Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, issued this statement on Dec. 31, 2021:

 “This morning, as part of my regular pandemic routine, I took a rapid antigen test given by a lab-technician, and I tested positive for COVID-19.

 “I am fully vaccinated and boosted. I am experiencing no symptoms at this time and overall I feel quite well.   

 “Following my doctor’s guidance, I will now quarantine at home.  

 “I regret that this means I must cancel my participation in liturgies for January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle and, later that day, at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart for Mass with our Haitian Catholic community. I also will no longer be able to celebrate Mass at our cathedral on January 2 for the Solemnity of the Epiphany.

 “When our work week begins on Tuesday, January 4, I will work virtually as needed. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend our regional spiritual retreat that week with my brother bishops. 

“As the omicron variant of Covid sweeps through our area, I ask that you please continue to be extremely cautious: using appropriate facemasks, getting vaccinated and boosted, and following the guidance of our public health officials.

“We have learned in these past 21 months that we do better in this pandemic when we work together to care for one another.  

“Despite the challenges we are facing, including our need for relief and healing from this pandemic, we must not lose hope or our commitment to continued safety precautions and kindness for our loved ones and neighbors. I pray that the peace of Christ be felt by each one of us as we look ahead with faith and hope to 2022.  A blessed 2022, my dear brothers and sisters.”