The prelates of the Maryland Catholic Conference have written to President Donald Trump, urging him to not move forward with the planned federal execution of a Maryland man next month.

Two top Vatican officials — Cardinal Konrad Krajewski and Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello — have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, Italian media reported, and a Vatican source confirmed.

The gentle and hopeful show came as the nation grapples with COVID-19, stark political divisions and racial tensions brought by the death of George Floyd.

It’s not what was intended a year ago, but the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the death of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Jan. 4 could well be bigger than might have been possible before the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed in-person events and made people comfortable with online gatherings.

I’ve been feeling sad that we won’t get to spend time with family the way we normally would. But I’m trying to remember that changes in plans don’t always end in disappointment.