bill of Rights that allows Americans to “ practice their religion as they see fit and to congregate together , to assemble peacefully.
” Murphy responded : “ That 's above my paygrade , Tucker .
So , I was n't thinking of the Bill of Rights when we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores , as opposed to churches , are not affected by the coronavirus pandemic and allowed to stay open , the Governor argued that shutting down liquor stores would have led to “ unintended mental health and addiction prices to pay , unintended consequences.
” He then emphasized that he had “ spoken to Cardinal Tobin , to the leaders of the Jewish community , of the Muslim community.
” “ People are at peace where we have come out there , ” the Governor said .
“ No one ’ s happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they think of as the norm , and who could blame them ?
I want to do that as well.
” On March 12 , Governor Murphy had first recommended canceling “ all public gatherings ” of more than 250 people , “ including parades , concerts , and sporting events.
” He did not mention religious services .
Then , on March 18 , he insisted that “ [ w ] e need all walks of our life , and in this case especially our faith leaders , to adhere to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathering .
We must get 100 % compliance in our faith communities and around the state.
” During the March 18 press conference , he admitted that “ because of these actions , we know that many of our houses of worship at the same time are facing very real challenges , and we pledge to work with them to seek out creative ways to mitigate their pain and ensure their long-term health.
” On the very same day , Cardinal Joseph Tobin announced that “ all public celebrations of daily and Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Similarly , “ all public celebrations of the Sacraments and other public forms of worship are also suspended until further notice .
This includes , but is not limited to , previously scheduled Confirmations , celebrations of First Communion , penitential services , Communion services , and Liturgies of the Word.
” According to the website of the Archdiocese of Newark , the decision “ was made out of deep concern for the well-being of the faithful and wider community , especially those most at risk of serious illness or death , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ During this challenging time in the life and mission of the Archdiocese of Newark , I ask for your cooperation and leadership as we mobilize the resources and support needed to care for all in our communities .
Our Eucharistic fast continues , as we pray for its quick end , ” he said .
Three days later , on March 21 , Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 107 , a stay-at-home order that explicitly listed religious motives as an acceptable reason for citizens to leave their houses .
“ All New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their place of residence unless they are … leaving the home for an educational , religious , or political reason , ” the Governor wrote .
In any case , people were still required to “ practice social distancing and stay six feet apart whenever practicable , excluding immediate family members , caretakers , household members , or romantic partners.
” The arrest of 15 Jews at a synagogue in Lakewood , New Jersey , which was brought up by Carlson in the interview , apparently did not take place because it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Post reported , police found “ 60 to 70 people gathered outside the synagogue , ” which exceeded Murphy ’ s “ 50-person maximum.
” Newsweek summarized the religious exemptions in various states in an article published just before Easter .
“ New York , the state with the most COVID-19 cases in the nation by far , has not restricted religious gatherings , although the state ‘ strongly recommended ’ that in-person services not be held .
The states with the second and third most cases , New Jersey and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their stay-at-home orders.
” Tobin lacks credibility among numerous faithful Catholics in the United States .
He backs homosexual activists , such as Fr .
James Martin , and has personally welcomed an “ LGBT Pilgrimage ” to his cathedral .
He holds that the Church is “ moving on the question of same-sex couples.
” In 2018 , he tweeted , “ Nighty-night baby .
I love you.
” He later deleted the Tweet and claimed it was “ meant as a private communication with one of my sisters.
” News later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rectory a young Italian actor for a period of time .

Urgent appeal to the bishops of the world: Feed your flock Sign the petition here.
TRENTON, New Jersey, April 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy revealed in an April 15 interview with Tucker Carlson that he worked closely with Pope-Francis appointed Cardinal Joseph Tobin to make sure priests were not dispensing the sacraments due to the coronavirus.
Murphy explained how he “called up” the Cardinal, who is Archbishop of Newark, when the coronavirus pandemic first made its effects felt in mid-March.
“I said, listen, I’m really concerned about drive-through Holy Communion because we had heard some stories about priests who unwittingly had the virus and unwittingly passed it on to parishioners,” Murphy recounted.
Murphy made his remarks in the context of talking about having to confer with attorneys for everything, but how he was able to simply and unbureaucratically “call up” the Cardinal.
According to Murphy, Tobin declared: “We're not doing that. I promise you. And I’ll confirm that with my fellow bishops.”
Carlson said that “government is not allowed to tell people how to worship,” but did not press the Governor on the issue.
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, including the “free exercise” of that religion.
At one point in the interview, Carlson asked Murphy by “what authority” he nullified the Bill of Rights that allows Americans to “practice their religion as they see fit and to congregate together, to assemble peacefully.”
Murphy responded: “That's above my paygrade, Tucker. So, I wasn't thinking of the Bill of Rights when we did this.”
Asked about why liquor stores, as opposed to churches, are not affected by the coronavirus pandemic and allowed to stay open, the Governor argued that shutting down liquor stores would have led to “unintended mental health and addiction prices to pay, unintended consequences.”
He then emphasized that he had “spoken to Cardinal Tobin, to the leaders of the Jewish community, of the Muslim community.”
“People are at peace where we have come out there,” the Governor said. “No one’s happy. Everyone wants to get back to what they think of as the norm, and who could blame them? I want to do that as well.”
On March 12, Governor Murphy had first recommended canceling “all public gatherings” of more than 250 people, “including parades, concerts, and sporting events.” He did not mention religious services.
Then, on March 18, he insisted that “[w]e need all walks of our life, and in this case especially our faith leaders, to adhere to the 50-person maximum requirement in terms of gathering. We must get 100% compliance in our faith communities and around the state.”
During the March 18 press conference, he admitted that “because of these actions, we know that many of our houses of worship at the same time are facing very real challenges, and we pledge to work with them to seek out creative ways to mitigate their pain and ensure their long-term health.”
On the very same day, Cardinal Joseph Tobin announced that “all public celebrations of daily and Sunday Mass will be suspended until further notice.”
Similarly, “all public celebrations of the Sacraments and other public forms of worship are also suspended until further notice. This includes, but is not limited to, previously scheduled Confirmations, celebrations of First Communion, penitential services, Communion services, and Liturgies of the Word.”
According to the website of the Archdiocese of Newark, the decision “was made out of deep concern for the well-being of the faithful and wider community, especially those most at risk of serious illness or death, and in cooperation with statewide mandates.”
“During this challenging time in the life and mission of the Archdiocese of Newark, I ask for your cooperation and leadership as we mobilize the resources and support needed to care for all in our communities. Our Eucharistic fast continues, as we pray for its quick end,” he said.
Three days later, on March 21, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 107, a stay-at-home order that explicitly listed religious motives as an acceptable reason for citizens to leave their houses. “All New Jersey residents shall remain home or at their place of residence unless they are … leaving the home for an educational, religious, or political reason,” the Governor wrote.
In any case, people were still required to “practice social distancing and stay six feet apart whenever practicable, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.”
The arrest of 15 Jews at a synagogue in Lakewood, New Jersey, which was brought up by Carlson in the interview, apparently did not take place because it was a “religious gathering.” Instead, the Washington Post reported, police found “60 to 70 people gathered outside the synagogue,” which exceeded Murphy’s “50-person maximum.”
Newsweek summarized the religious exemptions in various states in an article published just before Easter. “New York, the state with the most COVID-19 cases in the nation by far, has not restricted religious gatherings, although the state ‘strongly recommended’ that in-person services not be held. The states with the second and third most cases, New Jersey and Michigan, also include religious exemptions in their stay-at-home orders.”
Tobin lacks credibility among numerous faithful Catholics in the United States. He backs homosexual activists, such as Fr. James Martin, and has personally welcomed an “LGBT Pilgrimage” to his cathedral. He holds that the Church is “moving on the question of same-sex couples.” In 2018, he tweeted, “Nighty-night baby. I love you.” He later deleted the Tweet and claimed it was “meant as a private communication with one of my sisters.” News later surfaced that the Cardinal housed in his rectory a young Italian actor for a period of time.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-17--159 Congressmen ask FDA to continue enforcing abortion pill regs during pandemic

WASHINGTON , D.C. , April 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – 159 pro-life members of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate have called on Stephen Hahn , Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) , “ to continue to robustly enforce ” the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy for the abortion pill .
As the members of Congress pointed out in a letter dated April 14 , “ there are some who seek to exploit this time of crisis to push for the weakening or overturning of critical Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drugs , which would put women at significant risk.
” The signers of the letter were referring to a letter by 21 state attorneys general who asked Hahn on March 30 “ to request that you increase access to reproductive healthcare , including safe and legal abortion , during this pandemic.
” “ [ W ] e urge you to waive its Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy ( REMS ) , or use FDA enforcement discretion , to allow certified prescribers to use telehealth for Mifepristone , the medication abortion prescription drug , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-life legislators responded by recalling the rules currently in place .
“ The FDA has approved chemical abortion for use up to 10 weeks gestation , but due to the attendant risks to the mother , FDA requires that only a certified prescriber dispense the drugs after confirming the gestational age , ruling out ectopic pregnancy , and that the woman herself sign and retain a copy of the prescribers agreement.
” The term “ ectopic pregnancy ” refers to an embryo attaching outside the uterus .
The letter added , “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prescriber , who knows the state of a woman ’ s pregnancy and health , is critical for patient safety.
” A medical abortion is performed by taking mifepristone , followed by misoprostol 24 to 72 hours later .
Mifepristone is a progesterone receptor blocker causing separation of the placenta from the uterus .
This leads to the death of the embryo or fetus .
Misoprostol then causes the uterus to contract and expel the dead child .
The members of Congress listed several dangers associated with medical abortions .
Research proves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many as five to seven percent of women who take abortion drugs will require follow-up surgery , and three percent could end up in the emergency room.
” “ Self-managed abortions from home are especially dangerous ; in fact , half of abortion providers do not consider them safe , ” they explained .
Nevertheless , abortion supporters , including the 21 attorneys eneral in their March 30 letter , are pushing for just that : self-administered medical abortions .
“ Logical consistency is no object , ” Marjorie Dannenfelser , president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ironically , “ abortion proponents argue it ’ s too dangerous to leave home , but not to take abortion drugs without medical supervision.
” “ The advantages of chemical abortion to the abortion industry are obvious : reduced overhead and accountability .
The risks to women ’ s health and safety , and to everyone else during a global pandemic , are profound , ” said Dannenfelser .
According to the pro-life congressmen , “ medication abortion becomes even more dangerous in situations where women can not access emergency medical care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 pandemic as emergency rooms are currently being overwhelmed.
” “ While hospitals are being pushed to their limits because of the growing number of people severely ill as a result of COVID-19 , we should minimize , not increase , unrelated pressures on our health care providers , ” they emphasized .
For that reason , several states banned abortions as non-essential services during the current pandemic .
However , in many cases , federal courts overturned the states ’ measures to conserve scarce medical resources in the fight against the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pro-life legislators to stay strong on the abortion pill is important , Dannenfelser wanted to see “ the most innovative response the pro-life movement can muster , focusing new efforts on social action and information .
Women must be warned about the reality of what it entails , versus abortion lobby spin.
” “ Many will still choose it , ” she admitted , “ but many will regret that choice .
Our response must empower women , and all those who observe these heartbreaking scenes .
Women must hear the truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis , the abortion industry seeks to profit from their pain , while the pro-life movement offers them hope.
” In addition to asking the FDA to enforce the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy for the abortion pill , the members of Congress also encouraged the government agency “ to conduct oversight into ongoing studies to remotely dispense medication abortion to women , which is a violation of the REMS.
” Unbeknownst to many , medical abortions are actually reversible for a short period of time .
To reverse the medical abortion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an injection , as soon as possible after taking mifepristone , but before taking misoprostol .
A whole website is dedicated to helping women with an abortion pill reversal .
LifeSiteNews reported yesterday on a powerful story of an abortion pill reversal , shared by Matt Walsh , a cultural and political commentator at The Daily Wire .

PETITION: Pres. Trump don't give federal funds to COVID-19 vaccines made from aborted baby cells Sign the petition here.
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – 159 pro-life members of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate have called on Stephen Hahn, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “to continue to robustly enforce” the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy for the abortion pill.
As the members of Congress pointed out in a letter dated April 14, “there are some who seek to exploit this time of crisis to push for the weakening or overturning of critical Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) association with medication abortion drugs, which would put women at significant risk.”
The signers of the letter were referring to a letter by 21 state attorneys general who asked Hahn on March 30 “to request that you increase access to reproductive healthcare, including safe and legal abortion, during this pandemic.”
“[W]e urge you to waive its Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), or use FDA enforcement discretion, to allow certified prescribers to use telehealth for Mifepristone, the medication abortion prescription drug,” the Attorneys General continued.
The pro-life legislators responded by recalling the rules currently in place.
“The FDA has approved chemical abortion for use up to 10 weeks gestation, but due to the attendant risks to the mother, FDA requires that only a certified prescriber dispense the drugs after confirming the gestational age, ruling out ectopic pregnancy, and that the woman herself sign and retain a copy of the prescribers agreement.”
The term “ectopic pregnancy” refers to an embryo attaching outside the uterus.
The letter added, “The involvement of a physician or other certified prescriber, who knows the state of a woman’s pregnancy and health, is critical for patient safety.”
A medical abortion is performed by taking mifepristone, followed by misoprostol 24 to 72 hours later. Mifepristone is a progesterone receptor blocker causing separation of the placenta from the uterus. This leads to the death of the embryo or fetus. Misoprostol then causes the uterus to contract and expel the dead child.
The members of Congress listed several dangers associated with medical abortions.
Research proves, they pointed out, “that as many as five to seven percent of women who take abortion drugs will require follow-up surgery, and three percent could end up in the emergency room.”
“Self-managed abortions from home are especially dangerous; in fact, half of abortion providers do not consider them safe,” they explained.
Nevertheless, abortion supporters, including the 21 attorneys general in their March 30 letter, are pushing for just that: self-administered medical abortions.
“Logical consistency is no object,” Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of pro-life Susan B. Anthony List, remarked. Ironically, “abortion proponents argue it’s too dangerous to leave home, but not to take abortion drugs without medical supervision.”
“The advantages of chemical abortion to the abortion industry are obvious: reduced overhead and accountability. The risks to women’s health and safety, and to everyone else during a global pandemic, are profound,” said Dannenfelser.
According to the pro-life congressmen, “medication abortion becomes even more dangerous in situations where women cannot access emergency medical care. This is especially concerning during the COVID-19 pandemic as emergency rooms are currently being overwhelmed.”
“While hospitals are being pushed to their limits because of the growing number of people severely ill as a result of COVID-19, we should minimize, not increase, unrelated pressures on our health care providers,” they emphasized.
For that reason, several states banned abortions as non-essential services during the current pandemic. However, in many cases, federal courts overturned the states’ measures to conserve scarce medical resources in the fight against the coronavirus.
Even though the political initiative of the pro-life legislators to stay strong on the abortion pill is important, Dannenfelser wanted to see “the most innovative response the pro-life movement can muster, focusing new efforts on social action and information. Women must be warned about the reality of what it entails, versus abortion lobby spin.”
“Many will still choose it,” she admitted, “but many will regret that choice. Our response must empower women, and all those who observe these heartbreaking scenes. Women must hear the truth and know that, in times of crisis, the abortion industry seeks to profit from their pain, while the pro-life movement offers them hope.”
In addition to asking the FDA to enforce the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy for the abortion pill, the members of Congress also encouraged the government agency “to conduct oversight into ongoing studies to remotely dispense medication abortion to women, which is a violation of the REMS.”
Unbeknownst to many, medical abortions are actually reversible for a short period of time. To reverse the medical abortion, women take progesterone, orally or as an injection, as soon as possible after taking mifepristone, but before taking misoprostol.
A whole website is dedicated to helping women with an abortion pill reversal.
LifeSiteNews reported yesterday on a powerful story of an abortion pill reversal, shared by Matt Walsh, a cultural and political commentator at The Daily Wire.
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