Meet the 30-year-old priest anointing coronavirus patients. Ep. 139

Father Michael Trail had administered the anointing of the sick
many times in his first three years as a priest in the Archdiocese
of Chicago. Usually, he would sit at the bedside and hold the hand
of a person nearing death while family and other loved ones
gathered around to pray and say goodbye. In the time of the
coronavirus pandemic, the essentials of the sacrament are the same
but it looks very different. As part of the archdiocese’s task
force of “priest-anointers” ministering to Covid-19 patients,
Father Michael must now wear a gown, mask and gloves while
administering the sacrament. There is no hand-holding, and no
family members are allowed in the room. We ask Father Michael about
the spiritual and emotional toll of ministering to patients and
families in these difficult circumstances and how he thinks about
the growing calls to reopen society given the suffering he has seen
up close. In Signs of the Times, we discuss the meeting between
President Trump and Catholic bishops and education leaders. Plus, a
look at the annual survey of the priestly class of 2020 and how the
coronavirus is affecting those without stable housing.   
We treasure the community you all have helped to build on
Jesuitical’s Facebook page. Don’t hesitate to share your experience
during this difficult moment in the life of our church and the
world. We cannot make this show or grow this community without your
support. Please consider giving through Patreon. And thank you.
Links from the show StoriesTrump says he’s ‘best president in
history of the Church’ in call with Catholic leadersCARA study on
new ordinands spots trends worth watchingSeminaries must hire,
involve more women, Cardinal Ouellet saysWhat will happen to people
who are homeless as Covid-19 crisis continues? How you can
helpCatholic Charities USA National Alliance to End Homelessness
What’s on tap?Miscellaneous brews from our understocked bars Learn
more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices