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Priests of the Diocese of Lexington in Kentucky who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 may no longer minister to the sick, elderly and homebound. The new policy was announced on Saturday. It is unclear whether priests in the diocese must publicly disclose that they have not received a COVID-19 vaccination.
There have been at least 95 reported incidents of vandalism of Catholic churches across the United States, since May 2020. That’s according to a recent report by the US bishops. Incidents include arson, the destruction of statues, and the defacement of church buildings and gravestones with swastikas and anti-Catholic language. Incidents occurred across 29 states.
Christianity without the cross is worldly and sterile. Those were the words of Pope Francis in Slovakia today, in honor of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The pope celebrated the Byzantine Divine Liturgy. He reflected that crucifixes are found all around us: on necks, in homes, in cars, in pockets. He asked Christians to reflect on how often they allow themselves to be struck by the wounds Christ bore for our sake.
Today is the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The feast celebrates two historical events: the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena, and the dedication in 335 of the basilica and shrine built on Calvary by Constantine.