Our Province spans two jurisdictions: Ireland and the U.K. and has similar ‘lockdown’ measures in place e.g. only essential businesses to continue to operate, working from home, social distancing/isolation, no leaving of home except to buy food, medicines or for a medical appointment; exercise to be within a two kilometer radius of one’s home etc. Most people in the population see these measures as necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, though time will tell if such compliance will last, and a lot will depend on whether such protocols are having the desired effect. A feature of recent deaths in Ireland is that they have been ‘clustered’ in nursing homes and hospitals, with the accompanying worry for the safety of nursing staff. The elderly and vulnerable members of the Province, are all in a community environment and those that have carers, come in on a daily basis. Thankfully so far, no member of the province have shown symptoms of the virus, though we all know someone who has been infected.
There have been some negative consequences of this pandemic e.g. people looking at each other with suspicion, the hoarding of goods, fear, and the obvious financial implications to individuals, families and businesses. There are though many positive upshots: the increased contact between people via phone and social media especially to check on those in need; the increase in volunteering; the return home from abroad of medical staff to help with the crisis; the revaluation of values, priorities and faith life; and the many initiatives of people using their time and talents for the good of society. One example of this would be four chefs who became unemployed because of the crisis. They took over a kitchen and now provide daily meals for those who cannot leave their home. Another positive will be the predicted baby boom (hopefully not in any of our houses!) in nine months time, though I doubt if any of the new infants will be named ‘Corona!’
Given our family spirit it has been very difficult to witness the way ministry has had to be curtailed: Eucharist and other Sacraments; not being able as we used to, to care for the sick, comfort and attend the dying and be close to the bereaved. Other ways of being ‘close’ to those we serve have been found with for example the increase in phone communication and social media. For the most part, our churches have remained opened, where parishioners can come to pray, probably in a way like never before. The photo above is from our Sacred Heart Church in Clondalkin, Dublin, and the arrangement in front of the altar contains among other things a Cross, a globe, a petitions baskets, a Bible, a prayer from Pope Francis and a painting of the calming of the storm on the sea of Galilee. It is good focus for prayer and Adoration.
One of the most inspiring reflections that has appeared on many platforms is from an Irish Capuchin, Richard Hendrick, and speaks to us both of the current reality but also of hope for a new future. It is called: ‘Lockdown’ “Yes there is fear. Yes there is isolation. Yes there is panic buying. Yes there is sickness. Yes there is even death. But, they say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise You can hear the birds again. They say that after just a few weeks of quiet the sky is no longer thick with fumes but blue and grey and clear. They say that in the streets of Assisi people are singing to each other across the empty squares, keeping their windows open so that those who are alone may hear the sounds of family around them. They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound. Today a young woman I know is busy spreading fliers with her phone number through the neighbourhood so that the elders may have someone to call on. Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples are preparing to welcome and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary. All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting. All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way. All over the world people are waking up to a new reality: to how big we really are, to how little control we really have, to what really matters and to Love. So we pray and we remember that yes there is fear. But there does not have to be hate. Yes there is isolation. But there does not have to be loneliness. Yes there is panic buying. But there does not have to be meanness. Yes there is sickness. But there does not have to be disease of the soul. Yes there is even death. But there can always be a rebirth of love. Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now. Today, breathe. Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic. The birds are singing again. The sky is clearing, Spring is coming, and we are always encompassed by Love. Open the windows of your soul and though you may not be able to touch across the empty square, Sing.”
Speaking of ‘Spring coming,’ the following photo is from the entrance to Corkagh park in our parish in Clondalkin, Dublin. In these uncertain times, the beautiful Cherry Blossom tree in full bloom gives us hope for the future.
Michael Ruddy sscc
04/07/2020