lifesitenews--2020-03-17--Service to report sex abuse of US Catholic bishops goes live in midst of coronavirus pandemic

UNITED STATES , March 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — A new system paid for by the 197 dioceses and eparchies of the United States was launched yesterday to report “ sexual abuse or misconduct ” committed by U.S. Catholic bishops .
The service was launched in the midst of the country reeling from the coronavirus pandemic .
The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service ( CBAR ) allows complainants to file confidential reports with an independent , third-party service , either via telephone or an online form .
Reports will then be forwarded , unedited , to the appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Metropolitan archbishop , or a Senior Suffragan bishop if the report is about the Metropolitan .
While the service is paid for by dioceses across the U.S. , it is provided by a third-party commercial vendor .
“ This third-party reporting system is provided by Convercent , Inc. , which is a commercial vendor of ethics reporting services and has no authority within the Catholic Church , ” the website for the new service states .
“ The service reflects Convercent ’ s standard design for confidentially receiving and relaying reports , additionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law .
The service is paid for by the 197 dioceses and eparchies of the United States .
The service is operated by the Metropolitan archbishops and Senior Suffragan bishops of each province , with the assistance of the designated lay people corresponding to each , ” the website adds .
The website for the new service is ReportBishopAbuse.org and calls can be made to 1-800-276-1562 .
A statement by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia says that the system was launched in response to Vos Estis Lux Mundi , a 2019 motu proprio issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for clerical sexual abuse investigations .
The motu proprio provides procedures for pursuing investigations when the accused is a bishop , cardinal , or religious superior .
In the past , victims and accusers have complained that investigations against the hierarchy have languished , as was the case with the now-disgraced former cardinal Theodore McCarrick .
The new rules require all dioceses and eparchies around the world to create “ one or more public , stable and easily accessible systems for submission of reports ” by May 31 this year .
The service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not intended as a substitute for calling the police and urges those who feel that they are a victim of a crime to contact local law enforcement immediately .
The site also notes that those who receive reports of “ sexual abuse of a minor and certain other crimes will report them to civil authorities as required by law.
” The Frequently Asked Questions section of the website notes the sorts of complaints of sexual abuse against a bishop the service has been established to receive .
A U.S. Catholic bishop who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or to submit to sexual acts through violence , threat , or abuse of authority ; • produced , exhibited , possessed , or distributed child pornography , or recruited or induced a minor or a vulnerable person to participate in pornographic exhibitions ; • or , a U.S. diocesan or eparchial bishop , or other cleric overseeing a diocese/eparchy in the absence of a diocesan or eparchial bishop , who , in the exercise of their office , intentionally interfered with a civil or Church investigation into allegations of sexual abuse committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to being sent to the relevant bishop , reports will also be forwarded to a lay person assigned to assist in receiving the reports .
In the wake of the McCarrick abuse scandal last year , US bishops Joseph Strickland and Shawn McKnight called on their fellow bishops to involve the laity in the investigation of abuse by bishops .
“ Lay involvement should be mandatory to make darn sure that we bishops do not harm the Church in the way bishops have harmed the Church , especially what we have become aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said at the bishops ’ General Assembly in June last year .
Under the new system , the bishop who receives a report will be required to send the report and an initial assessment to the Apostolic Nuncio .
The Nuncio will then refer cases to the Holy See , who will decide within thirty days if a formal investigation is required .
If so , a bishop will be tasked with overseeing the investigation .
According to the website , if the Holy See does launch an investigation “ it will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persons.
” The site claims that “ [ n ] ormally , the investigation is to be completed within 90 days of receiving the order from the Holy See.
” In September 2019 , the Vatican began the first investigation under the new rules established by Vos Estis Lux Mundi into Crookston Bishop Michael Hoeppner for charges that he impeded a police or canonical investigation of clerical sexual misconduct in the Crookston diocese .
No judgment has yet been passed .
In February this year , the Vatican announced that it was launching @ @ @ @ @ @

UNITED STATES, March 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — A new system paid for by the 197 dioceses and eparchies of the United States was launched yesterday to report “sexual abuse or misconduct” committed by U.S. Catholic bishops. The service was launched in the midst of the country reeling from the coronavirus pandemic.
The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service (CBAR) allows complainants to file confidential reports with an independent, third-party service, either via telephone or an online form. Reports will then be forwarded, unedited, to the appropriate Church authority, which is usually a Metropolitan archbishop, or a Senior Suffragan bishop if the report is about the Metropolitan.
While the service is paid for by dioceses across the U.S., it is provided by a third-party commercial vendor.
“This third-party reporting system is provided by Convercent, Inc., which is a commercial vendor of ethics reporting services and has no authority within the Catholic Church,” the website for the new service states.
“The service reflects Convercent’s standard design for confidentially receiving and relaying reports, additionally tailored to fit the requirements of Church law. The service is paid for by the 197 dioceses and eparchies of the United States. The service is operated by the Metropolitan archbishops and Senior Suffragan bishops of each province, with the assistance of the designated lay people corresponding to each,” the website adds.
The website for the new service is ReportBishopAbuse.org and calls can be made to 1-800-276-1562.
A statement by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia says that the system was launched in response to Vos Estis Lux Mundi, a 2019 motu proprio issued by Pope Francis, establishing new rules for clerical sexual abuse investigations.
The motu proprio provides procedures for pursuing investigations when the accused is a bishop, cardinal, or religious superior. In the past, victims and accusers have complained that investigations against the hierarchy have languished, as was the case with the now-disgraced former cardinal Theodore McCarrick.
The new rules require all dioceses and eparchies around the world to create “one or more public, stable and easily accessible systems for submission of reports” by May 31 this year.
The service’s website stresses that the service is not intended as a substitute for calling the police and urges those who feel that they are a victim of a crime to contact local law enforcement immediately. The site also notes that those who receive reports of “sexual abuse of a minor and certain other crimes will report them to civil authorities as required by law.”
The Frequently Asked Questions section of the website notes the sorts of complaints of sexual abuse against a bishop the service has been established to receive. A U.S. Catholic bishop who has:
forced someone to perform or to submit to sexual acts through violence, threat, or abuse of authority;
performed sexual acts with a minor or a vulnerable person;
produced, exhibited, possessed, or distributed child pornography, or recruited or induced a minor or a vulnerable person to participate in pornographic exhibitions;
or, a U.S. diocesan or eparchial bishop, or other cleric overseeing a diocese/eparchy in the absence of a diocesan or eparchial bishop, who, in the exercise of their office, intentionally interfered with a civil or Church investigation into allegations of sexual abuse committed by another cleric or religious
In addition to being sent to the relevant bishop, reports will also be forwarded to a lay person assigned to assist in receiving the reports.
In the wake of the McCarrick abuse scandal last year, US bishops Joseph Strickland and Shawn McKnight called on their fellow bishops to involve the laity in the investigation of abuse by bishops.
“Lay involvement should be mandatory to make darn sure that we bishops do not harm the Church in the way bishops have harmed the Church, especially what we have become aware of this past year,” McKnight said at the bishops’ General Assembly in June last year.
Under the new system, the bishop who receives a report will be required to send the report and an initial assessment to the Apostolic Nuncio. The Nuncio will then refer cases to the Holy See, who will decide within thirty days if a formal investigation is required. If so, a bishop will be tasked with overseeing the investigation.
According to the website, if the Holy See does launch an investigation “it will be undertaken by qualified experts, including lay persons.” The site claims that “[n]ormally, the investigation is to be completed within 90 days of receiving the order from the Holy See.”
In September 2019, the Vatican began the first investigation under the new rules established by Vos Estis Lux Mundi into Crookston Bishop Michael Hoeppner for charges that he impeded a police or canonical investigation of clerical sexual misconduct in the Crookston diocese. No judgment has yet been passed. In February this year, the Vatican announced that it was launching a further investigation into Hoeppner.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-17--Knowing the beauty of the true faith

Knowing the beauty of the true faith

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 .

Watch Mother Miriam's Live show from 3.17.2020. Mother Miriam discusses the importance of truth and truly knowing the scriptures and the faith.
You can tune in daily at 10 am EST/7 am PST on our Facebook Page.
Subscribe to Mother Miriam Live here.


lifesitenews--2020-03-17--Nun implores bishops to reinstate Sunday masses

March 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – As the coronavirus panic spreads across the world , countless bishops and even the Pope have canceled Masses in their dioceses .
Although the concern of spreading the virus is great , Mother Miriam reminds her listeners that we shouldn ’ t let fear control us during this difficult time .
On Monday ’ s episode of Mother Miriam Live , Mother encouraged listeners to beg their bishops to reinstate Masses .
During this trying time , we need to draw nearer to God , not be paralyzed by fear .
Watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring back public masses : “ This time should not be a time of isolation and protecting ourselves .
It should be a time of drawing near our Lord and having no fear , ” Mother told listeners .
When the plague struck Rome in the late 500s it killed the current Pope at the time , Pope Pelagius II .
Yet , when his successor Pope Saint Gregory the Great was elected , he didn ’ t hide from the plague , or cancel Masses .
He faced the plague head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a procession with an image of Our Lady , the plague ceased .
Read more about the beautiful miracle that occurred here .
Mother Miriam calls on her listeners and all Catholic faithful to remind their bishops of Pope Saint Gregory the Great ’ s response .
We must be courageous and have faith in God during this trying time .
We can use reason and prudence to take measures not to expose ourselves to the virus or infect others .
The celebration of Mass , prayer , and fasting are of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather have our Lord than be afraid we catch the virus , ” Mother tells listeners .
To hear more from Mother Miriam tune into her daily live show .
Mother Miriam Live airs Monday through Friday at 10 AM EST here .
You can hear Mother ’ s past shows here .
To stay updated on Mother ’ s most recent shows , sign-up for email reminders and updates :

Mother Miriam implores bishops to bring back public masses during this time of great need.
March 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – As the coronavirus panic spreads across the world, countless bishops and even the Pope have canceled Masses in their dioceses. Although the concern of spreading the virus is great, Mother Miriam reminds her listeners that we shouldn’t let fear control us during this difficult time.
On Monday’s episode of Mother Miriam Live, Mother encouraged listeners to beg their bishops to reinstate Masses. During this trying time, we need to draw nearer to God, not be paralyzed by fear.
Watch Mother Miriam as she calls on bishops to bring back public masses:
“This time should not be a time of isolation and protecting ourselves. It should be a time of drawing near our Lord and having no fear,” Mother told listeners.
When the plague struck Rome in the late 500s it killed the current Pope at the time, Pope Pelagius II. Yet, when his successor Pope Saint Gregory the Great was elected, he didn’t hide from the plague, or cancel Masses. He faced the plague head on. Through prayer, fasting, and a procession with an image of Our Lady, the plague ceased. Read more about the beautiful miracle that occurred here.
Mother Miriam calls on her listeners and all Catholic faithful to remind their bishops of Pope Saint Gregory the Great’s response. We must be courageous and have faith in God during this trying time. We can use reason and prudence to take measures not to expose ourselves to the virus or infect others.
The celebration of Mass, prayer, and fasting are of utmost importance.
“I’d rather have our Lord than be afraid we catch the virus,” Mother tells listeners.
To hear more from Mother Miriam tune into her daily live show. Mother Miriam Live airs Monday through Friday at 10 AM EST here. You can hear Mother’s past shows here.
To stay updated on Mother’s most recent shows, sign-up for email reminders and updates:
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lifesitenews--2020-03-17--Vatican theologians help pastors protect sacraments asked for by ‘baptized nonbelievers’

ROME , Italy , March 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – A Vatican-body of about 30 theologians that advises the Holy See on doctrinal questions has released a document addressing the crisis of poorly formed Catholics receiving sacraments , such as marriage , with little knowledge of what they signify and how they work .
The International Theological Commission ’ s ( ITC ) document , titled “ The Reciprocity Between Faith and Sacraments in the Sacramental Economy , ” states that in extreme cases , a complete absence of faith in a couple may prevent a sacramental marriage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today of ‘ baptized nonbelievers ’ raises a new theological problem and a grave pastoral dilemma , especially when the lack of , or rather the rejection of , the Faith seems clear , ” states the document .
“ Where there is no trace of faith ( in the sense of “ belief ” -being disposed to believe ) , and no desire for grace or salvation is found , then a real doubt arises as to whether there is the above-mentioned general and truly sacramental intention and whether the contracted marriage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the document adds .
The document was released in early March .
It “ stresses the importance of Catholic doctrine and morals and that these doctrines and morals ought to be believed if one is going to be an authentic Catholic , ” said Fr .
Thomas Weinandy , who is a member of the ITC .
The Capuchin priest recently talked to Edward Pentin , Rome correspondent of the National Catholic Register .
He explained that the minister of the sacrament “ must have the intention of doing what the Church does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of marriage , the spouses are the ministers , while the priest is the Church ’ s witness .
“ Here is where the problem within the sacrament of marriage becomes tricky , ” Weinandy said .
“ Most Catholic couples probably intend to effect a truly sacramental marriage — even if they do not have a great deal of faith , nor practice their faith to any great extent.
” In those cases , a sacramental marriage is effected .
Some situations are different , though .
A parish priest might get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so ignorant of their faith and have never practiced their faith , that [ he ] wonders if they are incapable of doing what the Church does within a sacramental marriage.
” The ITC document argues that because of the spouses ’ “ complete ignorance of the faith and complete non-practice of their faith , they may be incapable of effecting a sacramental marriage.
” The commission suggests that for pastors , it is consistent with the Church ’ s sacramental practice “ to deny the sacrament of marriage ” to such couples @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasized that this idea , proposed for the first time by the ITC , is not new .
In his interview , Pentin suggested that perhaps “ merely the decision to enter sacramental marriage shows a degree of faith , however small or unconscious.
” While true under “ normal circumstances , ” Weinandy explained , in today ’ s society there are many exceptional cases .
“ What about the case where the couple really wanted to get married on the beach before a justice of the peace , and the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catholic church before a Catholic priest is because Mom has now insisted upon it , ” he asked .
“ The sacramentality of the event does not enter their minds , and they could care less .
They do not even know what it means for marriage to be a sacrament .
They will say ‘ Yes ’ to all of the priest ’ s preparatory questions , not because they believe what is being asked , but because they just want to get on with it—Mom wants them to get married in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing and will say and do anything to assure this.
” A final judgment of whether or not a marriage took place would still have to be made by a marriage tribunal , not by the spouses themselves .
However , Weinandy explained that “ these are real problems that a pastor often faces ; and the document is attempting to address these issues in a way that is faithful to Church teaching and to the pastoral reality that is at hand .
There are no simple , easy answers to these pastoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ The task of the [ ITC ] is that of helping the Holy See and primarily the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in examining doctrinal questions of major importance.
” Weinandy said that the ITC “ always tries to choose topics that are theologically and pastorally relevant.
” Thus the issue of faith and the sacraments was covered by the members of the ITC .
“ The reason this topic was chosen is due to the real problem that exists within the Church today .
People participate in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faith.
” Weinandy mentioned “ Christmas-and-Easter Catholics who come to Mass only on those solemnities and receive Communion and never go to confession .
Again , they are nominal Catholics but do not really practice their faith.
” A better understanding of the relationship between faith and the sacraments is also of spiritual consequence for the faithful .
“ The more that one ’ s faith is alive , the more the grace of the sacraments will enliven those ones who participate in them , ” the Capuchin theologian remarked .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can only be rectified when nominal Catholics come to a deeper understanding of the faith and , in turn , make a more mature act of faith .
Until the faith of the Church comes alive in the hearts and the minds of the people , these pastoral issues will remain.
” As is customary , the ITC document was presented to the Pope , whose “ favorable opinion ” it received on December 19 , 2019 .

ROME, Italy, March 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A Vatican-body of about 30 theologians that advises the Holy See on doctrinal questions has released a document addressing the crisis of poorly formed Catholics receiving sacraments, such as marriage, with little knowledge of what they signify and how they work.
The International Theological Commission’s (ITC) document, titled “The Reciprocity Between Faith and Sacraments in the Sacramental Economy,” states that in extreme cases, a complete absence of faith in a couple may prevent a sacramental marriage from taking place.
“The existence today of ‘baptized nonbelievers’ raises a new theological problem and a grave pastoral dilemma, especially when the lack of, or rather the rejection of, the Faith seems clear,” states the document.
“Where there is no trace of faith (in the sense of “belief”-being disposed to believe), and no desire for grace or salvation is found, then a real doubt arises as to whether there is the above-mentioned general and truly sacramental intention and whether the contracted marriage is validly contracted or not,” the document adds.
The document was released in early March. It “stresses the importance of Catholic doctrine and morals and that these doctrines and morals ought to be believed if one is going to be an authentic Catholic,” said Fr. Thomas Weinandy, who is a member of the ITC.
The Capuchin priest recently talked to Edward Pentin, Rome correspondent of the National Catholic Register. He explained that the minister of the sacrament “must have the intention of doing what the Church does within those sacraments.”
In the case of marriage, the spouses are the ministers, while the priest is the Church’s witness.
“Here is where the problem within the sacrament of marriage becomes tricky,” Weinandy said. “Most Catholic couples probably intend to effect a truly sacramental marriage — even if they do not have a great deal of faith, nor practice their faith to any great extent.” In those cases, a sacramental marriage is effected.
Some situations are different, though. A parish priest might get the impression that “a couple is so ignorant of their faith and have never practiced their faith, that [he] wonders if they are incapable of doing what the Church does within a sacramental marriage.”
The ITC document argues that because of the spouses’ “complete ignorance of the faith and complete non-practice of their faith, they may be incapable of effecting a sacramental marriage.” The commission suggests that for pastors, it is consistent with the Church’s sacramental practice “to deny the sacrament of marriage” to such couples when they meet certain conditions.
Weinandy emphasized that this idea, proposed for the first time by the ITC, is not new.
In his interview, Pentin suggested that perhaps “merely the decision to enter sacramental marriage shows a degree of faith, however small or unconscious.”
While true under “normal circumstances,” Weinandy explained, in today’s society there are many exceptional cases. “What about the case where the couple really wanted to get married on the beach before a justice of the peace, and the only reason they want a wedding in a Catholic church before a Catholic priest is because Mom has now insisted upon it,” he asked.
“The sacramentality of the event does not enter their minds, and they could care less. They do not even know what it means for marriage to be a sacrament. They will say ‘Yes’ to all of the priest’s preparatory questions, not because they believe what is being asked, but because they just want to get on with it—Mom wants them to get married in church so that is what they are doing and will say and do anything to assure this.”
A final judgment of whether or not a marriage took place would still have to be made by a marriage tribunal, not by the spouses themselves.
However, Weinandy explained that “these are real problems that a pastor often faces; and the document is attempting to address these issues in a way that is faithful to Church teaching and to the pastoral reality that is at hand. There are no simple, easy answers to these pastoral problems.”
According to the Vatican website, “The task of the [ITC] is that of helping the Holy See and primarily the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in examining doctrinal questions of major importance.”
Weinandy said that the ITC “always tries to choose topics that are theologically and pastorally relevant.” Thus the issue of faith and the sacraments was covered by the members of the ITC.
“The reason this topic was chosen is due to the real problem that exists within the Church today. People participate in the sacraments but often have little or no faith.”
Weinandy mentioned “Christmas-and-Easter Catholics who come to Mass only on those solemnities and receive Communion and never go to confession. Again, they are nominal Catholics but do not really practice their faith.”
A better understanding of the relationship between faith and the sacraments is also of spiritual consequence for the faithful. “The more that one’s faith is alive, the more the grace of the sacraments will enliven those ones who participate in them,” the Capuchin theologian remarked.
“The pastoral issues that this document dealt with can only be rectified when nominal Catholics come to a deeper understanding of the faith and, in turn, make a more mature act of faith. Until the faith of the Church comes alive in the hearts and the minds of the people, these pastoral issues will remain.”
As is customary, the ITC document was presented to the Pope, whose “favorable opinion” it received on December 19, 2019.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-17--Wyoming legislature sends born-alive protection bill to governor’s desk

CHEYENNE , Wyoming , March 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Wyoming is poised to become the latest state to ensure life-saving care for babies who survive botched abortions , thanks to a bill that just cleared its final legislative hurdle .
Senate File 97 would require physicians to provide care for children delivered alive after failed abortions , even if a baby is deemed to have a condition “ incompatible with life.
” Physicians who fail to do so would face as many as 14 years in prison .
The Wyoming House passed the bill 44-16 last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed the state Senate , and now goes to Republican Gov .
Mark Gordon for his likely signature .
“ Life is either precious or it ’ s not .
And to me , all life is inherently , God-givenly , precious , ” declared Republican state Rep. Jared Olsen in a floor debate over the measure , the Casper Star Tribune adds .
Some lawmakers attempted to amend the bill to reduce its penalties from felony status to misdemeanor , arguing that 14 years in jail was too severe for cases that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the amendment failed .
Abortion defenders have attempted to discredit born-alive laws by arguing that infanticide is a myth , and that existing laws already suffice to deter it .
In fact , several former abortion industry insiders and policy scholars have told Congress that many cases of infanticide are not captured by the official numbers .
Further , the existing federal laws on the subject do not contain specific criminal penalties for withholding medical treatment from newborns .
Over the past year , Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have applied nationwide .
Last month , that bill failed to pass the GOP-controlled U.S. Senate because the chamber ’ s current rules require 60 votes for most legislation rather than a simple majority .
Currently , 35 states have some form of born-alive protection on the books , though only 16 of those states ’ laws qualify as “ strong , ” according to the Family Research Council .

CHEYENNE, Wyoming, March 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Wyoming is poised to become the latest state to ensure life-saving care for babies who survive botched abortions, thanks to a bill that just cleared its final legislative hurdle.
Senate File 97 would require physicians to provide care for children delivered alive after failed abortions, even if a baby is deemed to have a condition “incompatible with life.” Physicians who fail to do so would face as many as 14 years in prison.
The Wyoming House passed the bill 44-16 last week, KGAB reports. It has already passed the state Senate, and now goes to Republican Gov. Mark Gordon for his likely signature.
“Life is either precious or it’s not. And to me, all life is inherently, God-givenly, precious,” declared Republican state Rep. Jared Olsen in a floor debate over the measure, the Casper Star Tribune adds.
Some lawmakers attempted to amend the bill to reduce its penalties from felony status to misdemeanor, arguing that 14 years in jail was too severe for cases that might involve severe medical conditions. But the amendment failed.
Abortion defenders have attempted to discredit born-alive laws by arguing that infanticide is a myth, and that existing laws already suffice to deter it. In fact, several former abortion industry insiders and policy scholars have told Congress that many cases of infanticide are not captured by the official numbers. Further, the existing federal laws on the subject do not contain specific criminal penalties for withholding medical treatment from newborns.
Over the past year, Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have repeatedly blocked a similar born-alive law that would have applied nationwide. Last month, that bill failed to pass the GOP-controlled U.S. Senate because the chamber’s current rules require 60 votes for most legislation rather than a simple majority.
Currently, 35 states have some form of born-alive protection on the books, though only 16 of those states’ laws qualify as “strong,” according to the Family Research Council.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-17--Coronavirus hits French bishop who met with Pope Francis while infected

ANGERS , France , March 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – A French bishop tested positive for coronavirus after having visited the Vatican while infected where he spent time in the presence of Pope Francis .
Bishop Emmanuel Delmas and 29 French bishops had visited Pope Francis in the Vatican on March 9 .
The 65-year-old was already experiencing symptoms in Rome , the diocese confirmed in a statement .
Pope Francis received the delegation of bishops from more than two dozen dioceses in France .
The bishops came to Rome for an ad limina visit , which obliges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City once every five years .
The Holy See Press Office did not respond to media inquiries asking if the French bishops had greeted Pope Francis with a customary handshake after the meeting .
Corrispondenza Romana reported , however , that bishops met Pope Francis , “ each giving him his hand.
” A statement from the Angers diocese said that the bishop is “ only slightly affected and his condition is currently not causing concern.
” “ He is following the prescribed rest and treatment and has been in isolation since his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faithful “ to persevere in prayer.
” He recommended “ this time of trial ” as an opportunity “ to pray especially for the sick , the frail and those working in health care.
” According to Famille Chretienne , the bishops accompanying Delmas are quarantined , as well .
It is not yet clear whether Pope Francis is quarantined .
On Sunday , he went on a walking pilgrimage to two churches in Rome , praying for an end of the coronavirus epidemic .
“ This afternoon , just after 4 pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a private visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major , to offer a prayer to the Virgin Mary , Salus Populi Romani , where her icon is kept and venerated , ” the Holy See Press Office stated on Sunday , according to Vatican News .
“ Then , after taking a walk along the Via del Corso – as if making a pilgrimage – he visited the church of San Marcello al Corso , where a miraculous crucifix is housed .
In 1522 it was carried in procession throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Great Plague ’ might cease in Rome.
” The bishop of Angers is not the first bishop to battle coronavirus .
98-year-old bishop Joseph Zhu Baoyu of Nanyang in China was diagnosed with the disease in early February .
“ He has tested negative since February 12 and his lungs were declared no longer infected on February 14 , ” AsiaNews reported .
The bishop was also suffering from other diseases .
Additionally , bishop Antonio Napolioni of Cremona in Italy , who had been hospitalized due to coronavirus , was discharged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bishop remains in quarantine for at least two more weeks , when he will be tested for coronavirus once more .
“ The entire Church of Cremona , while raising its gratitude to God , joins in warm thanks to the health staff … and all the workers who do their best for the good of so many suffering people , and therefore welcomes with joy the news of the discharge of bishop Antonio and his return home , wishing him to continue his convalescence with serenity in the expectation of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities at the end of this painful emergency , ” the diocese added .
In Italy , at least 10 priests have died of the coronavirus .
According to the Catholic News Agency , “ more than half of them were from the diocese of Bergamo ” in northern Italy .
“ The number of priests who have died this week and that of those who are still in a particularly serious situation is very high , ” bishop Francesco Beschi of Bergamo warned .
Italy is nearing 30,000 cases of people diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths has risen to almost 2,000 .
On March 16 , the number of daily new cases was lower than on the two days before .
French dioceses , for instance , the archdiocese of Paris , announced that public Masses are canceled .
Baptisms and marriages are no longer possible , while funerals can not exceed 100 participants .

ANGERS, France, March 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A French bishop tested positive for coronavirus after having visited the Vatican while infected where he spent time in the presence of Pope Francis.
Bishop Emmanuel Delmas and 29 French bishops had visited Pope Francis in the Vatican on March 9. The 65-year-old was already experiencing symptoms in Rome, the diocese confirmed in a statement.
Pope Francis received the delegation of bishops from more than two dozen dioceses in France. The bishops came to Rome for an ad limina visit, which obliges all bishops to come to the Eternal City once every five years.
The Holy See Press Office did not respond to media inquiries asking if the French bishops had greeted Pope Francis with a customary handshake after the meeting.
Corrispondenza Romana reported, however, that bishops met Pope Francis, “each giving him his hand.”
A statement from the Angers diocese said that the bishop is “only slightly affected and his condition is currently not causing concern.”
“He is following the prescribed rest and treatment and has been in isolation since his return from Italy.”
Delmas invited the faithful “to persevere in prayer.” He recommended “this time of trial” as an opportunity “to pray especially for the sick, the frail and those working in health care.”
According to Famille Chretienne, the bishops accompanying Delmas are quarantined, as well.
It is not yet clear whether Pope Francis is quarantined. On Sunday, he went on a walking pilgrimage to two churches in Rome, praying for an end of the coronavirus epidemic.
“This afternoon, just after 4 pm, Pope Francis left the Vatican and made a private visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, to offer a prayer to the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, where her icon is kept and venerated,” the Holy See Press Office stated on Sunday, according to Vatican News.
“Then, after taking a walk along the Via del Corso – as if making a pilgrimage – he visited the church of San Marcello al Corso, where a miraculous crucifix is housed. In 1522 it was carried in procession throughout the neighborhoods of the city so that the ‘Great Plague’ might cease in Rome.”
The bishop of Angers is not the first bishop to battle coronavirus. 98-year-old bishop Joseph Zhu Baoyu of Nanyang in China was diagnosed with the disease in early February.
“He has tested negative since February 12 and his lungs were declared no longer infected on February 14,” AsiaNews reported. The bishop was also suffering from other diseases.
Additionally, bishop Antonio Napolioni of Cremona in Italy, who had been hospitalized due to coronavirus, was discharged on Monday. The diocese announced that the bishop remains in quarantine for at least two more weeks, when he will be tested for coronavirus once more.
“The entire Church of Cremona, while raising its gratitude to God, joins in warm thanks to the health staff … and all the workers who do their best for the good of so many suffering people, and therefore welcomes with joy the news of the discharge of bishop Antonio and his return home, wishing him to continue his convalescence with serenity in the expectation of being able to see him soon among our communities at the end of this painful emergency,” the diocese added.
In Italy, at least 10 priests have died of the coronavirus. According to the Catholic News Agency, “more than half of them were from the diocese of Bergamo” in northern Italy.
“The number of priests who have died this week and that of those who are still in a particularly serious situation is very high,” bishop Francesco Beschi of Bergamo warned.
Italy is nearing 30,000 cases of people diagnosed with the coronavirus. The number of deaths has risen to almost 2,000. On March 16, the number of daily new cases was lower than on the two days before.
France has reported roughly 6,600 cases, and 148 deaths.
French dioceses, for instance, the archdiocese of Paris, announced that public Masses are canceled. Baptisms and marriages are no longer possible, while funerals cannot exceed 100 participants.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-17--Keeping calm and carrying on: Living in the UK during this pandemic

EDINBURGH , Scotland , March 17 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― There are no tins of tomatoes at the big supermarket near my home .
There is also no flour and no pasta .
I didn ’ t check for toilet paper because we don ’ t need any , and I didn ’ t feel like hanging around .
How ironic that I cancelled this morning ’ s appointment with my Italian tutor only to be in a shop crowded with dozens of strangers .
There are now 195 confirmed coronavirus cases in Scotland .
We don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a family pack before we left for a trip to Poland in late February .
The coronavirus , as we still called it then , had not yet been reported in Edinburgh , but I wasn ’ t sure the shelves wouldn ’ t be cleared before we returned .
They weren ’ t , but had I been very clever , I would have bought some flour and stockpiled more tins at once .
I don ’ t remember how I knew , in the last week of February , that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roll.
” Perhaps it was because I was already watching the virus spread , hoping we could get to Poland and back before it reached my god-daughter ’ s town .
Fortunately , we did .
The British government has asked us not to “ panic-buy ” and assured us that the grocery stores have robust delivery systems , but there were two bags of flour on the shelf on Sunday and there were none today .
That said , salt has reappeared and there are lots of onions , potatoes , cheese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has occured to me that the reason people are stockpiling flour , salt , and tins is to avoid having to go to the supermarket in future .
Yesterday Boris Johnson , the British Prime Minister , asked the public to work from home , if at all possible .
He hasn ’ t yet closed England ’ s schools , and schools are still open here in Scotland , which is semi-autonomous from the rest of the United Kingdom .
Scotland ’ s First Minister , Nicola Sturgeon , has banned assemblies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the real question for faithful Christians is whether or not there will be religious services this Sunday .
On Sunday it seemed surreal that millions of Catholics around the world could no longer go to Mass―and by episcopal fiat , too !
This was surely unprecedented in the history of the Church .
When Catholicism was illegal in Scotland , Catholics snuck out into the countryside to hear Mass said by “ heather priests.
” Fortunately , the bishops of Scotland have allowed our churches to stay open .
The doctor in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to Edinburgh ’ s Traditional Latin Mass on public transport , so we compromised by taking a train and then walking for an hour .
I wore white cotton gloves outdoors and another pair indoors , and when I returned home I did as I was told and washed my gloves in a 9:1 solution of hot water and bleach .
Mass was solemn and beautiful , all the more beautiful because we didn ’ t know if we would have it next week or any week for God alone knows how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it were , was mostly taken up by announcements , including archdiocesan instructions on the reception of Holy Communion and what this meant for us , devotees of the Traditional Latin Mass .
What it meant was that we did not receive Holy Communion , and there was not a murmur in rebellion .
Receiving on the tongue from an experienced priest is no more dangerous to us than receiving in the hand from an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion , but given a choice between no reception and no Mass at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , I prayed that we would be allowed to keep our priest , for on Sunday we believed everyone in Britain over 70 would soon be confined to their homes .
Fortunately , no such order has been made for Scotland , and in England and Wales seniors are being encouraged merely to avoid social contacts .
We are being encouraged by politicians and pundits to rediscover “ the Blitz spirit ” shared by the British during the Second World War .
This is often summed up by the popular war-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Romantic that I am , I find this World War II nostalgia inspiring .
There is a terrible irony , however , in that instead of coming together , we ’ re being asked to stand apart .
Another terrible irony is that those who remember the Blitz are most in danger of succumbing to the virus .
I am not particularly frightened of the virus for myself ; I ’ m more frightened of the National Health Service collapsing under the weight of hundreds thousands of people all becoming very sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people dying needlessly from conditions that might otherwise have been successfully treated , like hydrocephalus or a difficult labor .
As my husband had brain surgery in 2017 , has had radiotherapy since then , and is due a brain scan in April , this is a very personal concern .
Speaking of my husband , he has just telephoned from his workplace to say that there will be a big conference call this afternoon .
He is expecting operations to be shut down and to be sent home to work .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to uncertainty .
The one thing we really hope and pray for , besides the end to the pandemic , is that we are not deprived of Mass .
My hope is that our bishops are inspired by the Polish bishops who eventually gave all Catholics there a dispensation from their Sunday obligations but allowed Sunday Masses for congregations of 50 .
In Edinburgh Catholics who go to the Traditional Latin Mass are a minority among a minority , and on Sunday we ourselves numbered only 70 .
We are willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holy Communion―to get through this crisis , but we really do not want to give up Sunday Mass .

We are being encouraged by politicians and pundits to rediscover 'the Blitz spirit' shared by the British during the Second World War. A terrible irony is that those who remember the Blitz are most in danger of succumbing to the virus.
EDINBURGH, Scotland, March 17, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― There are no tins of tomatoes at the big supermarket near my home.
There is also no flour and no pasta. I didn’t check for toilet paper because we don’t need any, and I didn’t feel like hanging around. How ironic that I cancelled this morning’s appointment with my Italian tutor only to be in a shop crowded with dozens of strangers. There are now 195 confirmed coronavirus cases in Scotland.
We don’t need toilet paper because I bought a family pack before we left for a trip to Poland in late February. The coronavirus, as we still called it then, had not yet been reported in Edinburgh, but I wasn’t sure the shelves wouldn’t be cleared before we returned. They weren’t, but had I been very clever, I would have bought some flour and stockpiled more tins at once. I don’t remember how I knew, in the last week of February, that there would eventually be panic-buying of “loo roll.” Perhaps it was because I was already watching the virus spread, hoping we could get to Poland and back before it reached my god-daughter’s town. Fortunately, we did.
The British government has asked us not to “panic-buy” and assured us that the grocery stores have robust delivery systems, but there were two bags of flour on the shelf on Sunday and there were none today. That said, salt has reappeared and there are lots of onions, potatoes, cheese, and meat. However, it has occured to me that the reason people are stockpiling flour, salt, and tins is to avoid having to go to the supermarket in future.
Yesterday Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, asked the public to work from home, if at all possible. He hasn’t yet closed England’s schools, and schools are still open here in Scotland, which is semi-autonomous from the rest of the United Kingdom. Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has banned assemblies of more than 500 people, but the real question for faithful Christians is whether or not there will be religious services this Sunday.
On Sunday it seemed surreal that millions of Catholics around the world could no longer go to Mass―and by episcopal fiat, too! This was surely unprecedented in the history of the Church. When Catholicism was illegal in Scotland, Catholics snuck out into the countryside to hear Mass said by “heather priests.” Fortunately, the bishops of Scotland have allowed our churches to stay open. The doctor in my family was unenthusiastic about Mark and me going to Edinburgh’s Traditional Latin Mass on public transport, so we compromised by taking a train and then walking for an hour. I wore white cotton gloves outdoors and another pair indoors, and when I returned home I did as I was told and washed my gloves in a 9:1 solution of hot water and bleach.
Mass was solemn and beautiful, all the more beautiful because we didn’t know if we would have it next week or any week for God alone knows how long. The homily, if homily it were, was mostly taken up by announcements, including archdiocesan instructions on the reception of Holy Communion and what this meant for us, devotees of the Traditional Latin Mass.
What it meant was that we did not receive Holy Communion, and there was not a murmur in rebellion. Receiving on the tongue from an experienced priest is no more dangerous to us than receiving in the hand from an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, but given a choice between no reception and no Mass at all, we traditionalists will abstain from receiving. Meanwhile, I prayed that we would be allowed to keep our priest, for on Sunday we believed everyone in Britain over 70 would soon be confined to their homes. Fortunately, no such order has been made for Scotland, and in England and Wales seniors are being encouraged merely to avoid social contacts.
We are being encouraged by politicians and pundits to rediscover “the Blitz spirit” shared by the British during the Second World War. This is often summed up by the popular war-time poster “Keep Calm and Carry On.” Romantic that I am, I find this World War II nostalgia inspiring. There is a terrible irony, however, in that instead of coming together, we’re being asked to stand apart. Another terrible irony is that those who remember the Blitz are most in danger of succumbing to the virus.
I am not particularly frightened of the virus for myself; I’m more frightened of the National Health Service collapsing under the weight of hundreds thousands of people all becoming very sick at once. This would mean other people dying needlessly from conditions that might otherwise have been successfully treated, like hydrocephalus or a difficult labor. As my husband had brain surgery in 2017, has had radiotherapy since then, and is due a brain scan in April, this is a very personal concern.
Speaking of my husband, he has just telephoned from his workplace to say that there will be a big conference call this afternoon. He is expecting operations to be shut down and to be sent home to work. He is uncertain, but we are growing used to uncertainty. The one thing we really hope and pray for, besides the end to the pandemic, is that we are not deprived of Mass.
My hope is that our bishops are inspired by the Polish bishops who eventually gave all Catholics there a dispensation from their Sunday obligations but allowed Sunday Masses for congregations of 50. In Edinburgh Catholics who go to the Traditional Latin Mass are a minority among a minority, and on Sunday we ourselves numbered only 70. We are willing to give up a lot―even weekly reception of Holy Communion―to get through this crisis, but we really do not want to give up Sunday Mass.
Follow Dorothy Dorothy Cummings McLean is a Canadian journalist, essayist, and novelist. She earned an M.A. in English Literature from the University of Toronto and an M.Div./S.T.B. from Toronto’s Regis College. She was a columnist for the Toronto Catholic Register for nine years and has contributed to Catholic World Report. Her first book, Seraphic Singles, was published by Novalis (2010) in Canada, Liguori in the USA, and Homo Dei in Poland. Her second, Ceremony of Innocence, was published by Ignatius Press (2013). Dorothy lives near Edinburgh, Scotland with her husband.
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