‘Reopen the Churches’

A group of laity in Chicago has formed the Saint Charles Borromeo Society to call on Cdl. Blase Cupich to reopen churches and restore public Mass.

Recently, members expressed disappointment that Cupich refused to meet with them.

Joseph Scheidler, one of the group's organizers, commented: "We are desperately in need of spiritual leadership during this pandemic, and that is sorely lacking in the archdiocese of Chicago."

Scheidler noted that bishops elsewhere have given the okay for outdoor parking-lot Masses to nourish souls while avoiding the spread of the Wuhan virus. 

He added, "Those who have been locked out of their churches for over six weeks are anxious for a plan — to know when and how their churches will come back to life."

Members of the group are praying every Friday at noon outside Holy Name Cathedral until the churches finally open again. Participants in the prayerful protest will wear protective face coverings and maintain social distancing.

In March, every diocese in the county shut down public Mass, and most remain on lockdown, with only a few backwater dioceses beginning to allow public liturgies again. 

Faithful Catholics yearn for the restoration of public Masses — out of their love for God, and for the good of their own souls.