Urbi et Orbi - To the City and to the World

Extraordinary times calls for extraordinary measures. As we find ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic, we can with certainly call this, “extraordinary times” where the majority of people outside are wearing surgical mask and gloves, yet no one is on their way to perform a surgery. Before these times, a person would be out of places wearing such attire, but today if you are not equipped with these precautions you are the one out of place. Schools are closed, jobs are shut down and Dioceses across the world have suspended the Sunday and Holy Day obligation, and in some cases closing their doors altogether. 

Many Catholics find themselves deprived of the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist which the Catechism calls, “the Source and Summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324). Furthermore many  Catholics cannot receive absolution through the Sacrament of Reconciliation due to these extraordinary times we are currently in. So now what? Well to address these extraordinary times, one extraordinary measure the Holy Fr. Pope Francis did was to offer an “Extraordinary Blessing”. 

Mark today March 27th, 2020 in your calendars, for today Church history was made. This is a blessing only the Bishop of Rome can do, and usually only does at Christmas, Easter and when he is elected to the Chair of St. Peter, also this blessing is only imparted to those who are physically present at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. But today, thanks to our available technology the faithful across the globe was able to tune in live and receive this Extraordinary Blessing known as, “Urbi et Orbi” which means in English, “To the City and To the World”.

It was scheduled to occur at 6 pm at St. Peter’s Square, to an empty crowd due the quarantine. If it was at 6 pm in the Vatican, that means it was at 1 pm in the New York City Metropolitan Area, where I live. I for one was planning on taking advantage of this unprecedented Plenary Indulgence that Pope Francis was imparting on the faithful in the city of Rome and to the world. 

The conditions I had to meet to receive the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing were, in the first place, to tune in at 1 pm and participate in the prayer in union with his holiness Pope Francis. As a married man with six children tuning in at a certain time poses a greater challenge than one might think at first glance. Other conditions are having a complete detachment from sin, mortal and venial, I must go to Confession and receive Holy Communion as well as offer prayer for the intentions of the Pope. During these extraordinary times, the Church has granted that I may go to Confession and receive Holy Communion at a later time when it is possible to do so.

As 1 pm was approaching it so happens: I had to make a food run for my family, so as a good Catholic husband and father, I braved the hazardous conditions outside through the sea of pedestrians wearing surgical mask and gloves to get food to feed my family. I knew I was cutting it close and I wouldn’t be home in time to tune. But again, thanks to today’s technology I was able to tune in and livestream it on my smartphone while on the go. I was moved by the imaginary of Pope Francis walking alone in the rain to his place to begin this Extraordinary Blessing for the city [Rome] and the World, “Urbi et Orbi”. 

I found the Gospel Readings according to St. Mark (4:35-4) absolutely powerful . Our Blessed Lord being asleep in the midst of the storm, I’m reminded of St. Therese de Lisieux when she says, “I knew Jesus was there, sleeping in my boat, but the night was so black and impossible to see Him.” As we find ourselves in the midst of the storm of a global pandemic, it is easy for us, like the Apostles, to cry out, “Lord do you not care if we perish?” But let us not lose faith but allow our faith to increase, lest Our Lord say to us after He calms the storm, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?’

By the time I made it home, I was able to join Pope Francis in Eucharistic Adoration through the live broadcast. I served my kids their food and I switch from my smartphone to the TV and knelt down where my 6 year old and 4 year old daughters were now with me, joining me in replying, “Amen” to formula of the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing. 

English Translation:

May the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, in whose power and authority we trust, intercede for us before the Lord.

℟: Amen.

Through the prayers and merits of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, may Almighty God have mercy on you and forgive all your sins, and may Jesus Christ bring you to everlasting life.

℟: Amen.

May the almighty and merciful Lord grant you indulgence, absolution and the remission of all your sins, a season of true and fruitful penance, a well-disposed heart, amendment of life, the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit and final perseverance in good works.

℟: Amen.

And may the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come down on you and remain with you forever.

℟: Amen.