KSTP's 1-on-1 with Archbishop Hebda
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It's a busy time for religious holidays: Wednesday was the first day of Passover and this week is also Easter Holy Week, plus, Ramadan is just two weeks away.
Yet, what is normally a special time that involves gathering with others in celebration is much different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wednesday, Gov. Tim Walz also extended Minnesota's 'stay at home order' until May 4, and he and state health officials have urged residents to continue social distancing and plan alternative means of gathering for the holidays in an effort to curb the virus' spread.
Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis says a blessing for the city of St. Paul on Friday, March 27, 2020.[KSTP]
Archbishop Bernard Hebda, of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, talked with KSTP Wednesday about how to make sense of it all.
Hebda urged Catholics to "stay focused, just as we always would in Holy Week."
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Despite the fact most in-person religious gatherings have stopped, there are still virtual options for many and Hebda said the 'stay at home order' and the pandemic can be a good time for people to reflect on themselves and their religious beliefs.
"It really is a time for some soul searching … from the perspective of Easter as well," said Hebda.
Hebda added that he's been praying for people to have strength in these difficult times, including for his priests who are now preaching alone.
To learn more about the Minnesota Catholic Relief Fund, click here.