Officials in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis are aware of a controversial homily a priest in Crystal delivered Sept. 6 questioning the severity of the novel coronavirus pandemic and calling COVID-19 a man-made virus used by world leaders to instill fear.
According to a Sept. 10 statement from Father Michael Tix, the archdiocese’s vicar for clergy and parish services, the archdiocese has been in contact with Father Robert Altier, the parochial vicar of St. Raphael in Crystal who gave the homily, and “the matter continues to be under review.”
“Stemming from our belief in the dignity of all human life, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all people and has consistently collaborated with public health officials and government officials in the development of safety protocols for our parishes and schools,” Father Tix said in the statement.
“Please join with us in prayer for all those who are sick with COVID-19, those who care for them, and for individuals and families affected in any way by the pandemic,” he continued. “May all we do reflect the compassionate face of Christ the healer to one another.”
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