The Latest Covid-19 Craziness: Masks Not Enough, Eye-Goggles Latest Fashion!
Comment:
It’s difficult to keep up with the sheer madness around us… there are actually people who think face-masks, goggles and face-shields are “cool”, a fashion MUST-have. Gimme strength!
Is it a generational thing? Are the youngsters in the above video perfectly sane and it’s just the golden oldies who don’t “get it”? Or has the world really and truly gone mad? At least, the World of Anthony Fauci?
And tell me – please! – that this latest insanity won’t arrive in the UK. It’s hard enough trying to keep a straight face walking past hordes of people wearing face masks… but goggles? And goggles, plus face-masks plus face-shields? Beyond belief. Will people actually do this?
I think it’s well past time for some brave priest to make a statement to the effect that there IS a God who cares about us and protects us – a God who knows when a little sparrow falls from a tree to the ground, and who has counted the very hairs on our heads…
Comments (29)
Editor,
Things could get worse for Mass goers if this video is correct. Parishioners may have to start wearing goggles for Mass. If Bishops eventually insist on goggles, they should make them ‘rose coloured spectacles,’ we might start seeing them in a better light.
https://gloria.tv/post/U4zwvgRNfX1X2xd1z6tdNhwYw
Francescomarta,
Thank you for that video clip – the whole thing is getting totally ridiculous.
It seems now that churches are insisting on face-masks – I’ll be posting an email from a reader south of the border tomorrow, because if priests insist on implementing this ridiculous rule to make parishioners wear face-masks, some of us will have acute conscience problems. Right now, my conscience is dictating to me, unmistakably, that I cannot insult Our Lord by placing Him beneath a virus, in importance, and I think that this is the dilemma that will face all conscientious Catholics across the land, soon enough. And that’s just face masks! Wait until this latest fad – goggles – crosses The Pond.
Smiled at your final sentence – although it would take an awful lot for me to see any UK bishop in a good light now.
Francescomarta,
“coloured spectacles” – love it, LOL!
That video is very useful, as well as the one in the intro.
The mind boggles at the thought of wearing goggles LOL!
I can’t help thinking this will never happen. I sincerely hope I’m not wrong.
Fidelis,
Love your poetry! Boggles and goggles made me smile!
Yesterday, one of our English readers emailed me extracts from the FSSP newsletter for her local parish where the introduction of face-masks during Mass is detailed. In keeping with the latest Government regulations, as from 8th August face masks will be mandatory in churches in England and Wales. She emailed again today to say that the “general opinion” is that the notice has been posted but won’t be enforced. However, that “general opinion” may be nothing more than baseless optimism, so, as promised, here is said notice which just might be coming to a church near you (and add “goggles” and ” perspex face shield” in a spirit of expectation)…
Face masks
The Government announced on 31st July 2020 mandatory face masks in churches from 8th August. Until then, wearing a mask is only recommended. We at St Mary’s take every proportionate precaution to ensure the safety of our congregation. Our safety settings were checked and approved by the Archdiocesan authority.
For believers, such measures include spiritual welfare. We prayed and still recite after every Mass the Latin Prayer Against Pestilence from the Roman Ritual. We also had the Votive Mass Against Pestilence offered. Twice we had outdoor processions to ask God for protection, right before the lockdown and during (then with only the clergy and resident servers). Just before lockdown, we preventively administered the sacrament of Extreme Unction with Plenary Indulgence to 1/3 of our congregation. Over the past 5 months, no member of our congregation has died from Coronavirus, and to our knowledge none has contracted the virus. Thanks be to God.
While wearing a facemasks is presented as a proportionate precaution (the pictures in this post show that it can also be a way of evangelising)* the British Government recognises that not everyone is able to wear one. Anyone will agree that the mask makes breathing difficult, especially in this summer month; it also obscures one’s spectacles with moisture, causing trip hazard; some wearers can feel claustrophobic and others might feel distressed by the lack of facial communication. Should you fall into any such categories, the Government has provided a badge to print and wear so as to indicate that your not wearing a mask entails no neglect or carelessness. The Government writes (see below) that displaying or wearing such an exemption sign “is not necessary in law“. Click here to access the Government badges. Obviously no mask can be worn to receive Holy Communion.
* Ed: unfortunately, I can’t get the masks to copy here, so this is one of the FSSP masks taken from the internet… https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&insightstoken=bcid_RPwtDJyuQaEBew*ccid_%2FC0MnK5B&form=ANCMS1&iss=SBIUPLOADGET&selectedindex=0&id=-616746093&ccid=%2FC0MnK5B&exph=599&expw=600&vt=2&sim=1
We copy below the official Government guidelines on face covering exemptions as accessed on 1st August 2020.
When you do not need to wear a face covering
In settings where face coverings are required in England, there are some circumstances, for health, age or equality reasons, where people are not expected to wear face coverings. Please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances, noting that some people are less able to wear face coverings, and that the reasons for this may not be visible to others.
It is not compulsory for employees of indoor settings or transport workers to wear face coverings (see section 6), although employers may consider their use where appropriate and where other mitigations are not in place. Employers should continue to follow COVID-19 Secure guidelines to reduce the proximity and duration of contact between employees.
You do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to. This includes (but is not limited to):
• young children under the age of 11 (Public Health England do not recommended face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
• not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
• if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
• if you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
• to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others
• to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you
• to eat or drink if reasonably necessary
• in order to take medication
• if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering
There are also scenarios when you are permitted to remove a face covering when asked:
• if asked to do so in a bank, building society, or post office for identification
• if asked to do so by shop staff or relevant employees for identification, the purpose of assessing health recommendations, such as a pharmacist, or for age identification purposes including when buying age restricted products such as alcohol
• if speaking with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound. Some may ask you, either verbally or in writing, to remove a covering to help with communication
Exemption Cards
Those who have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering should not be routinely asked to give any written evidence of this, this includes exemption cards. No person needs to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about their reason for not wearing a face covering.
Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.
This is a personal choice and is not necessary in law.
Access exemption card templates
For exemptions in different parts of the UK please refer to the specific guidance for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.”
[End of quote from the official Government guidelines on face covering exemptions as accessed on 1st August 2020 at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own#when-you-do-not-need-to-wear-a-face-covering.%5D Ends.
To my own astonishment (though I can’t really explain why, it’s to be expected, really, given the loss of supernatural Faith and devotion this past fifty plus years), the majority view seems to be that this sort of Government regulation is fine. Very few seem to question anything. Even those who clearly haven’t a clue about the masks wear them, take them off, fold them and place them on a seat nearby until leaving the building (!) to return to the outside fresh air! You really couldn’t make this stuff up. Are we not told to avoid touching the masks on our face, and to discard/replace after use or wash after use?
I think the kids in the above video are on to something – they’re nothing more than a fashion statement. “Cool” and all that jazz…
St Mary’s Priory, Smith Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 2NS, England 01925 635664 – [email protected] – https://fssp.co.uk/warrington/ facebook.com/fssp.england
Editor,
That mask with a picture of Our Lady on the front is shocking. How can those priests say this is a way of evangelising? It’s more like their way of getting themselves off the hook for going along with these government rules. I hope they’re not using this crisis to make money, as that would redouble the scandal, IMHO.
Editor,
I totally hate those religious face masks. I see them as an insult to Our Lady. I can’t believe any Catholic would wear one.
I’m also appalled at the very idea of wearing a face mask like that, with a holy picture on it. That’s sacrilegious, surely?
I’m in full agreement with everyone about the religious masks. Disgraceful.
Editor,
Both the FSSP and the SSPX have turned out to be a huge disappointment by going along with the government rules. It’s really impossible to understand, especially the SSPX because their “irregular situation” means they are free to do their own thing. It’s a big letdown.
Josephine,
Agreed.
Further, one of our readers who gets upset at the way his family is split due to the crisis in the Church, gets righteously angry at priests and bishops in general, diocesan and traditional, because, he often says, they are celibate precisely to leave them free to take actions in defence of the Faith that a married man or woman is unable to take. Like a lot of people, he’s extremely disillusioned with the clergy at this time, and has been for a very LONG time.
Editor,
I think the introduction of face masks with pictures of Our Lady on them is grotesque. It’s bad enough to insist on face masks for church but to do that is to add insult to injury. I’m very disappointed in the FSSP.
The video in the intro is scary – it’s hard to believe that anyone would think having to wear a face mask is “cool”! I found that girls’ enthusiasm very unnerving.
However, the FSSP notice saying face masks are required from 8th August is not a surprise – the FSSP in Edinburgh is already requiring that, and we’ve not been told to wear masks indoors except for shops and public transport. So, the FSSP obviously want to do that.
I see it as a huge insult to Christ in the Tabernacle. I hope the majority of Catholics refuse to wear one, but if the priest is a cult like figure, the groupies around him will want to please him and so they will comply. It’s sickening. I’m not talking especially about the Edinburgh FSSP – I don’t know that church at all, just in general. Catholics seem to be very priest-centred and want to please him. It’s not something I remember happening before, but these days it’s quite common.
Lily,
I do agree about the “cult” priests. I’ve seen that happen over and over again. It’s ridiculous.
I’m fully agreeing about the insult to Christ in the Tabernacle – it definitely is. I really hope and pray that we’re not faced with the choice of having to wear one (and even goggles) or not be allowed into Mass.
I am really hopeful that the priests will stop short at masks and goggles, even though the FSSP are saying they’re going along with it. I hope they won’t enforce this.
Lily,
Bad enough the masks, but the FSSP in Edinburgh is also taking people’s contact details to pass to the Government if necessary. Incredible. What are these priests doing with the extra time available to them during this crisis? Are they ALL pursuing new hobbies? Surely they should be educating themselves about this pandemic – seeking the truth about it, instead of trusting the Government. I forget which one, but there was an American President who once said that nobody should EVER truth their Government.
Sound advice.
What will follow the goggles? Advice on how to protect the ears which has a mucous membrane. Mass goers should plug their ears before attending Mass. It is difficult to keep up with the sheer madness around us and I can’t help thinking the New World Order is just having a laugh at the Mask wearing sheep attending Mass in 30 degrees heat. After all, they did say the virus can’t survive above 17 degrees.
This is going to get worse and worse, while the sheep following the rules obey every increment of scare, control and madness. The next five years could be as bad as the following clip on YOUTUBE suggests.
Francescomarta,
That is just exactly what I think. Loosen the lockdown a bit then ramp it up, and keep the “second wave” fear, get people snitching on their neighbours, and so on.
New World Order round the corner.
Laura,
That is obviously “the plan”. To keep us in fear, and confused, so chopping and changing the regulations, with a constant threat of a “second wave” is clearly intended to keep us under control. I can’t believe that there are still people out there who think the Government is trying to control a virus, when it is crystal clear that they’re about controlling us… we, the people!
Franscescomarta,
I look forward to catching up with your video tomorrow. Looks interesting.
I found this video very interesting indeed – including the claim about the number of attempts to assassinate President Trump! I’m not in the least surprised.
Josephine,
Very interesting video – thank you for posting.
It is disappointing to see how the traditional clergy have responded to the crisis. It might do them good to reflect on the following historical data:
“The Black Death contributed to the decline of the High Middle Ages in two ways. First, it’s devastation produced in many a mood of despair and bitterness, rather than the optimism and trust in God of the High Middle Ages. Furthermore, the plague affected the quality of the clergy. The holiest and most dedicated priests would nurse the sick and bring them the Sacraments, with the result that many of them became ill and died themselves. The more corrupt and selfish clergy would flee to the countryside to escape the plague and avoid all contact with victims. Thus, once the plague had burned itself out, the clergy remaining tended to be of a much lower moral quality.” (Anne W. Carroll)
Food for thought for everyone.
Aquinas,
That’s a great quote! It should definitely make the traditional priests feel ashamed at their cowardice in the face of this virus – which is very mild by comparison with The Black Plague or any other plague.
I think a lot of us, even if we don’t attend their Masses, feel let down by the SSPX in particular, because they are free to be different, to stand aside from the bishops and their priests. Yet they did not do so.
It will be interesting to see if they introduce masks and goggles in their chapels – I sincerely hope not, but wouldn’t be surprised.
Aquinas,
That’s a very thought-provoking quote. Many thanks for posting it – you are absolutely correct in saying that it provides food for thought for us all. Not least the clergy.
On the subject of COVID, has the lockdown “done for” the Scottish Catholic Observer? The paper relied mainly on sales at Mass, I understand.
I have only just seen this recent tweet from Photographer Paul McSherry:
[img]https://twitter.com/PaulMcSherry2/status/1285616275520135168/photo/1[/img]
(I hope that works, or at least the link can be followed.)
I have long thought that the “paid for” mainstream Catholic press in the UK – sold in Churches or by online / subscription – is pretty poor.
If the SCO has indeed been holed below the waterline, this is only the latest reminder of this poor quality.
Gabriel Syme,
The link you gave doesn’t work but I cut it down and got this so I wonder if this is what you wanted us to see? I’m assuming it works, LOL!
https://twitter.com/Paulmcsherry2
I heard that the SCO was on its knees already so I don’t think the closed churches will have helped one bit. No loss, really.
I find myself agreeing with Peter Hitchens about the politicians at the top enjoying their power over us through Covid right now – he is really speaking abut Boris, but I think it’s true of the lot of them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNukYWoJWXk
The craziness goes on…
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/fines-give-extra-teeth-to-face-mask-rules/vi-BB17XWnw?ocid=msedgdhp
Editor
Hope I don’t get into trouble for posting in the wrong place…. Please everyone, watch these two if you haven’t already seen them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuPbhfRC928
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