Pope Benedict XVI will step down at the end of the month.
News that Pope Benedict XVI will step down at the end of the month is reverberating across the world Monday morning, with reaction coming from Medford too. The 85-year-old pope, who began his papacy after John Paul II death in 2005, said that his strength deteriorated "to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me," according to Reuters. Father Edward F. Doughty of St. Francis of Assisi Parish on Fellsway West in Medford admires the decision made by the pope. "It says a lot about his courage," Doughty said. "I'm sure there was immense pressure for him to stay. It says a lot about his self-knowledge." Doughty said he hopes the pope will "be able to enjoy peace and have some joy …
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St. Francis of Assisi
441 Fellsway W, Medford, MA
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The Archdiocese of Boston is taking steps to stop the spread of the flu.
Parishioners at Saint Clement Catholic Church in Medford and other local Catholic churches may notice something different over the next few Sundays. The Archdiocese of Boston announced that it is allowing priests to suspend the distribution of wine during Communion as a precaution because of the recent flu outbreak, reported The Boston Globe. Churches were also notified that parishioners could exchange a sign of peace by “bowing to nearby prisoners instead of shaking hands,” reported The Globe. Last week, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino declared a state of health emergency because of the flu outbreak and some nearby communities have also ran out of flu vaccine.
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Saint Clement Catholic Church
71 Warner St, Medford, MA
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/locations/8604993
