Thank you Mary. Thank you for saying, "Be it done unto me according to thy word."

Bergoglio blames Pack-a Mama.

Enjoying your isolation? How's that job going? How's your health?

Blame the communists in China for their wet markets. Blame them for covering up the virus.

And blame this Pope Bergoglio for allowing the bowing down and worship in the Vatican garden of a pagan idol. 

Blame this Pope Bergoglio for allowing into a holy church of Our Lady and the Basilica of St. Peter that wretched and filthy idol.

Blame Pope Bergoglio for ordering that the array of plants representing that Whore of the Amazon be placed on the Holy Altar of God.

Blame that wimp and hypocrite Marini for not dropping it and saying, "Oppsi." 

O LORD in Heaven, free the world from this virus of disease and men who have corrupted the world and your Holy Church.

And blame ourselves for our lust for sodomy, fornication, abortion, greed, power and so much more.

Blame the idolatry that did this.

Spare O Lord, Spare your people.

https://wdtprs.com/2020/03/francis-coronavirus-is-natures-revenge-tantrum-cry-for-help/

https://www.breitbart.com/health/2020/03/23/pope-francis-coronavirus-pandemic-is-nature-throwing-a-tantrum/

ROME — Pope Francis told a Spanish journalist Sunday that nature never forgives and the coronavirus pandemic is nature’s cry for humans to take better care of creation.

Asked by a Spanish journalist via Skype whether the COVID-19 pandemic is nature’s way of taking “revenge” on humanity, the pontiff suggested that nature is calling for attention.

“There’s a saying, which you have heard: ‘God always forgives. We sometimes forgive. Nature never forgives,’” the pope said. “Fires, earthquakes … nature is throwing a tantrum so that we will take care of her.”

The pope was also asked whether he is “optimistic” about the future of humanity in dealing with the coronavirus.

“I don’t like that word, because optimism sounds like makeup to me,” Francis replied. “I have hope in humanity, in men and women, I have hope in nations. I’m very hopeful. People who are going to draw lessons from this crisis to rethink their lives.”

“We are going to come out of this better… fewer, of course. Many are left along the way and it’s hard. But I have faith: we will come through this better.”

Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has insisted on humanity’s responsibility to care for nature, calling for an integral ecology that cares for human beings as well as the rest of creation.

A true ecological approach “always becomes a social approach,” the pope wrote in his 2015 encyclical letter Laudato Si. “It must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.”

Francis has also tended to personalize nature, suggesting that it “cries out” when it is mistreated.

Situations such as a loss of biodiversity and economic inequality “have caused sister earth, along with all the abandoned of our world, to cry out, pleading that we take another course,” he wrote. “Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the last two hundred years.”

“Neglecting to monitor the harm done to nature and the environmental impact of our decisions is only the most striking sign of a disregard for the message contained in the structures of nature itself,” he said. “When we fail to acknowledge as part of reality the worth of a poor person, a human embryo, a person with disabilities – to offer just a few examples – it becomes difficult to hear the cry of nature itself; everything is connected.”

You selfish, heartless, prideful Catholic! Watch this!

Be very careful. That Mass you demanded to attend may be your last. Or that of someone you love. But who cares, they're old and have pre-existing conditions.

And you call yourself a Catholic. I have two words for you but I won't use profanity.

See how God treats you for that on judgement day. 

Remnant Clergy? My foot you stinking frauds.

https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-they-call-it-the-apocalypse-inside-italys-hardest-hit-hospital-11960597

China has lied over everthing and owes reparations to every citizen of the world and a whole lot more. Barona lays it out for all to understand.

Barona over at Toronto Catholic Witness has a superb post on the current situation.

https://torontocatholicwitness.blogspot.com/2020/03/has-coronavirus-taken-over-2-million.html

No more Anonymous Comments

Effective immediately, there are no longer any anonymous comments permitted. All commenters must have a Google account.

This has been forced because of abuse in the combox.

If the abuse continues, comments will be shut down.

If you need to contact me, you can do so at voxcantoris@rogers.com. If you send me abusive emails, they will be flagged for automatic deletion.

Missa Sicca for the Domestic Church - Fourth Sunday of Lent "Laetare"

Clearly, this was a waste of time. It won't be done again.

In an effort to assist you on this Fourth Sunday of Lent, I have put together this Mass for the Domestic Church interspersed with organ music, it is Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday and the Ordinary and Propers of the Mass for today. It's very much what I would have programmed, sung and lead had I been able to.

Look, I know not attending Mass is a hardship. I get it. What you must "get" is that yesterday, nearly 700 people died in Italy of the China Virus. Yes, I know, they had pre-existing conditions and they were old so they were going to die anyway. What kind of Catholic are you if you think this way?

St. Junipero Serra offered no Mass on the ship to the New World. It was not allowed, the Precious Blood would have spilt. St. Francis of Assisi offered no Mass in the mountain on his retreat. Even if he wanted to, he could not, he was a deacon. Stop the fuss. I predict that tomorrow, flights in North America will be grounded and the stock markets closed. Shortly thereafter, we will be ordered under martial law to shelter in place. Why? Because if we do not, 10,000,000 in North America are going to die by the end of August because this mitigation is not much better than doing nothing and people are not listening. If we bite the bullet, it will be over in seven weeks and we will be all together before Pentecost ad the dead will be held to around 10,000. Our grandparents were called to war, we are called to our couch and our gardens. We can do this. God has not abandoned us. 

Please remember Fox and me in your prayers. Let us pray for one another at this time.

God bless you.

Missa Sicca Pro Ecclesia Domestica 

(Dry Mass for the Domestic Church)

In the name of the Father + and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Introitus 
Isa 66:10-11
Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and come together, all you who love her: rejoice with joy, you who have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation.
Ps 121:1

I rejoiced because they said to me, We will go up to the house of the Lord.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and come together, all you who love her: rejoice with joy, you who have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation.

The Confiteor

I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed (strike breast three times): through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary ever virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the saints, to pray to the Lord Our God for me. + May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and bring us to life everlasting. Amen.

The Kyrie

Prayer

Grant, we beseech You, almighty God, that we who justly suffer for our sins may find relief in the help of Your grace. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.

℟. Amen. 

Lesson 

Lesson from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians

Gal 4:22-31

Brethren: It is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a slave-girl and the other by a free woman. And the son of the slave-girl was born according to the flesh, but the son of the free woman in virtue of the promise. This said by way of allegory. For these are the two covenants: one indeed from Mount Sinai bringing forth children unto bondage, which is Agar. For Sinai is a mountain in Arabia, which corresponds to the present Jerusalem, and is in slavery with her children. But that Jerusalem which is above is free, which is our mother. For it is written, Rejoice, O barren one, that do not bear; break forth and cry, you that do not travail; for many are the children of the desolate, more than of her that has a husband. Now we, brethren, are the children of the promise, as Isaac was. But as then he who was born according to the flesh, persecuted him who was born according to the spirit, so also it is now. But what does the Scripture say? Cast out the slave-girl and her son, for the son of the slave-girl shall not be heir with the son of the free woman. Therefore, brethren, we are not children of a slave-girl, but of the free woman - in virtue of the freedom wherewith Christ has made us free.
℟ Thanks be to God.

Gradual 

Ps 121: 1, 7. I rejoiced because they said to me, We will go up to the house of the Lord.

V. May peace be within your walls, prosperity in your buildings.

Tract
Ps 124:1-2 They who trust in the Lord are like Mount Sion, which is immovable; which forever stands.
V. Mountains are round about Jerusalem; so the Lord is round about His people, both now and forever.

  

Gospel
Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to John
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
John 6:1-15
At that time, Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which is that of Tiberias. And there followed Him a great crowd, because they witnessed the signs He worked on those who were sick. Jesus therefore went up the mountain, and sat there with His disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. When, therefore, Jesus had lifted up His eyes and seen that a very great crowd had come to Him, He said to Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat? But He said this to try him, for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him, Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not enough for them, that each one may receive a little. One of His disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to Him, There is a young boy here who has five barley loaves and two fishes; but what are these among so many? Jesus then said, Make the people recline. Now there was much grass in the place. The men therefore reclined, in number about five thousand. Jesus then took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, distributed them to those reclining; and likewise the fishes, as much as they wished. But when they were filled, He said to His disciples, Gather the fragments that are left over, lest they be wasted. They therefore gathered them up; and they filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. When the people, therefore, had seen the sign which Jesus had worked, they said, This is indeed the Prophet Who is to come into the world. So when Jesus perceived that they would come to take Him by force and make Him king He fled again to the mountain, Himself alone.
R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

Credo

Offertorium

Ps 134:3, 6.

Praise the Lord, for He is good; sing praise to His Name, for He is sweet; all that He wills He does in heaven and on earth.

Prefatio 
It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who by this bodily fast, dost curb our vices, dost lift up our minds and bestow on us strength and rewards; through Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with these we entreat Thee that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted while we say with lowly praise:

Sanctus

Invocation of the Saints
Almighty God, may our prayers be joined to the intercession of the glorious every virgin Mary Mother of God; also of the blessed Joseph, her spouse, and likewise of your blessed Apostles and martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddeus, Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, of all thy saints. Grant for the sake of their merits and prayers in all things we may be guarded and helped by Your protection. + Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for the Living
Be mindful, O Lord, of N… our Pope, N… our Bishop, N… our Priest, Your servants and handmaids N… and N…, and of those entrusted to my care, for whom this sacrifice of praise is offered, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered by Your ordained priests throughout the world. Grant, O Lord, the redemption of their souls and the hope of their safety and salvation.
Prayer for the Dead
Be mindful, also, O Lord, of Your servants and handmaids N... and N... who are gone before us with the sign of faith and who sleep the sleep of peace. To these, O Lord, and to all who rest in Christ, grant, we beseech You, a place of refreshment, light and peace. + Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Eternal Happiness
To us also Your sinful servants, who put our trust in the multitude of Your mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with Your holy Apostles and martyrs: with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and all your saints. Into their company we beseech You admit us, not considering our merits, but freely pardoning our offenses. + Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Our Father

Agnus Dei

Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, I believe that You are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I long for You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You have already come, I embrace You and unite myself entirely to You; never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

Communio

Ps 121:3-4

Jerusalem, built as a city, with compact unity: to it the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to give thanks to Your Name, O Lord.

The Last Gospel (John 1:1–14)

The beginning +︎ of the holy Gospel according to John.

R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

Joann. 1, 1-14.  

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was made nothing that was made: in Him was life, and the life was the Light of men; and the Light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to testify concerning the Light, that all might believe through Him. He was not the Light, but he was to testify concerning the Light.

That was the true Light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him to them He gave power to become sons of God, to them that believe in His Name, who are born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Here all kneel. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us: and we saw His glory, the glory as of the Only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

R. Thanks be to God.

In the name of the Father + and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Marian antiphon

 

 

793 people died today in Italy of the China Virus

Yet, you want to demand to go to Mass with other people?

Now, read this.

It's time for a complete lockdown. Do it now, and this is done in weeks. Wait, and millions will die.

https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-the-hammer-and-the-dance-be9337092b56

Here is a beautiful letter from Cardinal Burke. I suggested something similar a few posts below to keep churches open.

But I have changed my mind. Do you know why? Because some or most cannot be trusted. They are so arrogant and prideful they will still come to church sick.

And you say, "oh, well those who die have pre-existing conditions or are old."

Idiots.

Livestreaming the Traditional Latin Mass

LIVESTREAMING MASS INFORMATION Dear friends of the London Latin Mass Apostolate, We hope this email finds each of you and your families in good health. As noted in previous emails, the public celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been suspended indefinitely in light of the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic. While we are in self-isolation in anticipation of lowering the rate of infection (flattening the curve), we are not left abandoned as Christ still offers Himself to the Father on our behalf through the consecrated hands of our priests daily. As lay faithful, while we are unable to participate physically in Sunday Mass, we are still commanded by Divine Law to keep the sabbath day holy (Exodus 20:8). To aid the laity in this, some parishes have been able to livestream Mass and other devotions which has been of great spiritual benefit for souls. It is in fact become even more beneficial, as today, Mauro Cardinal Piacenza, on behalf of the Apostolic Penitentiary in Rome, announced a number of Plenary Indulgences, including one for those who participate in Mass or other Catholic devotions through television or via the internet during the pandemic. It states the following: The Plenary Indulgence is granted to the faithful suffering from Coronavirus, who are subject to quarantine by order of the health authority in hospitals or in their own homes if, with a spirit detached from any sin, they unite spiritually through the media to the celebration of Holy Mass, the recitation of the Holy Rosary, to the pious practice of the Way of the Cross or other forms of devotion, or if at least they will recite the Creed, the Lord's Prayer and a pious invocation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, offering this trial in a spirit of faith in God and charity towards their brothers and sisters, with the will to fulfill the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer according to the Holy Father's intentions), as soon as possible. Due to Diocesan guidelines, livestreaming from Holy Angels Parish is not possible at this time. As such, Fr. John requested that I research options for our parishioners to ensure they can still participate spiritually in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass online. Here is a list of times and places which will be streaming the Traditional Latin Mass on Sunday, March 22, 2020 for the Fourth Sunday of Lent - Laetare Sunday (Times listed below in EST): (Ireland) Sacred Heart Church, Limerick - Institute of Christ the King, Sovereign Priest (ICKSP) Sunday: 6:30 am High Mass Daily (except Saturday): 3:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am Website (s): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrfOdKbEmXA&feature=youtu.be https://institute-christ-king.ie/ (USA) Institute of Christ the King, Sovereign Priest (ICKSP) Provincial Headquarters, Chicago, IL  Sunday: 9:00 am, 1:30 pm Daily (except Tuesday): 10:00 am Tuesday: 8:00 pm Website (s): https://www.institute-christ-king.org/videostream Schedule including other devotions: https://twitter.com/ICKSP/status/1240808701235286020/photo/1 (USA) Christ the King, Sarasota, FL - Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP) Sunday: 8:30 am; 10:30 am Daily (except Monday): 9:00 am Monday: 12:00 pm Website (s): http://s3.amazonaws.com/livemass/live.html Schedule for other Masses streamed on this site found here: http://s3.amazonaws.com/livemass/schedule/index.html Note: Website above has had some known issues with overload, specifically on Sundays, and may not work. We do not recommend relying on this site, and would recommend another site for streaming on Sundays. (USA) St. Mary of Pine Bluff - Pine Bluff, WI (Diocesan) Sunday: 6:30 am Daily: 6:30 am (Ad Orientem Novus Ordo) Website (s): https://stmarypinebluff.com/live-stream/ https://www.facebook.com/StMaryPineBluff/ (UK) Latin Mass Society of England and Wales https://lms.org.uk/ See the below list of locations and visit the link to view the Mass. Please note, we cannot vouch for the quality of these streams. Sunday: St Mary's Shrine   7:00 am Website: http://s3.amazonaws.com/livemass/live.html St Winefride's 7:15am   Website: https://icksp.org.uk/shrewsbury/ Cardiff Oratory   7:15am Website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM01V5WTvXc&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2ubv9wVGUGxEZbc1kjvmRF-ncRwzlNB-1KgKGCq0xi4YYSkEZG0tEbWXY Holy Rood   1:00pm Website: https://www.hinkseyparish.org/hinksey-parish-webcam/ St Mary's Shrine 2:00pm Website: http://s3.amazonaws.com/livemass/live.html St Winefride's   2:00pm Website: https://icksp.org.uk/shrewsbury/ (USA) Mater Ecclesiae Chapel, Camden, NJ (Diocescan) Sunday: 10:30 am Daily (Wednesday only): 7:30 pm Website (s): https://www.facebook.com/watch/MaterEcclesiaeChurch/ https://www.facebook.com/MaterEcclesiaeChurch/ Please note that I will be posting more links for Sunday Masses to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/londonlatinmass) as I become aware of them. If you wish to follow along with the Mass, the Propers for this upcoming Sunday can be found at: http://www.extraordinaryform.org/propers/Lent4th.pdf.  We hope this will aid you and your families to enter more fully into the Liturgy this Sunday during this our exile. Just a reminder that we are praying the St. Joseph Novena which we began on his solemn feast yesterday (March 19, 2020). It is not too late to start. I will include the novena text from Fr. John at the bottom of this email. Be assured of our continued prayers for you and your families. St. Joseph, Help of the Sick, Ora Pro Nobis. Sincerely in Christ, The London Latin Mass Apostolate     St. Joseph Novena Prayer   Saint Joseph, you are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I come to you as an example for holiness, for you are especially close with God. Therefore, I humbly commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my death.    Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, pray for me to have a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.    Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore:    (Mention your request)    Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers on my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. St. Joseph Most Just, Pray for us! Amen. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen   Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be   St Joseph pray for us

O Great St. Rocco, deliver us, we beseech thee, from the scourges of God; through thy intercession, preserve our bodies from contagious diseases, and our souls from the contagion of sin. Obtain for us salubrious air; but, above all, purity of heart. Assist us to make good use of health, to bear suffering with patience; and, after thy example, to live in the practice of penance and charity, that we may one day enjoy the happiness which thou has merited by thy virtues. St. Rocco, pray for us (3x). Saint Rocco is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church as the protector against all contagious diseases. London Latin Mass Apostolate Traditional Latin Mass held every Sunday at 1:30pm Holy Angels Catholic Church 502 Talbot St. St. Thomas, Ontario www.londonlatinmass.ca

False piety in the time of pandemic

You still don't get it, to you? You're still puffed up on your pride and you are prepared to put thousands, tens of thousands at risk.

Stop it. Nearly 700 died from it yesterday in Italy. They didn't get Last Rites, can't have a funeral. Do you want this here? We will get through this, you of little faith. God is testing us, our faith and trust in Him. Now stop it!

Pray your rosary. The Divine Office. Pray the Mass at home. 

Swallow your false piety and your pride and read this!

https://liturgyguy.com/2020/03/20/lent-2020-pandemic-pride-and-piety/

The Holy City - Jonathan Antoine, 05/04/2015, Songs Of Praise - BBC One, HD

Four dead in one family. This is why you can't go to Mass. Do you get it yet?

It was three dead earlier today.

China did this. The evil Chinese communist dishonesty, corruption and incompetence did this. 

The people must throw off this regime.

The only good communist is a dead communist.

May these dear souls rest in peace.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/coronavirus-ravages-7-members-of-a-single-family-killing-3/ar-BB11pwNF?ocid=sf2

Te Joseph celebrent

China Is Censoring Coronavirus Stories. These Citizens Are Fighting Back... #ChinaLiedPeopleDied

Cardinal Collins in Toronto: Daily Mass 7:30AM from St. Michael's Cathedral

In Toronto, Thomas Cardinal Collins, following live Mass from St. Michael's Cathedral at 7:30 EST prays the rosary before the Lord, truly present in the Tabernacle.

Live on Facebook daily at 7:30 A.M. EST.

https://www.facebook.com/StMikesCathTO/ 

I note that "some" bishops, have cancelled confession except in cases of imminent death. Not good. Not good at all.  In Toronto, it is by appointment and at a suitable confidential distance. His Eminence makes eminent sense.

May God bless him and keep him healthy.

Cardinal's Message on COVID-19 - March 17, 2020

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

My dear faithful of the Archdiocese of Toronto,

I wish to provide you with a further update on our response as a Christian community to the COVID-19 situation which is evolving rapidly. Today, the Premier of Ontario has declared a state of emergency.

Once again in the history of our archdiocese we are in the midst of an epidemic. I am deeply grateful for the priests, deacons and lay pastoral workers of the archdiocese who have acted in this emergency with such loving pastoral care. We are called to ensure that this continues even more in the time ahead. For example, I encourage all pastors to organize the members of their parish to assist those who are isolated and vulnerable, especially the elderly, while always following the directions of the health authorities.

For the duration of this health emergency, I decree that the following be implemented in all parishes, missions and chaplaincies throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto:

Mass – In view of the requirements of the Government of Ontario, during this medical emergency, beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020, I instruct that all public Masses be cancelled, both during the week and on the weekend. Churches will be available for individual private prayer.

The priests of the archdiocese will celebrate Mass every day privately for the intentions of the people.

The faithful will be able to watch, via livestream, a Mass which will be celebrated every day at 7:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica, which will be followed by the Angelus and the Rosary. I will personally celebrate this Mass as much as is possible. This Mass, Rosary and Angelus will also be available on the Archdiocese of Toronto's YouTube channel for those who cannot join at 7:30 a.m. These Masses and prayers will be offered for the intentions of everyone as we go through these trying times.

In addition, Mass will be broadcast daily on Salt & Light Catholic Media Foundation, VisionTV (Daily TV Mass) and EWTN.

So many of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world are deprived of the opportunity to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, for many reasons. Due to this health emergency we also will now experience their suffering. Perhaps this sacrifice will help us to cherish more profoundly the great gift of the Holy Eucharist. There is no substitute for personally participating in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which is the source and summit of our life in Christ, and we pray for the time when this may be universally available once more.

It is important to follow carefully the provisions of the health authorities, but it also essential that our spiritual life be enhanced and strengthened all the more during this crisis. At this time, when we are reminded of the brevity of life and of our own mortality, we are called to go deeper to our spiritual foundations. I encourage all people who remain at home and who are cut off from regular social interaction to engage in prayer – to pray the Rosary, to read the Scriptures and to offer prayers for those who are suffering the most in this crisis. We should also pray for the health care workers and others who are engaged in fighting this pandemic on the frontlines.

Baptism – At this time, communal celebrations of Baptism are not allowed. Individual Baptism is allowed with immediate family and following the regulations established by the health authorities.

RCIA – I dispense the catechumens from the scrutinies. Information will be sent out later on the Triduum and reception into the Church.

First Holy Communion, First Reconciliation and Confirmation will be postponed for the duration of the emergency.

Sacrament of Reconciliation – Communal celebrations of the Sacrament of Reconciliation are not allowed at this time. All those who wish to receive the sacrament should contact a priest. The sacrament is to be celebrated not in a confessional but rather in another location, where confidentiality may be ensured and where the distance required by the health officials can be maintained.

Marriage – Marriages without Mass may take place with the immediate family members, provided they follow the regulations established by the health authorities. The postponement of the wedding may be requested given these circumstances, but if this is granted there may be a need for revision of the canonical requirements. 

Marriage Preparation is very important. At this time, however, marriage preparation classes are cancelled and pastors are to arrange for individual couples to be prepared properly for marriage.

Visits to the Sick and Homebound should continue as much as possible. As previously communicated, visiting clergy and volunteers should take direction from the health care facility. Parishes should also take care to contact the homebound and vulnerable.

Funerals – During this emergency, there will be no vigils or wake services. The Rite of Committal will take place with the immediate family at the cemetery. There will be no funeral Mass at this time, but we encourage the celebration of a funeral Mass at a later date when it is possible.  

Parish Meetings and Events are cancelled at this time.

Parish Offices – While parish offices may offer more limited operating hours, they should maintain an active presence in the community and be accessible to the faithful. Parishes are encouraged to follow the direction of the Archdiocese of Toronto's Human Resources department, providing flexibility for staff as appropriate. The Archdiocese of Toronto's Catholic Pastoral Centre will also follow this practice, ensuring that offices remain accessible.

We will review our emergency provisions regularly in accord with the requirements of the public health officials and we will provide updates at: www.archtoronto.org/covid19.

While it is a painful moment in the life of the Church to take these extreme measures, we pray that they will aid in combating the pandemic that has affected so many in our own community and around the world.

Once again, we pray for those suffering and for those who are caring for the sick. We are facing many trials during our Lenten journey this year. We take these to prayer, and look for opportunities to be the face of Jesus to all those whom we encounter. May God continue to bless you.

In Christ,

Thomas Cardinal Collins
Archbishop of Toronto