Cardinal Gave Nod to NJ Lockdown

New Jersey's governor, Democrat Phil Murphy, says he worked hand-in-glove with Newark Cdl. Joseph Tobin in shutting down the state. 

In a Fox News interview with Tucker Carlson last week, Gov. Murphy claimed Tobin gave his blessing to banning public gatherings.

The governor even said Tobin promised him there would be no drive-thru Holy Communions in his archdiocese in the name of fighting the virus.

Gov. Murphy: "And I said listen, I'm really concerned about drive-thru Holy Communion. He said 'We're not doing that, I promise you, and I'll confirm that with my fellow bishops.'"

Late last month, Cdl. Tobin ordered that all churches and adoration chapels in the archdiocese of Newark be closed — ostensibly for fear of spreading the Wuhan virus.

For many Garden State Catholics, this has meant having almost zero access to the Eucharist. The closest most can get to attending Sunday Mass is watching it broadcast on television or online.

Across the country, people of faith are being prohibited from attending religious services.

Some dioceses have even restricted the other sacraments, including baptisms, confessions and anointing of the sick.

As there is growing discontent with government orders, Catholics hope they can reclaim access to the sacraments sooner rather than later.