TYLER, Texas, March 23, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – As Catholics throughout the western world have been cut off from the Sacraments and often find themselves locked out of their churches due to the coronavirus, Bishop Joseph Strickland stationed himself at the busiest intersection in his city, armed with the Blessed Sacrament held high.
Early in the day on Saturday, Strickland announced via Twitter, “I plan to stand at the busiest intersection in our city this evening with a deacon, vested in a cope & bless the people of God with the Real Presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ in His Blessed Sacrament. I urge every priest to do the same in their city. Bring the LORD to His people!”
I plan to stand at the busiest intersection in our city this evening with a deacon, vested in a cope & bless the people of God with the Real Presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ in His Blessed Sacrament.I urge every priest to do the same in their city. Bring the LORD to His people!
— Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler) March 21, 2020
Afterwards, Bishop Strickland posted a picture of the event accompanied by a prayer for the sick, that they might know that have been chosen to be united to Christ in his suffering for the salvation of the world:
O God, who willed that our infirmities
be borne by your Only Begotten Son
to show the value of human suffering,
listen in kindness to our prayers
for our brothers and sisters who are sick;
grant that all who are oppressed by
pain, distress or other afflictions
may know that they are chosen
among those proclaimed blessed
and are united to Christ in his suffering
for the salvation of the world.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
— Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler) March 22, 2020
Bishops, priests, and deacons urged to follow Bishop Strickland’s boldness
“We need dynamically orthodox, happy, faithful, manly, courageous Catholic Bishops like Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas,” tweeted Deacon Keith Fornier, who can be seen standing by the Strickland’s side.
“Deacons, become what you are! Rise up,” encouraged Fournier. “Be Deacons 24/7.”
We need dynamically orthodox, happy, faithful, manly, courageous Catholic Bishops like Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas. I said yes to his invitation to move to Tyler, Texas. What a fortunate Deacon I am. Deacons, become what you are! Rise up. Be Deacons 24/7 https://t.co/mCmNBorARU
— Deacon Keith Fournier (@KeithFournier7) March 22, 2020
“This is an American Catholic BISHOP. We still have hope,” declared Dr. Taylor Marshall.
“Thank you Bishop Strickland,” added Marshall. “He carries Jesus to the world.”
This is an American Catholic BISHOP. We still have hope. Thank you Bishop Strickland @Bishopoftyler He carries Jesus to the world. Retweet to appreciate His Excellency. pic.twitter.com/OOriJTFj5b
— Dr Taylor Marshall �� (@TaylorRMarshall) March 22, 2020
Stacy Trasancos, Executive Director of the St. Philip Institute, posted video of the Tyler Texas Bishop raising a monstrance above the crowded intersection: