These changes correspond to Italian government restrictions on large public gatherings to limit transmission of coronavirus.
Health and Wellness
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Vatican Lenten meditation offered online amid coronavirus concerns
The Friday reflections in Lent, like in Advent, usually are led by the official “preacher of the papal household,” who, for the past 40 years, has been Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa.
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Bethlehem holy sites to be closed after coronavirus reported at hotel
The affected areas were in the West Bank: Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Beit Sahour and Jericho for 14 days following seven reported cases of the coronavirus in the Bethlehem and Beit Jala area.
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Bethlehem’s storied Nativity Church closes amid coronavirus fears
Built on the grotto where Christians believe Jesus was born, the church joins a list of prominent tourist and holy sites to shutter their doors in the wake of rising fears over the spread of coronavirus.
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U.S. dioceses adopt wide-ranging plans to limit spread of coronavirus
Dioceses nationwide are taking precautions to guard against the spread of the coronavirus and reminding parishioners to take commonsense steps related to hygiene in their personal lives.
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After slight cold, Pope Francis reportedly tests negative for coronavirus
Italy has reported more than 1,800 cases of the China-born virus and 66 people have died while nearly 150 have recovered, while the rest allegedly remain in quarantine. Most of the cases were reported in northern Italy, near Milan and Venice.
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Coronavirus prompts some Catholic colleges to halt international programs
Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, canceled its spring break study abroad program to Italy and several colleges have posted warnings about individual travel during the break on their websites.
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Coronavirus cases from R.I. Catholic school trip closes building for week
On March 1, a man in his 40s who was on the February school trip and has not been identified as a member of the school’s faculty or a chaperone, was the first Rhode Islander said to have a strain of the virus.
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Lourdes shrine closes healing pools as precaution against coronavirus
As the number of people testing positive for the coronavirus in Europe continued to grow, the French Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes announced that pilgrims were still welcome, but the pools the sick bathe in hoping for healing would be closed temporarily.
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A Coronavirus Prayer
Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” Come to our aid now, that we may experience your healing love.