Manila bans children going out in public (UCANews.com) Authorities in the Philippine capital Manila have banned children from going out in public because of the coronavirus pandemic. It means parents can be punished for allowing their children to enter shopping malls and churches. The Dec. 3 announcement by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) came in response to recommendations by medical experts…
Catholics find ways to deepen their approach to Advent (CNS) Despite the pandemic-related dearth of holiday parties and typical social engagements that — for many — stuff the weeks before Christmas, Jolene Gerads said she’s feeling a special excitement about this year’s Advent. There’s more time, more space, more energy, she said…
Move to buy and preserve Tolkien house (CNA) Actors from the films trilogies the “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” have backed a campaign to turn the former home of Catholic author JRR Tolkien into an educational center. Project Northmoor is seeking to raise nearly $6.5 million to purchase the house where Tolkien wrote his most famous novels. As of Dec.4, the project has funded $250,000…
How to pandemic-proof your Christmas (Catholic Review) The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City has been canceled. Santa won’t be doing many in-person visits. And the holiday office party will be even more awkward than usual now that it will be on Zoom. Yes, it’s true that the coronavirus pandemic will upend many of our most cherished Christmas activities, but this trying time is a good one in which to rediscover some often-overlooked Christmas traditions that are perfect for our socially distant age…
