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Holy Week Tensions Rise as Israel Blocks Cardinal from Entering Sacred Jerusalem Site

  Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, holds a prayer service to mark Palm Sunday, following the cancellation of the traditional Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives, amid restrictions on gathering in large groups, in Jerusalem, March 29, 2026. Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, prompting widespread criticism from Christian leaders and governments worldwide. Authorities cited security concerns linked to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, noting that all holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City had been temporarily closed due to the threat of missile strikes. The Latin Patriarchate condemned the move as an unprecedented disruption of centuries‑old tradition, marking the first time church leaders were unable to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass at the historic site. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later stated that the ...

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Safely Viewing the Solar Eclipse with a Cereal Box: A Simple DIY Guide

 

The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th promises to be a celestial spectacle, and witnessing it safely is essential. While specialized eclipse glasses are recommended, you can also create a simple and effective viewer using a cereal box and a few household items. Let’s dive into the steps:

Materials Needed:

  1. Empty Cereal Box: Grab an empty cereal box from your kitchen.
  2. White Paper or Cardboard: Cut a piece that fits snugly into the bottom of the cereal box.
  3. Tin Foil: You’ll need this to create a pinhole projector.
  4. Tape or Glue: To secure the paper and tin foil in place.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Trace and Cut: Trace the bottom of the cereal box onto the white paper or cardboard. Cut out the traced rectangle.
  2. Top Opening: Cut off the side tabs on the top of the box, leaving the center intact.
  3. Tin Foil Cover: Tape a piece of tin foil over one of the openings at the top of the cereal box.
  4. Viewing Position: Stand with your back to the sun and look into the larger hole cut into the top of the cereal box. The sun’s image will be projected through the hole in the aluminum foil onto the white paper at the bottom of the box. This allows you to safely view the eclipse without directly looking at the sun.

Remember, improper observation of the sun during an eclipse can lead to eclipse blindness or retinal burns. Use this cereal box viewer as a safe alternative to enjoy the cosmic event. Happy eclipse watching! 

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