World-famous Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli performed a solo concert from Milan’s Duomo Cathedral for the world suffering from COVID-19 on Easter Sunday. Over 26 million people watched the exclusive live-streaming of the concert “Bocelli: Music for Hope,” on Andrea Bocelli’s official YouTube channel. Accompanied by Emanuele Vianelli, the Duomo Cathedral organist, the world-famous tenor sang five solemn hymns including ‘Panis Angelicus,’ ‘Ave Maria,’ ‘Sancta Maria’ and ‘Domine Deus’ from the empty cathedral. Bocelli concluded the concert singing ‘Amazing Grace’ from the steps of the magnificent Duomo Cathedral.
Pope Francis: Even from the grave Jesus brings life
Pope Francis celebrated the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday evening in an almost empty St. Peter’s Basilica. Thousands of people, watched the liturgy via television and social media. In his homily the Holy Father said the Easter message is a message of hope. Pope Francis said that Jesus plants in our hearts the conviction that God is able to make everything work unto good. He stressed that Jesus can also remove the stones in our hearts. The Holy Father urged the faithful to trust in God’s promise
Bible sales skyrocket amid covid-19 pandemic
Christian publishers are witnessing a spike in online orders for the Bible during the present coronavirus pandemic. With fear and anxiety filling people’s minds and extra hours at hand to spare, many people are picking up their Bibles to read. Fox News reported that publishers such as Alabaster Co., LifeWay Christian Resources and Tyndale have seen a significant rise in the sale of Bibles compared to previous years. People around the world are also turning to prayer as indicated by a recent study by Jeanet Sinding Bentzen, associate professor at the University of Copenhagen, who found that google searches for prayer have surged over the past few weeks. The Catholic Church grants a partial indulgence to the faithful, who with the veneration due the divine word, makes a spiritual reading from Sacred Scripture. A plenary indulgence is granted, if this reading is continued for at least one half an hour, provided the usual conditions are met.
KofC Support Food Banks with Funds and Volunteers
The Knights of Columbus is offering support to food banks across the United States amid COVID-19 pandemic. As food banks are facing great demand due to lockdown, the Knights of Columbus is launching their phase one of “multi-million-dollar food drive and delivery operation mobilizing its more than 1.25 million members.” The support will be covering over 25 cities across the 16 states of the U.S, the District of Columbia and four Canadian provinces. The food drive is part of the “Leave No Neighbor Behind” initiative of Knights which assists communities, parishes, and fellow knights. The Knights of Columbus have also been financially assisting the spiritual and charitable organizations of different dioceses undergoing financial crisis due to lockdown.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols seeks support for victims of modern slavery amidst pandemic
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster has asked the government to ensure measures against modern slavery. Cardinal Nichols reminded the government and faithful not to forget the cries of their brothers and sisters who have fallen victim to modern slavery and human trafficking amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The archbishop expressed his concern over the health and dignity of victims, especially in the face of the pandemic. He pointed out that “women and girls trapped in sexual exploitation are at particular risk.” Cardinal Vincent Nichols also urged Catholics to support organisations working directly to help those suffering the evil of slavery.
Egyptian authorities grant legal status to several Christian churches
The Egyptian authorities has legalised 74 Christian churches and buildings. The Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) welcomed the legalisations of Churches and buildings under the Church Construction Law of 2016. The law authorising provincial governors to grant legal permission for churches was approved by the Egyptian Parliament on 30 August 2016. Earlier in Egypt, the legal permit was granted by the intelligence and security agencies. As per the reports of CSW, only 1,568 church buildings out of 5540 applications were granted legal permission under the law till April 2. In some cases, to retain legal status, churches have to fulfill further requirements regarding construction, health and safety, and council taxes. In Egypt, Christians are a substantial minority equal to about 10% of the total population.