lifesitenews--2020-04-16--Michigan judge authorizes arresting people on suspicion of COVID-19 illness

KENT COUNTY , Michigan , April 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Michigan has already become a national lightning rod for the extent of its COVID-19 response measures , and now a judge has empowered police in one county to go even further by detaining people for simple suspicion that they ’ ve come down with the virus .
First highlighted by radio host Steve Gruber , Kent County Chief Circuit Judge Mark Trusock ’ s April 6 order declares that any citizen deemed to be a `` carrier and health threat '' can be “ involuntarily detained by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detained in an Involuntary Isolation Facility selected by the Health Officer for observation , testing , and/or treatment . ''
The individual could then be held for at least three days to confirm he or she is “ without a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 72 consecutive hours ( without use of fever reducing medication ) and/or is otherwise non-symptomatic and meets the CDC criteria for release from isolation . ''
According to the Great Lakes Justice Center , Trusock based the order on state law that authorizes the confinement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasonable cause to believe ” is a public health threat .
But whereas that law requires a court to assess specific cases before making an arrest , Trusock gave police and health officials blanket permission to decide who may be a threat .
That , they say , violates plain language in both the U.S. and Michigan constitutions prohibiting arrest warrants for anything short of “ probable cause , supported by Oath or affirmation.
” “ Seems the judge may have a fever because he is not thinking clearly , ” Gruber said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegate decision making and due process obligations to anyone that wanders by just because you think it ’ s a good idea.
” Democrat Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer has made Michigan infamous for the scope of the restrictions she has imposed , from ordering grocery stores to stop selling plants and seeds 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 the Constitution .
Readers can click @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus and its impact all over the world .

In one county, anyone deemed a 'carrier and health threat' can be detained by police and taken to an Involuntary Isolation Facility.
KENT COUNTY, Michigan, April 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Michigan has already become a national lightning rod for the extent of its COVID-19 response measures, and now a judge has empowered police in one county to go even further by detaining people for simple suspicion that they’ve come down with the virus.
First highlighted by radio host Steve Gruber, Kent County Chief Circuit Judge Mark Trusock’s April 6 order declares that any citizen deemed to be a “carrier and health threat” can be “involuntarily detained by a peace officer, transported to and detained in an Involuntary Isolation Facility selected by the Health Officer for observation, testing, and/or treatment.”
The individual could then be held for at least three days to confirm he or she is “without a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 72 consecutive hours (without use of fever reducing medication) and/or is otherwise non-symptomatic and meets the CDC criteria for release from isolation.”
According to the Great Lakes Justice Center, Trusock based the order on state law that authorizes the confinement of individuals who a “court has reasonable cause to believe” is a public health threat. But whereas that law requires a court to assess specific cases before making an arrest, Trusock gave police and health officials blanket permission to decide who may be a threat.
That, they say, violates plain language in both the U.S. and Michigan constitutions prohibiting arrest warrants for anything short of “probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation.”
“Seems the judge may have a fever because he is not thinking clearly,” Gruber said. “You cannot transfer or delegate decision making and due process obligations to anyone that wanders by just because you think it’s a good idea.”
Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has made Michigan infamous for the scope of the restrictions she has imposed, from ordering grocery stores to stop selling plants and seeds 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 the Constitution.
Readers can click here for LifeSiteNews’ live updates on the coronavirus and its impact all over the world.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-16--Trump suggests New York inflating its COVID-19 death numbers

WASHINGTON , D.C. , April 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – President Donald Trump insinuated Wednesday that New York officials were inflating their statistics on coronavirus deaths , by including patients who may or may not have had the disease but died from something else .
As of Thursday morning , the United States is estimated to have seen 646,499 cases of COVID-19 , with 28,641 deaths and 49,091 recoveries .
More than a third of those cases and more than a half those deaths come from the state of New York .
On Tuesday , the New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Department added more than 3,700 to its official death count , single-handedly raising the national COVID-19 death toll by 17 percent .
However , the number comes from the addition of people “ presumed ” to have had the virus but were not tested for it .
City health commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot says the figure largely came from the observation that 3,000 more residents died between March 11 and April 13 , than would have been ordinarily expected .
“ While these so-called excess deaths were not explicitly linked to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the outbreak not occurred , in part because it overwhelmed the normal health care system , ” the Times says .
Responding to the update , Trump said , “ I see this morning where New York added 3,000 deaths because they died , ” Fox News reports .
As an example , he suggested a scenario in which the direct cause of death is a heart attack , but it ’ s listed as a “ heart attack caused by ” COVID-19 .
“ If you look at it , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Freddi Goldstein , a spokeswoman for New York Democrat Mayor Bill de Blasio , pushed back against the president , declaring that the lost New Yorkers “ were people with names , hobbies , lives .
They leave behind grieving loved ones .
They deserve to be recognized , not minimized.
” On April 7 , when New York ’ s death toll stood at over 4,700 , statistics showed that 86 percent of the victims had underlying conditions .
Trump is not the first to question the jump in New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Review , Andy McCarthy grants that city officials ’ inference “ is not irrational , ” but the fact remains that the true , exact extent to which COVID-19 caused these deaths – or how much of the number actually comes from people who died of something unrelated that went untreated due to hospitals ’ focus on coronavirus patients – is unknowable .
“ The fact is , [ New York officials ] are just making estimates , ” McCarthy says .
“ And if the Big Apple is going to cook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop Newark , New Orleans , Philadelphia , Boston , Chicago , Detroit , Los Angeles , and the rest ?
” The question dovetails with White House COVID-19 adviser Dr. Debora Birx ’ s admission that “ if someone dies with COVID-19 ” ( i.e.
, if someone goes to the ICU for the virus but then dies of a heart or kidney problem ) , “ we are counting that as a COVID-19 death.
” Many have defended this standard on the grounds that it ’ s important to understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in death , even when not the sole , direct cause .
However , there are other , less medically-based incentives to attribute as many cases as possible COVID-19 .
Forbes health policy analyst Avik Roy notes that the $ 2 trillion relief package enacted last month gives hospitals greater Medicaid reimbursements for patients listed with a “ principal or secondary diagnosis of COVID-19.
” Readers can click here for LifeSiteNews ’ live updates on the coronavirus and its impact all over the world .

Trump is not the first to question the jump in New York’s reported fatalities.
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – President Donald Trump insinuated Wednesday that New York officials were inflating their statistics on coronavirus deaths, by including patients who may or may not have had the disease but died from something else.
As of Thursday morning, the United States is estimated to have seen 646,499 cases of COVID-19, with 28,641 deaths and 49,091 recoveries. More than a third of those cases and more than a half those deaths come from the state of New York.
On Tuesday, the New York Times reported that the New York City Health Department added more than 3,700 to its official death count, single-handedly raising the national COVID-19 death toll by 17 percent. However, the number comes from the addition of people “presumed” to have had the virus but were not tested for it.
City health commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot says the figure largely came from the observation that 3,000 more residents died between March 11 and April 13, than would have been ordinarily expected. “While these so-called excess deaths were not explicitly linked to the virus, they might not have happened had the outbreak not occurred, in part because it overwhelmed the normal health care system,” the Times says.
Responding to the update, Trump said, “I see this morning where New York added 3,000 deaths because they died,” Fox News reports. As an example, he suggested a scenario in which the direct cause of death is a heart attack, but it’s listed as a “heart attack caused by” COVID-19. “If you look at it, that’s it,” he said.
Freddi Goldstein, a spokeswoman for New York Democrat Mayor Bill de Blasio, pushed back against the president, declaring that the lost New Yorkers “were people with names, hobbies, lives. They leave behind grieving loved ones. They deserve to be recognized, not minimized.”
On April 7, when New York’s death toll stood at over 4,700, statistics showed that 86 percent of the victims had underlying conditions.
Trump is not the first to question the jump in New York’s reported fatalities. Writing at National Review, Andy McCarthy grants that city officials’ inference “is not irrational,” but the fact remains that the true, exact extent to which COVID-19 caused these deaths – or how much of the number actually comes from people who died of something unrelated that went untreated due to hospitals’ focus on coronavirus patients – is unknowable.
“The fact is, [New York officials] are just making estimates,” McCarthy says. “And if the Big Apple is going to cook the books this way, what is to stop Newark, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and the rest?”
The question dovetails with White House COVID-19 adviser Dr. Debora Birx’s admission that “if someone dies with COVID-19” (i.e., if someone goes to the ICU for the virus but then dies of a heart or kidney problem), “we are counting that as a COVID-19 death.”
Many have defended this standard on the grounds that it’s important to understand how COVID-19 can still be a factor in death, even when not the sole, direct cause. However, there are other, less medically-based incentives to attribute as many cases as possible COVID-19. Forbes health policy analyst Avik Roy notes that the $2 trillion relief package enacted last month gives hospitals greater Medicaid reimbursements for patients listed with a “principal or secondary diagnosis of COVID-19.”
Correction: The final version of the bill bumped the premium from 15% to 20% for “an individual diagnosed with COVID-19.” Up to @CMSGov to specify what qualifies for that diagnosis, so as to prevent upcoding/gaming. pic.twitter.com/K2D1RtLcj8 — Avik Roy (@Avik) April 15, 2020
Readers can click here for LifeSiteNews’ live updates on the coronavirus and its impact all over the world.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-16--Matt Walsh shares powerful story on how blogpost he wrote 5 years ago saved a baby’s life

April 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Matt Walsh , a cultural and political commentator at The Daily Wire , took to Twitter to share the powerful story of a woman who decided to reverse her medical abortion after reading one of his articles five years ago .
“ This starts 5 years ago , ” Walsh began his short Twitter thread .
“ I wrote an article addressed to a woman who ’ d published a goodbye letter to the baby she was planning to abort the following day.
” “ The point of my piece was to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child .
I never found out what happened with her .
I assume she went through with it .
As for my article , it got only a few views and then faded into oblivion.
” Recently , however , Walsh received a message from another woman , “ who told me that she read my article when I posted it five years ago .
She read it on the same night that she had already taken an abortion pill.
” The article made her “ understandably distraught and mournful and a million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Walsh pointed out .
Then , the woman saw “ an ad pop up for abortion pill reversal .
Long story short , her daughter turned 5 this year .
She now has a beautiful family .
She chose life and does not regret it , to put it mildly.
” In the fall of 2014 , a woman posted on Reddit that she was going to have an abortion in a few days .
Writing a letter to her baby , the woman said , “ Little Thing , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than I want good things for myself , I want the best things for the future.
” For that reason , she argued , “ I can ’ t be your mother right now .
I am still growing myself .
It wouldn ’ t be fair to bring a new life into a world where I am still haunted by ghosts of the life I ’ ve lived.
” “ I want you to have all the things I didn ’ t have when I was a child .
I want you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more magnificent than I ever could be , ” she continued .
At the time , Matt Walsh responded with an article published by The Blaze , written as a personal letter to the woman planning to have an abortion .
“ I felt the sadness and hesitation in your words , ” Walsh wrote .
“ The fact that you published it in the first place proves that you are not completely sure about what you are planning to do .
I think you want to be talked up or talked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have to say about it , which is the only reason anyone ever posts personal things on the internet.
” He then listed what he thought the woman was experiencing and trying to express .
“ I felt the uneasiness .
I felt the sense of loss .
I felt the desperation .
And I felt the love .
I did .
I really did .
You love your child .
You want your child to be happy .
You said that yourself , and I believe you.
” Then he cautioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , friend .
This is not the way.
” Walsh acknowledged the fear in the heart of any woman considering an abortion .
“ I ’ m not discounting any of that , but I am saying that extinguishing the life in your womb will not defeat the fear or settle your anxious mind.
” He encouraged the woman to “ think past tomorrow .
Think about a few months from now .
A few years from now .
Think about the future .
If you abort your baby , it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deprived of her presence .
She will be gone .
She will not exist .
There will be a great , painful void .
Where there should have been her laughter , there will be silence .
She will be missing from everywhere , never to walk the Earth.
” Alternatively , “ it can be a future blessed by her life .
It can be a world shaped , in whatever way , small or large , by her actions and her choices .
Where there could have been silence , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have been a void , there she will be .
And even if she is in the care of another family , you can always know that she is out there , she is living , and all of her successes , her joys , all of the people she touches , all of the good she does on this planet – it will all be thanks to you , thanks to the decision that you made.
” The woman who messaged Walsh , letting him know that she read his article @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She had already taken an abortion pill .
How is it possible to reverse an abortion ?
The Charlotte Lozier Institute explains the whole procedure , which is both simple and safe , in an infographic .
The medical abortion is performed by taking mifepristone , followed by misoprostol 24 to 72 hours later .
“ Mifepristone is a progesterone receptor blocker which causes separation of the placenta from the uterus which leads to the death of the embryo or fetus .
The misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical abortion , women take progesterone , orally or as an injection , “ as soon as possible after taking the mifepristone but before taking the misoprostol.
” A whole website is dedicated to helping women with an abortion pill reversal .
Matt Walsh , concluding his Twitter thread , praised the woman who reversed her medical abortion for her “ amazing courage.
” “ The role I played , ” he admitted , “ was very small but I ’ m grateful to know that at least one thing I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a difference for at least one family .
Most of all I ’ m grateful that one child was spared the fate 60 million others have suffered .
”

PETITION: Support pro-lifers threatened and arrested for praying outside of abortion facilities Sign the petition here.
April 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Matt Walsh, a cultural and political commentator at The Daily Wire, took to Twitter to share the powerful story of a woman who decided to reverse her medical abortion after reading one of his articles five years ago.
“This starts 5 years ago,” Walsh began his short Twitter thread. “I wrote an article addressed to a woman who’d published a goodbye letter to the baby she was planning to abort the following day.”
“The point of my piece was to plead with her not to destroy her child. I never found out what happened with her. I assume she went through with it. As for my article, it got only a few views and then faded into oblivion.”
Recently, however, Walsh received a message from another woman, “who told me that she read my article when I posted it five years ago. She read it on the same night that she had already taken an abortion pill.” The article made her “understandably distraught and mournful and a million other things I can’t fathom,” Walsh pointed out.
Then, the woman saw “an ad pop up for abortion pill reversal. Long story short, her daughter turned 5 this year. She now has a beautiful family. She chose life and does not regret it, to put it mildly.”
In the fall of 2014, a woman posted on Reddit that she was going to have an abortion in a few days. Writing a letter to her baby, the woman said, “Little Thing, I want you to be happy. More than I want good things for myself, I want the best things for the future.”
For that reason, she argued, “I can’t be your mother right now. I am still growing myself. It wouldn’t be fair to bring a new life into a world where I am still haunted by ghosts of the life I’ve lived.”
“I want you to have all the things I didn’t have when I was a child. I want you to be better than I ever was and more magnificent than I ever could be,” she continued.
At the time, Matt Walsh responded with an article published by The Blaze, written as a personal letter to the woman planning to have an abortion.
“I felt the sadness and hesitation in your words,” Walsh wrote. “The fact that you published it in the first place proves that you are not completely sure about what you are planning to do. I think you want to be talked up or talked down. You want to hear what people have to say about it, which is the only reason anyone ever posts personal things on the internet.”
He then listed what he thought the woman was experiencing and trying to express. “I felt the uneasiness. I felt the sense of loss. I felt the desperation. And I felt the love. I did. I really did. You love your child. You want your child to be happy. You said that yourself, and I believe you.”
Then he cautioned, “But this is not the way, friend. This is not the way.”
Walsh acknowledged the fear in the heart of any woman considering an abortion. “I’m not discounting any of that, but I am saying that extinguishing the life in your womb will not defeat the fear or settle your anxious mind.”
He encouraged the woman to “think past tomorrow. Think about a few months from now. A few years from now. Think about the future. If you abort your baby, it will be a future in a world utterly deprived of her presence. She will be gone. She will not exist. There will be a great, painful void. Where there should have been her laughter, there will be silence. She will be missing from everywhere, never to walk the Earth.”
Alternatively, “it can be a future blessed by her life. It can be a world shaped, in whatever way, small or large, by her actions and her choices. Where there could have been silence, there can be her voice. Where there could have been a void, there she will be. And even if she is in the care of another family, you can always know that she is out there, she is living, and all of her successes, her joys, all of the people she touches, all of the good she does on this planet – it will all be thanks to you, thanks to the decision that you made.”
The woman who messaged Walsh, letting him know that she read his article, actually reversed a medical abortion. She had already taken an abortion pill.
How is it possible to reverse an abortion? The Charlotte Lozier Institute explains the whole procedure, which is both simple and safe, in an infographic.
The medical abortion is performed by taking mifepristone, followed by misoprostol 24 to 72 hours later. “Mifepristone is a progesterone receptor blocker which causes separation of the placenta from the uterus which leads to the death of the embryo or fetus. The misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the remains of the child.”
To reverse the medical abortion, women take progesterone, orally or as an injection, “as soon as possible after taking the mifepristone but before taking the misoprostol.”
A whole website is dedicated to helping women with an abortion pill reversal.
Matt Walsh, concluding his Twitter thread, praised the woman who reversed her medical abortion for her “amazing courage.”
“The role I played,” he admitted, “was very small but I’m grateful to know that at least one thing I’ve published in my years of doing this made a difference for at least one family. Most of all I’m grateful that one child was spared the fate 60 million others have suffered.”
Share


lifesitenews--2020-04-16--Watch Trump’s coronavirus daily briefing for April 16 here

WASHINGTON , D.C. , April 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – LifeSite has begun streaming President Donald Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis .
Here we present his April 16 briefing .
Follow LifeSiteNews for future @ @ @ @ @ s live updates on the coronavirus crisis and how it relates to issues our readers @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – LifeSite has begun streaming President Donald Trump’s daily briefings about the coronavirus crisis. Here we present his April 16 briefing. Follow LifeSiteNews for future briefings.
Read LifeSite’s live updates on the coronavirus crisis and how it relates to issues our readers care about here .
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lifesitenews--2020-04-16--US cardinal dismisses prayer power during pandemic: We can’t just pray and think things will change

CHICAGO , Illinois , April 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – U.S. Cardinal Blase Cupich has seemingly dismissed the power of prayer to combat the coronavirus , stating that “ religion is not magic where we just say prayers and think things are going to change.
” The Archbishop of Chicago then went on to contrast faith with reason .
“ God gave us a brain and the gift of intelligence and we have to use it in this moment , ” Cupich said in an April 9 interview with WBBM radio .
In a separate April 8 interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Cupich also said that “ God doesn ’ t allow us to have a religion into a magic formula where we say a prayer and think things are going to go away .
We have to take responsibility for our actions and we have to make sure we keep each other safe.
” Cupich said he considers it best “ to stay in our home and allow this plague to pass us by.
” During the Sermon on the Mount , as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew , Christ spoke differently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ask , and it will be given to you ; seek , and you will find ; knock , and it will be opened to you .
For everyone who asks receives , and the one who seeks finds , and to the one who knocks it will be opened , ” Christ pointed out .
“ Or which one of you , if his son asks him for bread , will give him a stone ?
Or if he asks for a fish , will give him a serpent ?
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to give good gifts to your children , how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him !
” Cupich ’ s words are not far from those of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo who this week said that a drop in coronavirus cases had nothing to do with prayer or faith .
“ The number is down because we brought the number down , ” he told the press on Monday .
“ God did not do that .
Faith did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
A lot of pain and suffering did that…That ’ s how it works .
It ’ s math.
” Last month , President Trump held a “ National Day of Prayer ” to ask God for “ protection and strength ” during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ It is my great honor to declare Sunday , March 15th as a National Day of Prayer .
We are a Country that , throughout our history , has looked to God for protection and strength in times like these , ” the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be , I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith .
Together , we will easily PREVAIL , ” he declared in a March 16 proclamation .
While Cardinal Cupich ’ s above comments seem to dismiss the power of prayer , it is relevant to note that he has previously engaged in rituals that look like prayer but appear to be superstition .
In January , Cupich performed a Chinese ritual of pagan origin prior to a Mass held at a Catholic school to celebrate the Lunar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening of the Jan. 7 Mass at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein , Illinois , Cardinal Cupich , standing at the back opposite the altar , witnessed a “ lion dance ” accompanied by loud drum beats .
The “ lion , ” which consisted of two people dressed in a Chinese-decorated costume , made its way to the Cardinal where he made the following invocation : The Cardinal touched the animal ’ s head , eyes , and ears as he made mention of these parts in his invocation .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cardinal slid his hand from the head of the creature ending at the rump .
In traditional Chinese culture , the “ lion dance , ” often called the “ Lion-awakening ritual ” or “ eye dotting ceremony , ” is performed to exorcise evil spirits and to attract good fortune as well as good luck .
Not once during Cupich ’ s invocation over the lion was the name of God , Jesus , or anything sacred named .
In response to the pandemic , Cardinal Cupich has told his priests that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even “ emergency ” baptisms in the archdiocese would require the “ permission ” of the bishop .
Parts of Cupich ’ s order were posted on Twitter , including a paragraph stating , “ All weddings and baptisms must be postponed and can be rescheduled only when the order is lifted .
There is no exception to this , regardless of the size of the group .
However , in case of an extreme emergency for baptism , please seek the permission of your bishop.
” Joseph Shaw , Chairman of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , responded by explaining that “ in principle , as we are all taught in Catechism , anyone having the use of reason can baptise.
” “ You can ’ t baptise yourself , but if you ’ ve not been baptised you can get your atheist cell mate to baptise you before you are thrown to the lions or whatever , if he follows the correct procedure , ” Shaw pointed out .
On April 7 , the Archdiocese of Chicago once again reminded “ all pastors and administrators of parishes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public liturgical or sacramental celebrations ( including drive-through or parking-lot gatherings for Communion , confession or blessings ) until further notice.
” Catholics from across the Archdiocese of Chicago gathered in prayer outside Holy Name Cathedral on Good Friday , the Friday before Easter , trying to raise awareness about how churches are “ essential ” during the coronavirus pandemic .
Lisa Bergman , who organized the protest , told LifeSiteNews that it ’ s not reasonable or honest to say that shopping centers , liquor stores , coffee shops , and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t allow a lesser number of people inside a church.
” “ Throughout history , when plague and destruction have struck , Christians have been the ones to run toward it , to fulfill the call of the Gospel , to care for the sick … but now we are being told that the Church is not essential , ” she explained .
Cupich , who was made a cardinal by Pope Francis , is considered one of the most progressive bishops in the United States .

'[R]eligion is not magic where we just say prayers and think things are going to change,' Cardinal Blase Cupich said.
Urgent appeal to the bishops of the world: Feed your flock Sign the petition here.
CHICAGO, Illinois, April 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – U.S. Cardinal Blase Cupich has seemingly dismissed the power of prayer to combat the coronavirus, stating that “religion is not magic where we just say prayers and think things are going to change.”
The Archbishop of Chicago then went on to contrast faith with reason. “God gave us a brain and the gift of intelligence and we have to use it in this moment,” Cupich said in an April 9 interview with WBBM radio.
In a separate April 8 interview with ABC7, a local TV station, Cupich also said that “God doesn’t allow us to have a religion into a magic formula where we say a prayer and think things are going to go away. We have to take responsibility for our actions and we have to make sure we keep each other safe.”
Cupich said he considers it best “to stay in our home and allow this plague to pass us by.”
During the Sermon on the Mount, as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, Christ spoke differently about the power of prayer.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened,” Christ said.
“Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
Cupich’s words are not far from those of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo who this week said that a drop in coronavirus cases had nothing to do with prayer or faith.
“The number is down because we brought the number down,” he told the press on Monday. “God did not do that. Faith did not do that. Destiny did not do that. A lot of pain and suffering did that…That’s how it works. It’s math.”
Last month, President Trump held a “National Day of Prayer” to ask God for “protection and strength” during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It is my great honor to declare Sunday, March 15th as a National Day of Prayer. We are a Country that, throughout our history, has looked to God for protection and strength in times like these,” the president tweeted. “No matter where you may be, I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith. Together, we will easily PREVAIL,” he declared in a March 16 proclamation.
While Cardinal Cupich’s above comments seem to dismiss the power of prayer, it is relevant to note that he has previously engaged in rituals that look like prayer but appear to be superstition.
In January, Cupich performed a Chinese ritual of pagan origin prior to a Mass held at a Catholic school to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Moments prior to the opening of the Jan. 7 Mass at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, Illinois, Cardinal Cupich, standing at the back opposite the altar, witnessed a “lion dance” accompanied by loud drum beats. The “lion,” which consisted of two people dressed in a Chinese-decorated costume, made its way to the Cardinal where he made the following invocation:
Good fortune upon your head, miraculous light glittering to your eyes, your ears capturing sounds from all directions. May the most favorable auspicious big fortune and great profit be to you throughout the whole year, from the beginning all the way to the end.
The Cardinal touched the animal’s head, eyes, and ears as he made mention of these parts in his invocation. At the end of the invocation, the Cardinal slid his hand from the head of the creature ending at the rump.
In traditional Chinese culture, the “lion dance,” often called the “Lion-awakening ritual” or “eye dotting ceremony,” is performed to exorcise evil spirits and to attract good fortune as well as good luck.
Not once during Cupich’s invocation over the lion was the name of God, Jesus, or anything sacred named.
In response to the pandemic, Cardinal Cupich has told his priests that all baptisms “must be postponed.” Even “emergency” baptisms in the archdiocese would require the “permission” of the bishop.
Parts of Cupich’s order were posted on Twitter, including a paragraph stating, “All weddings and baptisms must be postponed and can be rescheduled only when the order is lifted. There is no exception to this, regardless of the size of the group. However, in case of an extreme emergency for baptism, please seek the permission of your bishop.”
Joseph Shaw, Chairman of the Latin Mass Society of England and Wales, responded by explaining that “in principle, as we are all taught in Catechism, anyone having the use of reason can baptise.”
“You can’t baptise yourself, but if you’ve not been baptised you can get your atheist cell mate to baptise you before you are thrown to the lions or whatever, if he follows the correct procedure,” Shaw pointed out.
On April 7, the Archdiocese of Chicago once again reminded “all pastors and administrators of parishes and agencies that there are to be no public liturgical or sacramental celebrations (including drive-through or parking-lot gatherings for Communion, confession or blessings) until further notice.”
Catholics from across the Archdiocese of Chicago gathered in prayer outside Holy Name Cathedral on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, trying to raise awareness about how churches are “essential” during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lisa Bergman, who organized the protest, told LifeSiteNews that it’s not reasonable or honest to say that shopping centers, liquor stores, coffee shops, and other businesses should be open while “we can’t allow a lesser number of people inside a church.”
“Throughout history, when plague and destruction have struck, Christians have been the ones to run toward it, to fulfill the call of the Gospel, to care for the sick … but now we are being told that the Church is not essential,” she explained.
Cupich, who was made a cardinal by Pope Francis, is considered one of the most so-called progressive bishops in the United States.
LifeSite’s Pete Baklinski contributed to this report.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-16--After citing grandpa for praying outside, San Francisco reverses, allows protests at abortion center

After citing grandpa for praying outside, San Francisco reverses, allows protests at abortion centers

SAN FRANCISCO , California , April 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― The City of San Francisco has reaffirmed the right of pro-life witnesses to continue offering resources to pregnant women outside abortion businesses during the COVID-19 crisis .
According to the Life Legal Defense Foundation , which published the news on Tuesday , “ Life Legal attorneys successfully negotiated with San Francisco city attorneys to protect the First Amendment rights of pro-lifers outside the city ’ s abortion clinics.
” Yesterday the Pro-Life San Francisco group celebrated the occasion on social media .
“ VICTORY !
The right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abortion clinics during the Shelter-in-Place order was reaffirmed after negotiations with city attorneys , ” the group wrote on Facebook .
The municipal change of heart followed the April 2 incident in which San Francisco police gave Ronald Konopaski , 86 , a criminal citation for standing outside the Valencia Planned Parenthood abortion business , citing the city ’ s shelter-in-place order .
The order , which came into effect on March 17 , allows for San Francisco residents to go outside to conduct “ essential ” activities , which include “ caring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persons with disabilities , or other vulnerable persons.
” According to Live Action , Konopaski was following social-distancing protocols outside the business with other pro-life witnesses , including Pro-Life San Francisco ’ s founder and president Terrisa Bukovinac and Matthew Prewett .
“ Ron was at the clinic—as he has been for more than 10 years—to pray for women and offer them information about alternatives to abortion , including where to receive life-affirming medical care , ” a representative of Life Legal explained .
After Konopaski received the citation , attorneys from Life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office on behalf of the pro-life witnesses “ whose right to free speech was squelched under the shelter in place order , ” the foundation explained .
On April 3 Pro-Life San Francisco published a video of police approaching the pro-life witnesses .
One officer told Bukinovac that “ the constitutional right to protest and so forth has to take a back seat to the Health Order.
” Afterwards , Bukinovac told the camera that many people in San Francisco are “ hanging out ” in parks that day and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police action “ is discriminatory in nature ” and that the city was “ specifically targeting sidewalk counsellors.
” Bukinovac also reflected that abortion by its very nature is elective , but that despite the Health Order ’ s suspension of elective treatment , Planned Parenthood was permitted to continue peforming abortions .
“ Abortion is the number one cause of death in America today , ” she said .
“ It is elective by definition , and yet this facility stays open against the stay-at-home order that put a moratorium on elective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protest against that.
” Police took less of an interest in Konopaski when he was viciously assaulted outside the abortion business during 40 Days for Life last year .
According to Life Legal , that even though its Senior Staff Counsel Allison Aranda , provided police with the identity and the location of Konopaski ’ s attacker , the San Francisco Police Department “ did not take any meaningful steps to apprehend ” his assailant .

Pro-life attorneys negotiated with San Francisco city attorneys to protect the First Amendment rights of pro-lifers outside the city’s abortion facilities.
PETITION: Support pro-lifers threatened and arrested for praying outside of abortion facilities Sign the petition here.
SAN FRANCISCO, California, April 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― The City of San Francisco has reaffirmed the right of pro-life witnesses to continue offering resources to pregnant women outside abortion businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.
According to the Life Legal Defense Foundation, which published the news on Tuesday, “Life Legal attorneys successfully negotiated with San Francisco city attorneys to protect the First Amendment rights of pro-lifers outside the city’s abortion clinics.”
Yesterday the Pro-Life San Francisco group celebrated the occasion on social media.
“VICTORY! The right to conduct life-saving pro-life activities outside SF abortion clinics during the Shelter-in-Place order was reaffirmed after negotiations with city attorneys,” the group wrote on Facebook.
The municipal change of heart followed the April 2 incident in which San Francisco police gave Ronald Konopaski, 86, a criminal citation for standing outside the Valencia Planned Parenthood abortion business, citing the city’s shelter-in-place order.
The order, which came into effect on March 17, allows for San Francisco residents to go outside to conduct “essential” activities, which include “caring for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons.”
According to Live Action, Konopaski was following social-distancing protocols outside the business with other pro-life witnesses, including Pro-Life San Francisco’s founder and president Terrisa Bukovinac and Matthew Prewett.
“Ron was at the clinic—as he has been for more than 10 years—to pray for women and offer them information about alternatives to abortion, including where to receive life-affirming medical care,” a representative of Life Legal explained.
After Konopaski received the citation, attorneys from Life Legal contacted the San Francisco city attorney’s office on behalf of the pro-life witnesses “whose right to free speech was squelched under the shelter in place order,” the foundation explained.
On April 3 Pro-Life San Francisco published a video of police approaching the pro-life witnesses. One officer told Bukinovac that “the constitutional right to protest and so forth has to take a back seat to the Health Order.” Afterwards, Bukinovac told the camera that many people in San Francisco are “hanging out” in parks that day and that she and her group felt that the police action “is discriminatory in nature” and that the city was “specifically targeting sidewalk counsellors.”
Bukinovac also reflected that abortion by its very nature is elective, but that despite the Health Order’s suspension of elective treatment, Planned Parenthood was permitted to continue peforming abortions.
“Abortion is the number one cause of death in America today,” she said.
“It is elective by definition, and yet this facility stays open against the stay-at-home order that put a moratorium on elective procedures.”
“We’re here to protest against that.”
Police took less of an interest in Konopaski when he was viciously assaulted outside the abortion business during 40 Days for Life last year. According to Life Legal, that even though its Senior Staff Counsel Allison Aranda, provided police with the identity and the location of Konopaski’s attacker, the San Francisco Police Department “did not take any meaningful steps to apprehend” his assailant.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-16--Healthcare workers share addresses of corona-positive patients with police

April 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Health care workers in a handful of American states are sharing with police the addresses of those who test positive for the virus .
So-called “ information sharing ” is currently underway in Massachusetts , Alabama , Florida , as well as in parts of North Carolina , ABC News reports .
The information sharing is being done in the name of “ keeping officers and EMTs safe , ” and works by states directing their local health boards to share addresses of those who have tested positive for the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that they are sharing the addresses of positive case coronavirus patients with first responders .
However , as the ABC report notes , concerns have been raised by both health and privacy activists that health agencies sharing information with the police might cause some to forgo getting tested or treated for coronavirus .
Robert Greenwald , who serves as a professor and as the director of the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation at the Harvard Law School , said that “ there 's going to be stigma , ” with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you get screened then your address goes on a list that goes to first responders , it discourages screening for people who do n't want to be on this list . ''
Many people who contracted the coronavirus have been stigmatized for having the disease .
When combined with increased surveillance measures , this could add pressure and fear to those who are sick to go and visit a doctor .
Already in the US and Canada , it has been reported that many 911 dispatchers have been asked to inquire with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether or not they have coronavirus symptoms .
As the coronavirus epidemic spreads across the globe , the Wall Street Journal reported that US government officials , by the way of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , have been using the location information from the cellphones of Americans .
This is being done so that they can “ better understand the movements of Americans during the coronavirus pandemic.
” While the ABC report notes that people ’ s names are omitted from the data , whistle-blowers have recently warned that governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a tool to increase surveillance .
Recently , a former contractor for the CIA , Edward Snowden , who is now in exile , warned that surveillance measures many governments are using , or at least proposing to use in the name of combating the coronavirus , could end up becoming permanent .
In the Wuhan area of China , where the coronavirus is reported to have started , the Chinese government recently lifted travel restrictions , but will only allow those with a government surveillance app on their phone to enter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted an article this week titled , “ How Coronavirus Is Eroding Privacy , ” which raises questions about how the virus has caused an erosion of people ’ s data privacy .
In early April , Alphabet ’ s Google division released location data for 131 countries that could be used by authorities to determine if people are obeying quarantine rules .
In Canada , it was reported that the federal government has not ruled out using Canadian ’ s cell phone location data to track people 's movements during the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not specifically rule this idea out , saying that “ all options are on the table.
” This week , a Canadian Federal Minister said he wants a law that would punish those who spread “ misinformation ” about the coronavirus online .

Police are obtaining coronavirus patient addresses in four US states in the name of 'safety'
April 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Health care workers in a handful of American states are sharing with police the addresses of those who test positive for the virus.
So-called “information sharing” is currently underway in Massachusetts, Alabama, Florida, as well as in parts of North Carolina, ABC News reports.
The information sharing is being done in the name of “keeping officers and EMTs safe,” and works by states directing their local health boards to share addresses of those who have tested positive for the virus.
Florida's State Emergency Operations Center recently announced that they are sharing the addresses of positive case coronavirus patients with first responders.
However, as the ABC report notes, concerns have been raised by both health and privacy activists that health agencies sharing information with the police might cause some to forgo getting tested or treated for coronavirus.
Robert Greenwald, who serves as a professor and as the director of the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation at the Harvard Law School, said that “there's going to be stigma,” with any disease.
He added that “if you get screened then your address goes on a list that goes to first responders, it discourages screening for people who don't want to be on this list.”
Many people who contracted the coronavirus have been stigmatized for having the disease. When combined with increased surveillance measures, this could add pressure and fear to those who are sick to go and visit a doctor.
Already in the US and Canada, it has been reported that many 911 dispatchers have been asked to inquire with their caller, additional information such as whether or not they have coronavirus symptoms.
As the coronavirus epidemic spreads across the globe, the Wall Street Journal reported that US government officials, by the way of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have been using the location information from the cellphones of Americans.
This is being done so that they can “better understand the movements of Americans during the coronavirus pandemic.”
While the ABC report notes that people’s names are omitted from the data, whistle-blowers have recently warned that governments around the world are using the epidemic as a tool to increase surveillance.
Recently, a former contractor for the CIA, Edward Snowden, who is now in exile, warned that surveillance measures many governments are using, or at least proposing to use in the name of combating the coronavirus, could end up becoming permanent.
In the Wuhan area of China, where the coronavirus is reported to have started, the Chinese government recently lifted travel restrictions, but will only allow those with a government surveillance app on their phone to enter or exit.
The Wall Street Journal posted an article this week titled, “How Coronavirus Is Eroding Privacy,” which raises questions about how the virus has caused an erosion of people’s data privacy.
In early April, Alphabet’s Google division released location data for 131 countries that could be used by authorities to determine if people are obeying quarantine rules.
In Canada, it was reported that the federal government has not ruled out using Canadian’s cell phone location data to track people's movements during the coronavirus epidemic. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not specifically rule this idea out, saying that “all options are on the table.”
This week, a Canadian Federal Minister said he wants a law that would punish those who spread “misinformation” about the coronavirus online.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-16--700-year-old Christian poem about a journey through hell still offers spiritual guidance today

April 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – This year , 2020 , marks the 700th anniversary of the completion of the greatest Christian poem ever written : Dante ’ s Divina Commedia .
We do not have an exact calendar date— “ he put his pen down on the 11th of March ” —but we do know that the Florentine poet finished his work in the year 1320 .
The title given to the work by its author was simply Commedia ; Divina was added in the 16th century .
The sense of “ comedy ” is not that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun of people or makes a person laugh out loud ( although there are moments in reading Dante that bring a broad smile or takes one ’ s breath away ) .
It is comedic in the older sense we see in Shakespeare ’ s comedies , in which characters suffer trials , setbacks , and anguish before being swept up in a happy ending that they could never have designed for themselves .
The characters receive their just deserts and a copious mercy .
There is probably no adult who hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dark wood , at some time in his life .
This “ dark wood ” is capacious enough to remind us of so many different aspects of life—various trials and confusions that beset us , whether personally or when we look to the state of the world or the Church .
Note also that Dante uses both singular and plural , our life and myself .
He ’ s aware we have this journey in common .
Dante goes on to describe the nightmare quality of the wood he was lost in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in more ways than one , and he made the journey through hell and purgatory all the way to heaven .
Here are some of the things he discovered on his journey that may help us if we , too , feel lost in a dark and fearsome wood .
The story that remained most vividly in the mind of my wife when she first read the Commedia in college was that of Buonconte de Montefeltro , [ 3 ] who was saved from eternal damnation at the last minute .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repentance , and in battle he was stabbed in the throat .
What saved him ?
Mary .
Reading this story as a non-Catholic at the time , she found it incredible ( in the literal sense ) , both for the power it ascribes to the Blessed Virgin as well as for the fact that a single act of repentance could be so efficacious .
The devil , says Dante , was also incredulous at this demonstration of mercy : “ Tell it among the living.
” Perhaps we need to tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Memorare prayer reminds us : never was it known that anyone who called on Mary was left without aid .
Even in the last extremity .
Such is the power of Mary , such is the power of mercy .
“ ‘ A tiny tear ’ finds an ocean of mercy in reply.
” [ 6 ] The second person to highlight is the Sienese noblewoman Sapia .
She is on the terrace of purgatory for the envious , where all have their eyes sewn shut .
Peter the comb-seller , who would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an immigrant street vendor , ” [ 8 ] prayed for this rich and haughty noblewoman !
And his prayers brought her a great way up the mountain of purgatory , significantly reducing her time of purification .
Here we see the unity of the Mystical Body in action—in particular , the connection between the Church Militant and the Church Suffering .
But this is only one example of that unity and of the power the faithful have to cause the entire Mystical Body to increase in charity .
In the Paradiso , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heaven , who , shining with glory , see him and say to one another with great excitement : “ Here is one who will cause our love to grow.
” [ 9 ] By helping each other , our love for one another and for God increases .
How often do we consider this ?
Do we ever consider it ?
How much it would transform our day-to-day lives if we remembered it !
Our little sacrifices and our big ones , our acts of love , our “ offering up ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a difference to the world , to the Church .
We do not have to be , like Dante , on a journey through heaven ; it applies to us also because we are—hopefully—on a journey to heaven .
“ Nobodies ” and “ nothings ” can make a difference too .
In the Paradiso , the story of Piccarda , the would-be nun in the heaven of the moon , is often quoted , or rather , her famous line , which might be the most quoted of the poem .
Piccarda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why those in the lower heavens do not envy the souls who have more glory in the higher levels of heaven .
She says : “ In His will is our peace.
” [ 10 ] A profoundly consoling truth .
Reaching this peace requires humility , proper detachment , and trust .
My wife shared with me a conversation she had one afternoon with a Benedictine monk from Norcia , which has remained with her ever since .
She had asked him how he remained so peaceful among all the bustle and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their shop .
He said to her : “ Peace… is God ’ s will right now.
” How might we relate these three lessons from Dante to the present situation ?
First , go to Mary—always go to Mary .
Second , pray for the dead and the dying .
Your simple prayer may make all the difference to someone , and you will not know it until ( please God ) you reach heaven and meet your brother or sister who was and will be indebted to you for ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to so many others .
Third , trust in God ’ s will .
He is not surprised about what is happening .
He knows it ; He wills or allows it , because for those who love Him , it will work to their good .
As St. Pio of Pietrelcina used to say : “ Do not fear God , because He doesn ’ t want to do you any harm at all .
Love Him a great deal , because He wants to do you a great deal of good.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 , lines 1-3 .
I am using here the Hollander translation of the Comedy .
[ 8 ] Baxter , Beginner ’ s Guide , 93 .
It ’ s also interesting to observe that this Peter , a nobody , became a Franciscan hermit and was venerated in Siena as a saint .
See Hollander , Purgatorio , 290 .

Here are some of the things Dante discovered on his journey that may help us if we, too, feel lost in a dark and fearsome wood.
April 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – This year, 2020, marks the 700th anniversary of the completion of the greatest Christian poem ever written: Dante’s Divina Commedia.
We do not have an exact calendar date—“he put his pen down on the 11th of March”—but we do know that the Florentine poet finished his work in the year 1320. The title given to the work by its author was simply Commedia; Divina was added in the 16th century.
The sense of “comedy” is not that of modern English, something that makes fun of people or makes a person laugh out loud (although there are moments in reading Dante that bring a broad smile or takes one’s breath away). It is comedic in the older sense we see in Shakespeare’s comedies, in which characters suffer trials, setbacks, and anguish before being swept up in a happy ending that they could never have designed for themselves. The characters receive their just deserts and a copious mercy.
The Commedia opens with a famous description:
Midway in the journey of our life
I came to myself in a dark wood,
for the straight way was lost. [1]
There is probably no adult who hasn’t felt this way, lost in a dark wood, at some time in his life. This “dark wood” is capacious enough to remind us of so many different aspects of life—various trials and confusions that beset us, whether personally or when we look to the state of the world or the Church. Note also that Dante uses both singular and plural, our life and myself. He’s aware we have this journey in common.
Dante goes on to describe the nightmare quality of the wood he was lost in:
Ah, how hard it is to tell
the nature of that wood, savage, dense, and harsh—
the very thought of it renews my fear!
It is so bitter death is hardly more so. [2]
Fortunately, help came for him, in more ways than one, and he made the journey through hell and purgatory all the way to heaven. Here are some of the things he discovered on his journey that may help us if we, too, feel lost in a dark and fearsome wood.
The story that remained most vividly in the mind of my wife when she first read the Commedia in college was that of Buonconte de Montefeltro,[3] who was saved from eternal damnation at the last minute. He was a Catholic who had put off repentance, and in battle he was stabbed in the throat. What saved him? Mary.
…I made my way
wounded in the throat, fleeing on foot
and dripping blood across the plain.
There I lost sight and speech.
I ended on the name of Mary. [4]
Reading this story as a non-Catholic at the time, she found it incredible (in the literal sense), both for the power it ascribes to the Blessed Virgin as well as for the fact that a single act of repentance could be so efficacious. The devil, says Dante, was also incredulous at this demonstration of mercy:
I will tell you the truth—you tell it to the living.
God’s angel took me, and he from Hell cried out:
O you from heaven, why do you rob me?
You carry off with you this man’s eternal part.
For a little tear he’s taken from me… [5]
“Tell it among the living.” Perhaps we need to tell it to ourselves first? As the Memorare prayer reminds us: never was it known that anyone who called on Mary was left without aid. Even in the last extremity. Such is the power of Mary, such is the power of mercy. “‘A tiny tear’ finds an ocean of mercy in reply.”[6]
The second person to highlight is the Sienese noblewoman Sapia. She is on the terrace of purgatory for the envious, where all have their eyes sewn shut.
I sought my peace with God
at the very last and penitence
would not have yet reduced the debt
had it not been for Peter the comb-seller
who in his charity grieved for me
and remembered me in his devout petitions.[7]
Peter the comb-seller, who would have been the social “equivalent of an immigrant street vendor,”[8] prayed for this rich and haughty noblewoman! And his prayers brought her a great way up the mountain of purgatory, significantly reducing her time of purification. Here we see the unity of the Mystical Body in action—in particular, the connection between the Church Militant and the Church Suffering.
But this is only one example of that unity and of the power the faithful have to cause the entire Mystical Body to increase in charity. In the Paradiso, Dante meets some souls in the second heaven, who, shining with glory, see him and say to one another with great excitement: “Here is one who will cause our love to grow.”[9] By helping each other, our love for one another and for God increases.
How often do we consider this? Do we ever consider it? How much it would transform our day-to-day lives if we remembered it! Our little sacrifices and our big ones, our acts of love, our “offering up” of problems or tasks really does make a difference to the world, to the Church. We do not have to be, like Dante, on a journey through heaven; it applies to us also because we are—hopefully—on a journey to heaven. “Nobodies” and “nothings” can make a difference too.
In the Paradiso, the story of Piccarda, the would-be nun in the heaven of the moon, is often quoted, or rather, her famous line, which might be the most quoted of the poem. Piccarda is answering Dante’s question about why those in the lower heavens do not envy the souls who have more glory in the higher levels of heaven. She says: “In His will is our peace.”[10] A profoundly consoling truth. Reaching this peace requires humility, proper detachment, and trust.
My wife shared with me a conversation she had one afternoon with a Benedictine monk from Norcia, which has remained with her ever since. She had asked him how he remained so peaceful among all the bustle and hassle of dealing with guests and tourists in their shop. He said to her: “Peace… is God’s will right now.”
How might we relate these three lessons from Dante to the present situation?
First, go to Mary—always go to Mary.
Second, pray for the dead and the dying. Your simple prayer may make all the difference to someone, and you will not know it until (please God) you reach heaven and meet your brother or sister who was and will be indebted to you for ever, just as you will be indebted to so many others.
Third, trust in God’s will. He is not surprised about what is happening. He knows it; He wills or allows it, because for those who love Him, it will work to their good. As St. Pio of Pietrelcina used to say: “Do not fear God, because He doesn’t want to do you any harm at all. Love Him a great deal, because He wants to do you a great deal of good.”
NOTES
[1] Inferno, Canto 1, lines 1-3. I am using here the Hollander translation of the Comedy.
[2] Inferno 1, lines 4-7, p. 3.
[3] See Jason Baxter, A Beginner’s Guide to Dante’s Divine Comedy (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2018), 91.
[4] Purgatorio 5, lines 97–101, p. 103.
[5] Purgatorio 5, lines 103–107, p. 103.
[6] Baxter, Beginner’s Guide, 91.
[7] Purgatorio 13, lines 124-129, p. 281.
[8] Baxter, Beginner’s Guide, 93. It’s also interesting to observe that this Peter, a nobody, became a Franciscan hermit and was venerated in Siena as a saint. See Hollander, Purgatorio, 290.
[9] Dante, Paradiso 5, line 105, p. 129.
[10] Paradiso 3, line 85, p. 69.
[11] John McClernon, Sermon in Sentence: St. Pio of Pietrelcina (London: Baronious Press, 2019), 97.
Peter Kwasniewski, Thomistic theologian, liturgical scholar, and choral composer, is a graduate of Thomas Aquinas College in California (B.A. Liberal Arts) and The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC (M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy). He taught at the International Theological Institute in Austria and the Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Austria Program, then helped establish Wyoming Catholic College in 2006. There he taught theology, philosophy, music, and art history and directed the choirs until leaving in 2018 to devote himself full-time to writing and lecturing. Today he contributes regularly to many websites and publications, including New Liturgical Movement, OnePeterFive, LifeSiteNews, Rorate Caeli, The Remnant, and Catholic Family News, and has published thirteen books, including four on traditional Catholicism: Resurgent in the Midst of Crisis (Angelico, 2014, also available in Czech, Polish, German, Portuguese, Spanish, and Belarusian), Noble Beauty, Transcendent Holiness (Angelico, 2017), Tradition and Sanity (Angelico, 2018), and Reclaiming Our Roman Catholic Birthright: The Genius and Timeliness of the Traditional Latin Mass (Angelico, 2020). His work has been translated into at least eighteen languages. Kwasniewski is a scholar of The Aquinas Institute in Green Bay, which is publishing the Opera Omnia of the Angelic Doctor, a Fellow of the Albertus Magnus Center for Scholastic Studies, and a Senior Fellow of the St. Paul Center. He has published over a thousand articles on Thomistic thought, sacramental and liturgical theology, the history and aesthetics of music, and the social doctrine of the Church. For news, information, article links, sacred music, and the home of Os Justi Press, visit his personal website, www.peterkwasniewski.com.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-16--NJ gov ‘wasn’t thinking of the Bill of Rights’ when he banned religious gatherings

TRENTON , New Jersey , April 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said he “ wasn ’ t thinking of the Bill of Rights ” when he prohibited large gatherings of more than 50 people , including religious gatherings , in his state due to the coronavirus pandemic .
“ That ’ s above my paygrade , ” he told Tucker Carlson during a Fox News interview on April 15 .
Carlson pressed the governor multiple times on the constitutionality of a move that effectively banned significant numbers of people from coming together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have the authority to order something that so clearly contravenes the Bill of Rights of the United States , the U.S. Constitution ?
Where do you get the authority to do that ?
” he asked .
“ I ’ m just going to ask you one last time because I think it ’ s important .
I ’ m sure you ’ ve thought about this .
You can ’ t just , as the governor of a state , tell people who they can talk to , when , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , upon which all of this is based , prohibits you from doing that , ” Carlson followed up .
Murphy then explained how he called Cardinal Joseph Tobin CSsR , the Archbishop of Newark , New Jersey .
“ 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.
” Tobin declared nobody was doing that , promising to “ confirm that with my fellow bishops.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone their right to worship in any way .
We have to find a different way to worship , ” Murphy continued .
Carlson fired back that “ government ’ s not allowed to tell people how to worship.
” The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees not only freedom of speech , but also freedom of religion , including the “ free exercise ” of that religion .
Carlson also pressed Murphy on the fact that liquor stores are not affected by the coronavirus pandemic , as they are allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that shutting down liquor stores would have led to “ unintended mental health and addiction prices to pay , unintended consequences.
” Then , Carlson asked about potential mental health effects of not being able to go to church .
“ I think we ’ ve had a very good common ground with faith leaders of literally every faith who understand this , ” Murphy responded .
He assured viewers leaving liquor stores open had nothing to do with tax revenues .
Interestingly , on March 18 , Governor Murphy had insisted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the faithful and wider community , especially those most at risk of serious illness or death , and in cooperation with statewide mandates.
” 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 is considered one of the most progressive bishops in the United States .
In 2018 , he tweeted , “ Nighty-night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later deleted the Tweet and claimed it was “ meant as a private communication with one of my sisters.
” In 2017 , the Archbishop personally welcomed homosexuals to the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark as part of a self-described “ LGBT Pilgrimage.
” Murphy , who is pro-abortion and signed assisted suicide into law in New Jersey , said , “ We ’ ve got too many lost souls , believe me .
Every one of them is a precious life .
”

PETITION: Urge state governors to stop abortions during coronavirus crisis Sign the petition here.
TRENTON, New Jersey, April 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said he “wasn’t thinking of the Bill of Rights” when he prohibited large gatherings of more than 50 people, including religious gatherings, in his state due to the coronavirus pandemic. “That’s above my paygrade,” he told Tucker Carlson during a Fox News interview on April 15.
Carlson pressed the governor multiple times on the constitutionality of a move that effectively banned significant numbers of people from coming together for worship services.
“How do you have the authority to order something that so clearly contravenes the Bill of Rights of the United States, the U.S. Constitution? Where do you get the authority to do that?” he asked.
“I’m just going to ask you one last time because I think it’s important. I’m sure you’ve thought about this. You can’t just, as the governor of a state, tell people who they can talk to, when, and where, because the Constitution of the United States, upon which all of this is based, prohibits you from doing that,” Carlson followed up.
Murphy then explained how he called Cardinal Joseph Tobin CSsR, the Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey. “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.”
Tobin declared nobody was doing that, promising to “confirm that with my fellow bishops.”
“That’s not denying someone their right to worship in any way. We have to find a different way to worship,” Murphy continued.
Carlson fired back that “government’s not allowed to tell people how to worship.”
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees not only freedom of speech, but also freedom of religion, including the “free exercise” of that religion.
Carlson also pressed Murphy on the fact that liquor stores are not affected by the coronavirus pandemic, as they are 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.”
Then, Carlson asked about potential mental health effects of not being able to go to church.
“I think we’ve had a very good common ground with faith leaders of literally every faith who understand this,” Murphy responded. He assured viewers leaving liquor stores open had nothing to do with tax revenues.
Interestingly, on March 18, Governor Murphy had 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.”
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 is considered one of the most progressive bishops in the United States. 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.”
In 2017, the Archbishop personally welcomed homosexuals to the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark as part of a self-described “LGBT Pilgrimage.”
Murphy, who is pro-abortion and signed assisted suicide into law in New Jersey, said, “We’ve got too many lost souls, believe me. Every one of them is a precious life.”
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lifesitenews--2020-04-16--If Roe v. Wade is overturned, author foresees liberals pushing to secede from US

April 15 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — If Roe v.Wade is overturned , the political left could very well begin agitating for states to break apart from the union , author F.H .
Buckley believes .
“ I think that nothing would move us more closely to secession than that , ” Buckley , who writes for the New York Post , remarked to Jonathon van Maren this week .
Buckley is a dual Canadian-American citizen and the author of the recently released “ American Secession : The Looming Threat of a National Breakup.
” During his conversation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives in Canada , Buckley argued that the left , more so the political right , isn ’ t very good at tolerating things that don ’ t go their way , and if Trump is re-elected in 2020 they might just lose their minds .
“ The left at this point more or less thinks it has ownership over America .
It owns the media .
It thought it owned the courts .
But it 's far less sure right now , ” he said .
“ They thought that everything would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) ] everything would unfold in their direction.
” However , “ the Trump victory … meant that … the left ’ s dominance over our politics and culture … ( was ) contested.
” Buckley added that it ’ s very possible that the left will lose certain aspects of the culture war and that if that happens they won ’ t be able to handle it .
“ I mean … conservatives are pretty good about sucking things up .
We suck things up in 2008 when Obama is elected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ skins and they do n't suck things up.
” “ The Democratic Party is a party of elites .
It 's not a party of common people .
It 's a party of people who have an absolutely religious faith on the need for abortion .
I can ’ t imagine them giving that up.
” Buckley has been a professor of law at George Mason University in Washington , D.C. since the late 1980s .
The Van Maren Show is hosted on numerous platforms , including Spotify , SoundCloud , YouTube , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a full listing of episodes , and to subscribe to various channels , visit our Acast webpage here .
To receive weekly emails when a new episode is uploaded , subscribe below :

F.H. Buckley believes that the left can't handle losing the culture wars and they would possibly break away from America if that happens.
PETITION: Urge state governors to stop abortions during coronavirus crisis. Sign the petition here.
April 15, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — If Roe v.Wade is overturned, the political left could very well begin agitating for states to break apart from the union, author F.H. Buckley believes.
“I think that nothing would move us more closely to secession than that,” Buckley, who writes for the New York Post, remarked to Jonathon van Maren this week.
Buckley is a dual Canadian-American citizen and the author of the recently released “American Secession: The Looming Threat of a National Breakup.” During his conversation with van Maren, a pro-life activist who lives in Canada, Buckley argued that the left, more so the political right, isn’t very good at tolerating things that don’t go their way, and if Trump is re-elected in 2020 they might just lose their minds.
“The left at this point more or less thinks it has ownership over America. It owns the media. It thought it owned the courts. But it's far less sure right now,” he said.
“They thought that everything would fall into their lap [and that] everything would unfold in their direction.” However, “the Trump victory … meant that … the left’s dominance over our politics and culture … (was) contested.”
Buckley added that it’s very possible that the left will lose certain aspects of the culture war and that if that happens they won’t be able to handle it.
“I mean … conservatives are pretty good about sucking things up. We sucked things up in 2008 when Obama is elected. These guys on the left have thinner skins and they don't suck things up.”
“The Democratic Party is a party of elites. It's not a party of common people. It's a party of people who have an absolutely religious faith on the need for abortion. I can’t imagine them giving that up.”
Buckley has been a professor of law at George Mason University in Washington, D.C. since the late 1980s.
The Van Maren Show is hosted on numerous platforms, including Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, iTunes, and Google Play.
For a full listing of episodes, and to subscribe to various channels, visit our Acast webpage here.
To receive weekly emails when a new episode is uploaded, subscribe below:
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First Name *
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lifesitenews--2020-04-16--Easter under a park bench

Easter under a park bench

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 !
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Watch Mother Miriam's Live show from 4.16.2020. Today, Mother reads the touching story of a young boy who invites a homeless man over for Easter.
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Subscribe to Mother Miriam Live here.


lifesitenews--2020-04-16--Mississippi mayor reverses ban, will allow drive-in church with windows up

GREENVILLE , Mississippi , April 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― After a warning from the Department of Justice , the mayor who fined Christians $ 500 for attending drive-in church services has reversed his ban on the practice .
Mayor Errick D. Simmons of Greenville , Mississippi attracted sharp criticism , lawsuits , and national notoriety after members of Temple Baptist Church were given citations for attending a worship service from the safety of their cars last Wednesday .
In the wake of the controversy , Simmons first waived the $ 500 fine on Easter Monday .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order banning any kind of church service , including drive-in participation , in his city .
According to the Associated Press , Greenville residents may now attend church services as long as there are only ten of them in a church at one time or they remain in their cars with the windows closed .
The Governor of Mississippi , Tate Reeves , was critical of Simmons ’ criminalization of public worship , and even filed a memo in support of a lawsuit brought against the City of Greenville by Alliance Defending Freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference yesterday that by ticketing the Temple Baptist congregation , the police had put them at risk of infection .
“ The actions taken by an over-burdensome government actually put more people at risk , ” the governor said .
Simmons said that Reeves had advised Mississippi mayors in a phone conversation that his shelter-in-place order was not meant to suspend all public worship .
“ The governor stated today ... for the very first time that drive-in church services where families stay in their cars with windows up are safe , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he has received a death threat .
In support of Temple Baptist Church , the Justice Department stated in its court filing that it became involved in the case because it touched on important issues of religious liberty .
“ This case raises issues of national public importance regarding the interplay between the government ’ s compelling interest in protecting public health and safety from COVID-19 and citizens ’ fundamental right to free exercise of religion , ” it said .
“ The allegations in this complaint strongly suggest that the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite the inclusion of measures to reduce the risk such as requiring people to remain in their cars , are neither neutral nor generally applicable , ” the Justice Department continued .
“ According to the city , ‘ ALL businesses and industries deemed essential by state and federal orders ’ may continue operations…and the state has designated churches such as the one here as essential , ” the filing added .
“ Nevertheless , the city barred the church from holding services even if the church adheres to CDC and Mississippi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city “ appears to permit citizens to sit in a ‘ car at a drive-in restaurant with [ their ] windows rolled down , ’ but not ‘ at a drive-in church service with [ their ] windows rolled up , ’ ” the filing stated .
Governor Reeves issued Mississippi ’ s shelter-in-place order on April 1 , but refused to shut down churches .
“ Mississippi is not China , and it never will be , ” he famously said at the time .
New Mexico Catholics will now also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their cars .
Yesterday Bishop Peter Baldacchino of Las Cruces , New Mexico was the first American prelate to lift a ban on public celebration of the Mass .
Baldacchino stipulated that indoor congregations could number only four plus the priest but that larger congregations could assemble outdoors in their cars , either in parish parking lots or in such other open spaces as cemeteries .
“ Parishioners should maintain at least a six feet separation at all times , ” his guidance states .

On April 7, Mayor Errick D. Simmons of Greenville, Mississippi banned any kind of church service, including those conducted in a 'drive-in' manner, in his city.
Urgent appeal to the bishops of the world: Feed your flock Sign the petition here.
GREENVILLE, Mississippi, April 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― After a warning from the Department of Justice, the mayor who fined Christians $500 for attending drive-in church services has reversed his ban on the practice.
Mayor Errick D. Simmons of Greenville, Mississippi attracted sharp criticism, lawsuits, and national notoriety after members of Temple Baptist Church were given citations for attending a worship service from the safety of their cars last Wednesday.
In the wake of the controversy, Simmons first waived the $500 fine on Easter Monday. Now he has also rescinded his April 7 order banning any kind of church service, including drive-in participation, in his city. According to the Associated Press, Greenville residents may now attend church services as long as there are only ten of them in a church at one time or they remain in their cars with the windows closed.
The Governor of Mississippi, Tate Reeves, was critical of Simmons’ criminalization of public worship, and even filed a memo in support of a lawsuit brought against the City of Greenville by Alliance Defending Freedom. Reeves pointed out at a press conference yesterday that by ticketing the Temple Baptist congregation, the police had put them at risk of infection.
“The actions taken by an over-burdensome government actually put more people at risk,” the governor said.
Simmons said that Reeves had advised Mississippi mayors in a phone conversation that his shelter-in-place order was not meant to suspend all public worship.
“The governor stated today … for the very first time that drive-in church services where families stay in their cars with windows up are safe,” Simmons said.
The mayor also alleged that he has received a death threat.
In support of Temple Baptist Church, the Justice Department stated in its court filing that it became involved in the case because it touched on important issues of religious liberty.
“This case raises issues of national public importance regarding the interplay between the government’s compelling interest in protecting public health and safety from COVID-19 and citizens’ fundamental right to free exercise of religion,” it said.
“The allegations in this complaint strongly suggest that the city’s prohibition of drive-in church services, despite the inclusion of measures to reduce the risk such as requiring people to remain in their cars, are neither neutral nor generally applicable,” the Justice Department continued.
“According to the city, ‘ALL businesses and industries deemed essential by state and federal orders’ may continue operations…and the state has designated churches such as the one here as essential,” the filing added. “Nevertheless, the city barred the church from holding services even if the church adheres to CDC and Mississippi COVID-19 guidelines for essential operations.”
The city “appears to permit citizens to sit in a ‘car at a drive-in restaurant with [their] windows rolled down,’ but not ‘at a drive-in church service with [their] windows rolled up,’” the filing stated.
Governor Reeves issued Mississippi’s shelter-in-place order on April 1, but refused to shut down churches.
“Mississippi is not China, and it never will be,” he famously said at the time.
New Mexico Catholics will now also be able to participate in public worship from their cars. Yesterday Bishop Peter Baldacchino of Las Cruces, New Mexico was the first American prelate to lift a ban on public celebration of the Mass. Baldacchino stipulated that indoor congregations could number only four plus the priest but that larger congregations could assemble outdoors in their cars, either in parish parking lots or in such other open spaces as cemeteries.
“Parishioners should maintain at least a six feet separation at all times,” his guidance states.
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lifesitenews--2020-04-16--Join our daily live worldwide rosary HERE

April 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – In response to the coronavirus crisis , LifeSite has begun livestreaming a daily rosary at 12:00 noon EST .
The rosary is led by Father Anthony Pillari , an American priest currently in Italy .
The whole world – including the Church – has been thrown into chaos because of the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
Thousands of people have passed away as a result of the viral outbreak , while thousands more have been sickened .
And , across the world , business has come to a grinding halt , resulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recession .
If there ever was a time for prayer , this is it .
Catholics around the planet are aching for Mass and the Sacraments , but in many places are unable to access them because of bishops ’ orders or government restrictions .
We know that community with other believers is vital all the time , but especially during this time of global calls for “ sheltering-in-place ” and quarantine .
“ The rosary is the weapon for these times , ” St. Padre Pio said .
Through prayer , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and bring this painful crisis to an end .
Join us today !
Send photos or videos of you and your family praying the rosary with Father Pillari to [ email protected ]

April 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – In response to the coronavirus crisis, LifeSite has begun livestreaming a daily rosary at 12:00 noon EST. The rosary is led by Father Anthony Pillari, an American priest currently in Italy.
The whole world – including the Church – has been thrown into chaos because of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Thousands of people have passed away as a result of the viral outbreak, while thousands more have been sickened.
And, across the world, business has come to a grinding halt, resulting in sudden job loss and threatening economic recession.
If there ever was a time for prayer, this is it. Catholics around the planet are aching for Mass and the Sacraments, but in many places are unable to access them because of bishops’ orders or government restrictions.
We know that community with other believers is vital all the time, but especially during this time of global calls for “sheltering-in-place” and quarantine.
“The rosary is the weapon for these times,” St. Padre Pio said. Through prayer, we can shape history, change the world, and bring this painful crisis to an end. Join us today!
Send photos or videos of you and your family praying the rosary with Father Pillari to [email protected]
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lifesitenews--2020-04-16--Judge orders county health dept to give police names of all COVID-19 patients

April 16 , 2020 ( CNS News ) – The McHenry County , Illinois , Health Department ( MCHD ) had refused to provide the names of all coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) patients to police – but , on Friday , Judge Michael Chmiel ruled the MCHD must do so .
The McHenry County state ’ s attorney ’ s office had sued MCHD to force it to begin supplying patients ’ names to local law enforcement , prompting the judge ’ s ruling , The Chicago Tribune reports : “ On Friday , McHenry County Judge Michael Chmiel entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Department disclose to police the names of those actively infected with COVID-19.
” “ The Health Department refused to reveal the names , prosecutors stated in a news release .
Health departments have typically cited privacy concern in withholding such information , specifically the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
” “ While we are compelled to provide the information , ” MCDH said in a statement released Saturday , it remains the health department ’ s “ professional health opinion ” that providing patients ’ identities to police is excessive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health opinion , given what we know about how this disease spreads , the general lack of testing , epidemiological data and the stay-at-home order , providing the personal names of cases exceeds the minimum information needed to protect law enforcement .
“ Five law enforcement agencies disagreed and filed suit , demanding the names of patients having tested positive .
Friday evening , the court issued a temporary order to release the names .
While we are compelled to provide this information , MCDH has requested the tightest control of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be provided only to the Emergency Telephone System Board ( ETSB-911 ) for dissemination on a call-by-call basis.
” On April 2 , 2020 McHenry County posted a video to its YouTube page featuring police officers and other public servants telling residents to “ Stay Home McHenry County .
”

Five law enforcement agencies filed a lawsuit, demanding the names of patients who tested positive for the coronavirus.
April 16, 2020 (CNS News) – The McHenry County, Illinois, Health Department (MCHD) had refused to provide the names of all coronavirus (COVID-19) patients to police – but, on Friday, Judge Michael Chmiel ruled the MCHD must do so.
The McHenry County state’s attorney’s office had sued MCHD to force it to begin supplying patients’ names to local law enforcement, prompting the judge’s ruling, The Chicago Tribune reports:
“On Friday, McHenry County Judge Michael Chmiel entered a temporary restraining order mandating that the Health Department disclose to police the names of those actively infected with COVID-19.” … “The Health Department refused to reveal the names, prosecutors stated in a news release. Health departments have typically cited privacy concern in withholding such information, specifically the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.”
“While we are compelled to provide the information,” MCDH said in a statement released Saturday, it remains the health department’s “professional health opinion” that providing patients’ identities to police is excessive:
“In MCDH’s professional public health opinion, given what we know about how this disease spreads, the general lack of testing, epidemiological data and the stay-at-home order, providing the personal names of cases exceeds the minimum information needed to protect law enforcement. “Five law enforcement agencies disagreed and filed suit, demanding the names of patients having tested positive. Friday evening, the court issued a temporary order to release the names. While we are compelled to provide this information, MCDH has requested the tightest control of this private medical information, whereby it will be provided only to the Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB-911) for dissemination on a call-by-call basis.”
On April 2, 2020 McHenry County posted a video to its YouTube page featuring police officers and other public servants telling residents to “Stay Home McHenry County.”
Reprinted with permission from CNSNews.com.
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