For Immediate Release: March 23, 2020
This morning (Monday), Bishop Barry C. Knestout received notification from his healthcare provider that he has tested negative for the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Bishop Knestout entered self-isolation on Saturday, March 14, after experiencing cold-like symptoms. Due to his substantial travel schedule the previous two weeks and because of the many meetings and encounters his schedule included, Bishop Knestout decided to proceed with the COVID-19 test out of care and caution for the community. Bishop Knestout received the COVID-19 test Wednesday, March 18.
“I want to thank the healthcare professionals and our first responders for their courage and sacrifice as they place themselves in harm’s way to care for our communities throughout our diocese,” said Bishop Knestout. “I am also very grateful to all of you who have kept me in your prayers or who have sent me well wishes and notes of encouragement. I ask for your continued prayers for those who have died from this virus and for those who remain in self-isolation because of it. Please join me in prayer during this difficult time as we ask for God’s grace and Our Lady’s intercession for our nation and our diocese.”
In these extraordinary times, when public Masses are suspended and lives are at risk and as the diocese commemorates its 200th anniversary this year, Bishop Knestout dedicated (consecrated) our diocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary asking her special intercession and to the Sacred Heart of Jesus asking for grace and mercy. The dedication took place Sunday (March 22) during private Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
You can watch the livestream of the Mass at https://richmonddiocese.org/march-22-mass/.
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