A Dhaoine Uaisle,
COVID-19 has changed our world in ways we could never have imagined. This pandemic is a fast spreading health crisis with no certain end in sight forcing entire societies to shut down.
We should not be disheartened. CARE and CONNECT by phoning a friend and supporting each other. We will get through this crisis.
Is treise muid le chéile.
Perhaps this piece I would like to share with you by Fr. Richard Hendrick OFM will bring you comfort.
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 just after a few weeks of quiet the sky is no longer thick with fumes – but blue and grey.
They say in the streets of Assisi people are singing to each other across empty squares, keeping their windows open so that those who are alone may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that hotels and businesses in Ireland are offering free meals and delivery to households.
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.
To LOVE.
So we pray and 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 /spirit
Yes there is even death
But there can always be rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how you live now.
Today, breath
Listen, beyond 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/spirit.
And though you may not be able to touch across the empty square
SING
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Go gcoinneoidh Dia i mboise a láimhe sibh go léir.
Beannachtaí Dé is Muire libh,
A chóiche is go brách.
Mary Kyne
March 16th 2020
P.S. I have sent this to Head Office so that it can be shared with all Branch secretaries.