Virtual services, drive-by blessings highlight an Easter like no other

It was an unusual Easter, and the leader of the Catholic Church in the Twin Cities marked the occasion in an unusual way.

After Sunday morning's Mass — which could only be attended virtually — Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis stepped outside to bless the city of Minneapolis from the steps of the Basilica of St. Mary.

Hebda then joined Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens outside the St. Paul Cathedral, where they spent the afternoon blessing thousands of Catholics passing by in their cars, all while braving the cold, wintry mix.