ST. LOUIS – Most Reverend Mitchell T. Rozanski, Archbishop of St. Louis, received his first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination at the Cathedral Tower of Catholic Charities of St. Louis on January 14, 2021.

Photo by Lisa Johnston, St. Louis Review.

Archbishop Rozanski offers the following message:

"I am grateful to have had the opportunity to receive my initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccination, and I offer my heartfelt thanks to all those on the front lines who have developed and continue to distribute the vaccine, as well as our healthcare workers who continue to care for those with COVID-19.

I echo my brother bishops of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as my colleagues from the Catholic Health Association--where I serve as the USCCB Episcopal Liaison—in encouraging anyone who is able, to seek vaccination with the safe and ethical options that are currently available. We should see the vaccine as an opportunity not only for our own protection, but also as an act of love and charity toward others.

I pray that this vaccine serves as a beacon of hope for all of us and marks the beginning of an end to the pandemic. As we await that moment, I urge all of us to continue practicing diligence in social-distancing, mask wearing and other measures recommended by government and health officials to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our communities safe."

Most Reverend Mitchell T. Rozanski
Archbishop of St. Louis; USCCB Episcopal Liaison to the Catholic Health Association of the United States

Archbishop Rozanski plans to receive his second dose of the vaccine next month.

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