Masses are being canceled throughout the world… (Photo by Sergio Ibannez)

IT is with mixed horror and grief, sadness and disbelief that many of us read of the cessation of Catholic Masses around the world. One man said he is no longer permitted to bring Communion to those in nursing homes. Another diocese is refusing to hear confessions. The Easter Triduum, the solemn reflection on the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, is being canceled in many places. Yes, yes, there are the rational arguments: “We have an obligation to care for the very young, the aged, and those with compromised immune systems. And the best way we can care for them is minimizing large group gatherings for the time being…” Never mind that this has always been the case with seasonal flu (and we’ve never canceled Masses for that).Continue reading →