Praying Our Way Through Covid-19

Praying Our Way Through COVID-19

I sit in our darkened chapel as rain softly pelts the windows and waters the thirsty leaves of trees that kiss the windowpane. My spirit is quiet, yet a deep ennui niggles at my soul.  “Are we near the end of this COVID pandemic”? my burdened heart asks. Deep within, I hear, “Wait and see”.

For months now, we have longed as a group of 70 Sisters, to sit in solidarity in this beautiful place of worship to pray together, sing in chorus, and worship at Eucharist.  However, “Not yet”, I hear, “Not yet”.  Only five are allowed in the chapel and today we’re up to ten. 

During COVID time, rules change daily but not quickly. Nonetheless, we’ve managed quite well, thank you, due to the creativity and ingenuity that we’ve always used to solve a host of problems during our 160-plus years in Canada.

No doubt, most people are aware of television’s Lobby Watch Channel.  Well, we just happen to have it on every tv in our residence.  Every Sister from her room can link to our chapel services. 

No matter where we are in the house, coronavirus has not stopped us from carrying out our spiritual practices and prayer for the world.  Usually, at 11:30 am we tune in to the chapel channel to view and take part in the liturgy’s readings of the Word of God.  Due to Sr. Loretta Manzara’s vast experience and ministry as a liturgist, we have daily scripture readings, responses, meditation, and singing, all led from our technically-equipped chapel.

Evening prayer? No problem.  We know this ritual by heart and participate on Channel 988 with our well-worn psalm books.  We don’t worry that no one can hear us singing alone, yet together, in our rooms.  Sunday liturgies consist of the Word of God with uplifting reflections, intercessions, and prayers given by our Sisters from the chapel lectern.  Yes, it’s all woman power!

Stained Glass in the chapel, Sisters of St. Joseph, London, ON [Artist: Ted Goodden]

Now, as we wait along with the rest of the world for lifted restrictions and better days ahead of us, we join our hearts, hands, and voices in solidarity, waiting, and praying, as promised for these days to end.

As Adrienne Arsenault says, concluding the National, “These days will end, and when they end, we’ll still be here,” faithful to our prayer and good works, ready to embrace the future with hope and resilience.

-Sister Jean Moylan, csj