The Pope’s charity is helping transgender sex workers left without income due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown. It all started two weeks ago, when a trans woman asked Fr Andrea Conocchia for help. He gave her food and basic supplies from the care packages. The day after, the woman returned with a friend – then Read more
Many of Germany’s churches have reopened as the country begins to ease the past six weeks’ coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. Everyone attending services must wear masks and stay apart from each other. No singing is permitted. As well as extra hygiene requirements, members of the congregation have to sit in designated seats 1.5 meters apart. All Read more
All students and staff at Auckland’s Marist College are being urged to get tested for Covid-19. Vouchers that will enable them to get a test will be given out this week. The decision was made over the weekend, school principal Raechelle Taulu, the board of trustees chairman Stephen Dallow and Dr Julia Peters of the Read more
Cambodia’s government has been using the coronavirus pandemic as a cover to make arbitrary arrests of opposition political leaders and its critics, says a US-based human rights organization. The government has detained at least 30 people for spreading “fake news” since the start of the outbreak in the country in January, New York-based Human Rights Read more
It is seriously funny that animals and birds roam free while we humans sit in cages. What is the Earth telling us? I haven’t the faintest idea. But I do sense the whisper of the Divine Presence with this pandemic. Some of us are being called back home to the love from which we came. Read more
Some Catholic priests are changing the sacramental liturgy prescribed for anointing the sick so they can administer the sacrament by proxy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In this practice, a nurse or family member takes on the act of anointing the patient while the priest prays over them. Some Church leaders have spoken out against Read more
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic could result in America’s next spiritual revival, says a megachurch pastor. Despite the lockdowns aimed at preventing the often deadly virus’s spread, “the doors for the church have never been more open”, Pastor Greg Laurie says. His first online service when the lockdown started was watched by 250,000 people. Since then, Read more
Italy’s bishops’ conference is demanding the government lift its ban on public Masses now the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown is being eased. On Sunday, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced a gradual resumption of normal life in Italy. To date, COVID-19 has led over 26,000 deaths in Italy and infected almost 200,000. For the meantime, Prime Minister Read more
People want to make him New Zealander of the Year. He has a twitter account and tweeting his memes and a fan base dubbed “Bloomers”. He has had a song written about him; hand towels bearing his image have sold out, but you can still get the T-shirts and tote bags. Colleagues describe him as Read more
A mounting humanitarian crisis is brewing in Queenstown with thousands of migrant workers trapped there with no money for food or rent. The Salvation Army says with most migrants unable to return to their home countries due to travel and lockdown restrictions, the situation is becoming akin to a “refugee crisis” – with about 6,000 Read more