An article I was reading earlier this week was talking about how 2020 will be known as the year of the asterisk. As in every time there should be an entry there will be an asterisk explaining why the event did not take place. This is so true, but while there will be asterisks to explain what didn’t happen we need asterisks for all the good things that did happen. While we are grieving the unexpected and unwanted changes that came so suddenly, opportunities lost or postponed to what still seems some far away time, and the continual uncertainty and it’s attendant stress, what are the things you are seeing that are good? Though we are still fully immersed in the pain of loss and uncertainty let us also, as we can, see what is good; Perhaps how we helped/were helped by those around us, what we did to help alleviate our worries, even if for just a few moments at a time (a daily dose of @cuteemergency on Twitter has helped me), or all the ways people have been stepping up to help us keep connected to each other. God is still with us and we will be okay.
The Urbi et Orbi blessing (to the city of Rome and all the world) is a special blessing the Pope imparts on Easter and Christmas. Occasionally it is given at other times such as during this coronavirus pandemic. If you have not seen it please take some time and watch as it is very moving.
English text/English voiceover (video at bottom): https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/urbi-et-orbi-pope-coronavirus-prayer-blessing.html
Spanish text/Spanish voiceover (video halfway through text):https://www.vaticannews.va/es/papa/news/2020-03/homilia-urbi-et-orbi-papa-francisco-suplica-dios-coronavirus.html
Italian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnzTIGpYxdA
Bishop Barnes Essay
by Nicolias
Bishop Barnes was one of the nicest bishops I’ve seen. I am super excited for the new bishop—I know he will be a cool bishop. I am really excited to see him if we can, but if we can’t that’s fine also. I hope that God is with him at all times. If there was one thing that I would like to say to him it is that I hope he becomes one of the best bishops. We are all praying for him.
God bless,
Mrs. Alhadef
Campus Minister
5th Grade Aide/4th Grade Religion