SOLEMN BLESSING OF A CROSS AND APOSTOLIC BLESSING
DURING THE NOVEL COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS EPIDEMIC
CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF SAINT LOUIS
APRIL 3, 2020

As the novel COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic touches every part of our lives, many people are suffering. Fear, isolation, and uncertainty follow us through the day as we grapple with the effects of this epidemic on our society, economy, and relationships. When Jesus said to his disciples, “take up your cross and follow me,” he invites us to accept the sufferings, for sufferings help us grow in holiness by teaching us charity, compassion, and patience.

And Friday, April 3rd, Archbishop Carlson will bless a crucifix to remind us that our sufferings are united to the sufferings of Christ and that through the Cross, we will be healed in body and soul and find hope in the resurrection. As we lift up this cross in prayer, we pray all people will be drawn to it in hope and consolation.

At the conclusion of this time of prayer the Archbishop will impart the Apostolic Blessing with a plenary indulgence, in the name of the Roman Pontiff, upon all who are truly penitent and you participate in this ceremony; he also intends to confer it on all who suffer physically, emotionally, financially, or spiritually from this epidemic and to all who are engaged in the care for the sick at this time.

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