In biblical terms, this all-pervasive sickness is a sign of the times.

Prison guards, probation officers and volunteers also authored some of the meditations, which were released in Italian April 3 by Libreria Editrice Vaticana, the Vatican publishing house.

A conversation with historian Winston Black on plague, medicine and religion in the Middle Ages

The 90-day program provides a way for Catholics to make a daily commitment in addition to regular weekly donations.

What our world will become will depend on the way we respond now, on how we can open our eyes and hearts to the things that really matter in our lives: family, friends, people, community, nation and a healthier world.