Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, thinks it is a good idea for schools to reopen for in-person classes but with restrictions in place to protect teachers, staff and students against the coronavirus, including “wearing a mask, washing your hands, maintaining social distancing.”
World News
Movie Review: ‘The Grizzlies’
Director Miranda de Pencier’s drama tells the inspiring true story of a town that suffered the highest suicide rate in North America but found hope through the introduction of a lacrosse program for its teens.
COVID forces Knock shrine to close Aug. 15 to discourage crowds
The Marian shrine at Knock announced Aug. 10 that in addition to postponing the popular Knock Novena and pilgrimage because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the shrine and its church would be closed for the Aug. 15 feast of the Assumption of Mary to ensure pilgrims do not arrive anyway.
Pope baptizes twins after successful surgery to separate them
Their heads encased in white bandages covering the wounds where they had been conjoined, 2-year-old twins named Ervina and Prefina were baptized by Pope Francis Aug. 6 in the chapel of his residence.
Weapons must be set aside for peace to flourish, pope says
For peace to flourish, weapons of war must be set aside, especially nuclear weapons that can obliterate entire cities and countries, Pope Francis said on the 75th anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima.
Knights of Columbus called to redouble efforts to fight racism, violence
Every day Knights of Columbus live out the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, and through this daily witness in society, they must redouble their efforts to combat racism, violence and hatred, the top Knight told his confreres.
Pope names six women to previously all-male Council for Economy
Renewing the membership of the Vatican Council for the Economy, Pope Francis named six women to the previously all-male board that oversees the financial operations of all Vatican offices and entities.
Vatican says baptisms that used a modified formula are not valid
Changing the words of the formula for baptism render the sacrament invalid, said the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Knights pilgrimage center will focus on founder’s spirituality, charity
A new Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center planned by the Knights of Columbus will focus on “the spirituality and charitable vision of our founder and his legacy,” said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson in announcing the new center Aug. 4.
Catholic leaders call for prayers, help after massive Beirut blasts
Lebanese were reeling after a massive explosion at Beirut’s port destroyed homes, businesses and livelihoods across the capital, and Catholic leaders immediately took action and called for international support.
Explosion in Beirut adds suffering to Lebanon’s dire situation
Hospitals in the Lebanese capital are overwhelmed with those suffering injuries from a massive explosion in Beirut’s port, causing widespread damage the city and rocking the tiny Mediterranean nation already devastated by the coronavirus and its worst financial crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war.
German author says retired Pope Benedict is ‘extremely frail’
An author with a long and close relationship to retired Pope Benedict XVI told a German newspaper that the 93-year-old retired pope is “extremely frail.”