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The Archdiocese of Boston has reimplemented its mask mandate, in preparation for the Christmas season. All Catholics will now be required to wear masks for public Masses, weddings and funerals. The Archdiocese of New York has also directed parishioners to follow a statewide mask mandate.
A statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Christ Child was seemingly untouched, outside a Catholic parish in Kentucky, that was heavily damaged by storms this weekend. A striking photo of the statue was published by a local newspaper this week. A series of storms passed through several states on Friday and Saturday. Western Kentucky was the hardest hit, with more than 70 confirmed deaths.
Pope Francis may meet with the authors of a landmark abuse report about the Catholic Church in France. The study suggested some 216,000 children suffered abuse by priests, deacons, monks, or nuns, between 1950 and 2020. The pope met with French bishops on Monday, and reportedly said during the meeting that he was completely available for a meeting with the authors of the study.
The Vatican financial trial will reportedly reconvene in February, with witness testimony. The historic trial involves the Secretariat of State’s investment in a London property, for 350 million euros. The trial began in July, but it has been mired in procedural problems.
Today is the feast day of Saint John of the Cross. The 16th-century Carmelite priest is best known for reforming his order, together with Saint Teresa of Avila.