The Apostolic Penitentiary makes public a decree extending the period of indulgence for people who cannot leave home and in order to prevent large gatherings in places where they are banned. The guidelines are also for those who are in isolation or sick. Priests are asked to be more available under the circumstances.
The first round of voting for the lower house begins tomorrow. Turnout is expected to be low and the possibility of large gatherings raises fears over COVID-19. The outgoing parliament has done precious little, experts bemoan. Both lower and upper house are controlled by the executive branch.
Thomas Rozario, a local government official, Sister Mary Lillian, of the sisters of Mary Queen of the Apostles (MRA), and two educators, Jyoti F. Gomes and Michael Botlaru, received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice cross. Card D’Rozario noted that they served Church and nation.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun tasks the former Prime Minister, who resigned in October 2019 following street protests, with forming a new cabinet. Hariri pledges to set up a cabinet of non-aligned experts as soon as possible. Few are optimistic given the tempo of Lebanese politics. For now, Hezbollah is remaining on the sidelines, whilst Amal is in favour of the president’s choice.
She was arrested along with her husband after defending dissident jurist Xu Zhangrun. The petition was also signed by prominent law professors like He Weifang and Zhang Qianfan. Organizers: False charges; the arrest is illegal. Petitions ignored by authorities.
These festivals are attended by millions of people and last from a week to a month. In addition to religious ceremonies, there are fairs, markets, cultural events, theatres. New security protocols from October to December: the advice for everyone is to stay at home. It is forbidden to touch, kiss, caress the statues of the deities. Social distancing for processions, restaurants, purification baths. So far Covid-19 has caused 116,616 deaths, out of a population of 1.35 billion.