From CatholicPhilly.com article, ‘Area shrines slowly reopen as COVID restrictions ease’:
“With COVID-19 restrictions gradually lifting, many area shrines are beginning to once again welcome visitors – but devotions will look a little different for now.
As with archdiocesan parish liturgies, face masks, social distancing and sanitation are required for shrine pilgrims, who are advised to stay home if they are experiencing any possible coronavirus symptoms.
Missals, prayer booklets and printed materials have been removed. Restrooms, gift shops and cafeterias are largely closed, and touching or kissing relics is off limits for the foreseeable future.
At the Shrine of St. Gianna Beretta Molla — located at Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Warminster – the gloves and pieces of clothing worn by the Italian pediatrician “will remain under glass for the present,” said Father Joseph Watson, pastor.
“When it becomes safe for veneration, the relics will be made available once again,” he said.
In South Philadelphia, reopening the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia has been a “slow but intentional” process, said director Jonathan Jerome. Read more.
