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The Archdiocese of New York has instructed priests not to grant religious exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines. The archdiocese said such an exemption would contradict Pope Francis, who has said it is morally acceptable to receive any of the vaccines, and there is a moral responsibility to get vaccinated.
Dioceses in the capital city of Manila, in the Philippines, have suspended public Masses for three weeks, due to a rise in COVID-19 infections. Masses will be available only online until August 20th. Officials fear a surge in the Delta variant of COVID-19. There were reportedly more than 8,000 recorded infections a day from Friday to Monday.
The archbishop of San Francisco has instituted a monthly Traditional Latin Mass at the city’s cathedral. The archdiocese said it established the monthly Masses, in response to the enthusiasm of local Catholics for the Traditional Latin Mass. San Francisco’s archbishop has said Traditional Latin Masses will continue in his diocese, as the pope’s recent motu proprio allows.
The pope is asking Catholics around the world to pray, during the month of August, for the reform of the Church. In a video message, the pope said renewal is only possible by discerning God’s will in our daily life.
Today, the Church remembers Saint Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a secret disciple of Jesus. He was a member of the Sanhedrin. He reminded the Sanhedrin that Jesus had the right to a trial. He also helped prepare Jesus’ body, and placed him in the tomb. Tradition holds that St. Nicodemus was martyred, though no record remains.