Present Situation in Pakistan of COVID-19 / 06 May 2021

We are waiting for the day when there will be shouts of joy and victory everywhere, when we can begin to live a normal life, a life free of fear and anxiety; when we will say to each other: “Do not be afraid; everything is fine”. It is no more “rejoice and be glad”. May it happen and happen soon! This is a wish and a prayer before the Lord of mercy and compassion.

At present the situation is so scary and depressing. The third wave of the virus is much more contagious, infectious and life-threatening. There are no more signs and symptoms that we had been hearing about. So one does not know who the carrier is and therefore people are not serious and careful about it. Last year when it started people were fearful so they took care of themselves and thus Pakistan did not suffer so much compared to some other countries. Unfortunately, when the virus is much stronger than before, people are less careful and prudent. Looking at the irresponsible attitude and behavior of the people, the government of Pakistan has become more active and strict about it. It is trying its level best to keep the people on the track with measures such as the following:

- All shops are closed at 6:00 pm, where as in the past certain shopping centers were open till late at night.

- Every Saturday and Sunday all the markets are completely closed.

- The transport is allowed with 50% of passengers only.

- The parks and public places are closed.

- Vaccine is available for all above 40 years of age. People have not to go very far to get it. Now we hear that the government schools will be turned into vaccination centers so people have not to wait in long queues for their turn. 

- Now as Eid, the Muslim festival, is approaching so there will be complete lockdown from 8^th – 16^th May.

- The army is also involved to keep a check. The people violating the regulations have to pay a heavy fine.

All our communities are having special adoration. Some sisters have their personal devotional prayers also. May the Lord listen to our humble cry and clear our planet from this deadly virus!

Sent by Sr. Victoria Rehmat

An update on Situation of Covid-19, India / 05 May 2021

We are going through the worst ever global crisis in our life time. The first phase of Covid-19 was bad enough but this second phase has become simply uncontrollable and the death rate is rising hour by hour. Everywhere we see the gloom of death hanging in the air. Two of our sisters have been snatched away from us so mercilessly. Our hearts are not yet healed and we are still mourning. Every day we get news from our communities that one or the other is infected by this dreadful virus; as also in other congregations, parishes and villages. There are villages where the entire population is affected by the virus. We also hear of the deaths in our own neighborhood and of the parents and relatives of our students and staff, people whom we have known. Few of our sisters have lost their dear ones. Many priests and religious, whom we have known, succumbed to this dreadful disease. Every day we wake up with the news of death. We are all anxious about our family members, especially in the villages, but we entrust them in the Mighty Hand of God. There sisters still in the hospital being treated; others are quarantined in their communities and treated under the guidance of doctors. Some of these communities are in the villages where many are infected. Sisters keep instructing people telephonically on how to care for their family members and neighbors when they are infected. It is unfortunate that many of the villagers do not have access to proper medication and treatment.

Our sisters involved in health care services are there, caring for the victims day and night, at the risk of their own lives. We are worried about them and pray much for them, and at the same time we feel proud of them and surrender them in the merciful hand of God. Although many states are under partial lock down, the superiors of bigger communities take risk and go out to procure things for the needs of the sisters. They also help neighboring communities with provisions. 

This explosion of the virus of death around us has left us feeling powerless in the face of its violent attack. There is shortage of ICU beds, Oxygen supply, and availability of doctors. It is a heart rending scene to see the lines of ambulances and stretchers carrying the patients, standing in queues, outside hospitals, pleading and crying for help. Testing for Covid has broken down due to shortage of necessary means and testing agencies are refusing to take samples as they do not have the means to test them.

In this agonizing situation God alone is the help we can count on. We believe that He is there and He will help us to ride through this terrible storm. All will be well in his own time and in his own way. All our communities are concerned about the whole province, the congregation and the world and have chain adoration the whole day and find our strength and support in him who said, “Do not be afraid, trust in me”.

Sent by Sr. Tessy Edayal 

It is perfectly true that a call to lead is a call to discipleship. Because leaders are followers and continue to be followers, learners, disciples to the Ultimate Leader – Jesus. The Bible tells us that Jesus called, chose and invited Peter to take up the responsibility of the shepherd, as well as enter into a deeper affective relationship with him. “Do you love me?... Feed my lambs…Do you love me?... Take care of my sheep…Do you love me?... Feed my sheep…” and then he said to Peter: “Follow me” (John 21: 15-19). Peter understood well that he then was a shepherd of the sheep as well as the follower, the disciple of Jesus. These two calls are intertwined and cannot be separated.

In the same way, on the Good Shepherd Sunday, April 25, 2021, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has chosen three of his disciples, namely Sr. Anima Suman, Sr. Teresa Xuan and Sr. Maria Loan to be shepherds of the Region of Our Lady of Lavang, Vietnam. The installation of the Regional team took place in the chapel of Placide House, in the virtual presence of Sr. Lucy Jacob Palliam Pallithura, our Superior General, all the General Councilors, the sisters in Generalate community, Legazpi community (Philippines), St. Bernard community (Bao Loc, Vietnam) and the actual presence of the rest of the Region.

The chapel was elegantly decorated with the symbol and the theme of GC/2017, “SCJM, do you love me?... Feed my sheep!”. The liturgists led all of us to the reflective mood of prayer and deep sense of gratitude. We were thankful to God for choosing leaders who will serve, animate and lead us to further growth and flourishment. We were grateful to our General Government who listened attentively to the Holy Spirit and responded to His will by being with us, animating us, accompanying us all through the process and celebrating with us today. We were sincerely grateful to our sisters: Sr. Suman, Sr. Xuan and Sr. Loan for being open to God’s invitation and ready to take up the responsibility of a shepherd and an ardent disciple of Jesus with pure joy and complete dedication.

In the atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving, Sr. Lucy Jacob, our Superior General read the appointment letter to appoint Sr. Anima Suman as Regional Superior, Sr. Teresa Xuan and Sr. Maria Loan as Regional Councilors for a mandate of four years (April 2021 – April 2025). In a sacred manner, she delegated Sr. Michael to anoint the newly regional leadership team with oil as a sign of being chosen by God and his people. After the anointment, Sr. Michael handed to the team the shepherd staff as a symbol of authority and responsibility, which includes caring of the well-being of the sheep, nurturing and leading the flock to the fullness of life in God’s love, correcting and challenging what is not right according to the values of the Kingdom. It is also a vivid and powerful reminder to the new team to look up to Jesus and imitate him in tending and feeding the sheep. In other words, it is taking up leadership in Jesus’ style: servant leadership, contemplative leadership and transformative leadership.

From left to right - De gauche à droite - Van links naar rechts:
Sr. Maria Loan, Sr. Suman Anima Toppo, Sr. Teresa Xuan

The final ritual was deeply moved and touching. As newly appointed leader of the Region, Sr. Suman, with a staff in her hand, led all of us in procession. It implied her leadership role and we, as members, followed her lead with trust, support, and cooperation, in the spirit of coresponsibility and active participation. The nomination ceremony ended with the hymn “Shepherd me O God”. Its meaningful lyrics and lovely melody filled the place with assurance and tranquility. It also recaptured the meaning of being a shepherd, which is first to be a sheep in the arms of Jesus. Amazingly, it inflamed in each one’s heart the stronger desire to be the beloved disciple of Jesus as we all sang together: “Shepherd me O God, beyond my fears, beyond my wants, from death into life.”

Sister Abida Maryam Boota made her Profession of Perpetual Vows of chastity, poverty and obedience as a Sister of Charity of Jesus and Mary on 24 April 2021.

The ceremony took place at Sacred Heart Convent, Lahore. Rev. Bishop Sebastian Shaw was the main celebrant and homilist. Besides the members of her religious Congregation, Sister Abida’s family members were also present for the celebration. Because of the COVID-19 situation in the country, very few people could participate in this ceremony. It was sad to see that only few sisters came, because many were sick with the virus in the air.

We thank Sr. Victoria Rehmat, the Provincial Superior, the community of Lahore and the formation community for organizing everything.

The theme chosen by Sr. Abida was “Do whatever He tells you”. It is for her an invitation to be always attentive to the voice of Jesus and to do the work that He wants her to do. As she walks with trust, her sole desire is to be in union with God and to live a life dedicated to the love of neighbor, in chastity, poverty and obedience. This desire has led her to this day, and we pray that it may be the desire of her life, as she lives this vowed religious life each day, for now and forever.

(The government of India apparently has placed a ban on giving out news of the pandemic situation in the country, except by those authorised by it. So, our sisters are not able to write freely. The following is an extract from a letter that came in just before the ban, sent by Sr. Mary Joseph, the Provincial of Ranchi.)

“As I sit down to pen a few lines on the second wave of Covid 19 and its negative impact on human lives in India, I am distracted and distressed by the siren of ambulances plying on the road taking patients from the hospital or to the hospital, to get them admitted somewhere for treatment. The situation is very bad and it is getting out of control day by day. The number of infected cases keep escalating, hospitals are overwhelmed, beds are not available, required drugs are not found in medical stores, oxygen supply is not sufficient… Those in authority are trying their best, but not able to bring it under control. Unlike the first wave of Covid 19, the second one is deadly and the death rate is very high. As we read news and watch on television what goes on in the country, we keep calling out to the Lord for his mercy and compassion on the world...

The departure of our two sisters in two days, victims of Covid, has devastated us… In the midst of pain, sorrow, uncertainty, anxiety and fear what we realise is there is nothing on this earth that can hold us… God alone! God has a plan for us!

At this moment we rely on the words of the Psalmist: "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Ps. 34:18). We find solace in Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

We are grateful to our SCJM sisters from all over the world for being with us at this painful phase in the life of the province. We remember you for your prayerful support through phone calls, messages and consoling words. May the Good Lord bless you with good health and keep you safe under His wings!”

Brussels

26 April 2021

Dear Sisters,

Several of you have been inquiring about the situation in India with assurances of your prayerful support for the country and for our Sisters in the provinces of Ranchi and Delhi in particular. Thank you very much for your interest and concern.

I do not have to go into the statistics of the pandemic situation in the country. The media is full of it and you are well informed, I am sure.

Going by the news coming from both the provinces, our Sisters are living through a very difficult time, as we can well understand. The sudden departure of Sr. Crescentia Xalxo and Sr. Lidwin Mary Rodrigues in quick succession had been rude shock for all of them. In both the provinces, there is a deep sense of pain and sorrow over losing them to the virus. Although several sisters in different communities are tested positive, their symptoms are reported to be mild and they are in the process of recovering.

Our Sisters in Mercy Hospital in Jamshedpur are living with the daily reality of the mounting cases of Covid-19 as they are not able to accommodate the patients who come to the hospital for treatment.

The worsening situation in the country is both fearful and alarming for everyone: rapid rise in the number of infections, hospitalisations and deaths, insufficient facilities for treating the sick, over-worked and exhausted health care workers, a right- wing government that is preoccupied with an agenda of its own… The woes are many!

I need not say that all this is very disturbing for all of us. The Lord alone knows why things happen in the way they do. We remain united to Him and to one another during this time of crisis and pray for strength and courage to remain faith-filled and hope-filled.

Affectionately,

Sr. Lucy Jacob

Once again, my very dear Sisters, we live the Easter celebrations

in the context of the pandemic.

But happily Light shines through the “dark clouds” of our world!

Easter, a symbol of Hope, Renewal and New Life!

Sr. Lucy Jacob

Generalate, Brussels

* On 4th February the community of the Generalate celebrated the 73rd independence day of Sri Lanka. The country of Sri Lanka became independent on 4th February 1948 from the British rule. In the morning we had a very meaningful prayer, especially for the people and government of Sri Lanka. In the evening, Sr. Deepthika presented the history and culture of Sri Lanka through a power point presentation. It was interesting as well as informative.

* As you know that coronavirus has restricted travelling we have to find alternate ways of remaining connected with each other and to continue our mission. Sr. Lucy has been busy with canonical visit to the provinces/regions online. During February – March she was with our Sisters in Sri Lanka. For many of our sisters it is a new experience but gradually they are getting used to it and feel happy to learn the use of technology.

* The 2nd of February, as you know, is dedicated to Consecrated Life in the Church. This day was celebrated in the community in simplicity and joy. We were privileged to have the Eucharistic celebration in the community, presided by our parish priest. We entered the chapel in procession with lighted candle as a sign of witness and entrusted all the consecrated persons, especially the SCJMs, to God.

* Ms Hilde Baccarne from the secretariat retired from her work on February 25th 2021. She has served in the Secretariat of the Generalate for the last 15 years. There was a simple farewell program for her from the community on 24th evening. Sr. Lucy and Sr. Kim Chi thanked her with words of appreciation and gratitude for her service. We spent some time together with Hilde over a cup of coffee. The Congregation is grateful for her selfless service in the secretariat.

* After a long period of time, Srs. Sushila Toppo and Noreen Fazal could come over and spend some time with us. Their presence on the day of Sr. Rosily’s birthday added to our joy. While here they also helped with some of the secretarial tasks with Sr. Kim Chi. Both of them had a unique experience of travelling by train for the first time from Ghent to Brussels. They are finding their way in Belgium.

* Sr. Yvonne Ngomba Lukusa from Rwanda and Sr. Teresa Xuan from Our Lady of Lavang, Vietnam are following a Formators’ program from Rome, online. They started their program in February 2021. At present Sr. Yvonne is in Nyamata, the vice-provincial house and Sr. Xuan is in Placide House, Ho Chi Minh City.

* Sisters Fatima Peiris from IAN, Sr. Pratima Kujur from Delhi province, Sr. Noreen Peter and Sr. Rufina Fayaz from Pakistan and Suman Toppo from Vietnam are also benefitting from various online formation programs offered by the Emmaus Center, Philippines.

* Sr. Suzy Spaenhoven from the region of Mali has arrived in Belgium on 21st March for her holidays. We wish her a happy and enjoyable stay in Belgium.

* Like many other countries, Belgium is also facing a surge in coronavirus cases. We are now faced with a third wave. As a result, more restrictions are enforced in the country.

* One by one, we in the Generalate have begun getting vaccinated. Once the invitation is received, we are required to take an on-line appointment in one of the many centres of vaccination here in Brussels.

* Despite all the restrictions, we are privileged to have Holy Week services in our own chapel. Our parish priest, a real shepherd of his flock, is with us five times a week for the Eucharistic celebration. Two other priests fill in the remaining days.

Even though we are forced to celebrate another Easter under lockdown conditions, the spirit of Easter transcends all restrictions.

We are at the threshold of another very significant period in our journey of faith – Lent.

During this Lent, focusing on the three theological virtues, Pope Francis invites us to “renew our faith, draw from the living waters of hope, and to receive with open hearts the love of God.”

In his reflections, he reminds us that lent is a journey of conversion. It is a time of,

• Believing - for welcoming God into our lives and allowing Him to make His dwelling in us.
• Hoping - for receiving the hope of Christ who gave his life on the cross and was raised by God on the third day.
• Loving - for caring for those who suffer or feel abandoned … to speak words of reassurance, and help others to realise that God loves them as sons and daughters.

The call to experience Lent as a journey of conversion, fasting, prayer and sharing of our goods, he continues, helps us as individuals and communities “to revive the faith that comes from the living Christ, the hope inspired by the breath of the Holy Spirit and the love flowing from the merciful heart of the Father.”

• From 1st to 15th December 2020, Sr. Lucy Jacob made virtual canonical visitation to the Province of Pakistan, via Internet. In general, this first experience in the Congregation was positive. At present, the Province has 53 Sisters, including one Sister in Belgium and another in Philippines (International Asian Novitiate).

• The Advent period was a time during which the Community prayed especially for the victims of pandemic, the poor and all those left behind.

Unlike other years, the Community did not organise the celebration of "Christmas Friends". This was to be in communion with the world that is suffering from the pandemic situation. With this intention, the Community had set aside some money, which was planned for this organisation, in order to share it with the poor in the parish of Saint-Gilles and a poor family living in Melle.

• As the Belgian Government has not yet lifted up the measures of restrictions on Eucharistic celebrations, the parish priest of Saint-Gilles, Father Michel Christiaens, came to celebrate the Christmas Eucharist in the Community. It was in simplicity, fraternity and joy that the Community celebrated the birth of Emmanuel, God with us.

• The day of 31st December 2020 was dedicated to prayer in thanksgiving for the blessings received from God during the year 2020.

On the same date, Sr. Sylvia Chabala was taken to the emergency services at St. Peter’s Hospital for appropriate care. She underwent surgery. Everything went well. After her discharge from the hospital, she was taken to "Maria-ten-Doorn" Community in Eeklo to have a few days of rest there. The Generalate Community thanks all the Sisters who carried her in prayer during her illness. Thanks to Sr. Birgit Goslain for welcoming Sr. Sylvia to the Dutch speaking Province during her time of recuperation.

The New Year was also celebrated in simplicity and fraternity. An opening Mass for the year was celebrated in the Community.

• On 06/01/2021, very early in the morning, around 4 o’clock, the Community was visited by thieves who entered the house through the refectory window, from the side where there was no alarm sensor. They took away the projector in the office of Mrs. Hilde Baccarne, the assistant of the General Secretary, and a travelling bag from Sr. Martine Krichel’s room. They were probably looking for the money but did not find it. The police then came to make a statement of offence. This led the Community to place an alarm sensor in the room from where the thieves entered.

• For the very first time, the General Government organised virtually, via Internet, the consultation process, the nomination and installation of the new provincial team for the Province of Pakistan, from 2/01/2021 to 15/01/2021. Sr. Deepthika Silva and Sr. Roshni Barla were delegated by the Superior General to animate the new provincial team and to give it the orientations to be followed for the next 4 years.

Our sincere congratulations to the new team: Sr. Victoria Rehmat (PS), Sr. Genevieve Ram Lal, Sr. Samina Anwar, Sr. Clara Sharif, and Sr. Maria Shaukat (PC)!

• From 08 to 25/01/2021, after the nominations in Pakistan, Sr. Lucy Jacob continued her mission in Vietnam with the virtual canonical visit. There are currently 20 professed sisters in the Region of Vietnam, including two junior sisters who are in the Philippines and Sr. Kim-Chi Duong who is in the Generalate, 2 novices and 6 postulants. 

• Coronavirus News

The media are already talking about a new variant of the virus that has appeared in different countries. The Belgian government has taken some measures for security and to prevent the transmission of the virus. Among other things, there is curfew from 9 pm to 6 am. New cases of infection are still increasing, but there are fewer deaths. Apart from observing the barrier measures, the restrictions for the various celebrations have not yet been lifted. For Sunday Eucharist, only a maximum of 15 people can attend mass.

• As you know, the Generalate Community is composed of six nationalities: Belgian, Indian, Congolese, Sri Lankan, Vietnamese and Zambian. As is customary in the Community, on the occasion of the national day of these countries, the Community celebrates in communion with the country that is being honoured.

On 26/01/2021, the Community celebrated the Republic Day of India. It was on the first "Republic Day", 26/01/1950, that the "Constitutions of India" were enforced. India became a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and ensures justice, freedom, equality and fraternity to all its citizens. Also known as Gantantra Diwas, this day is celebrated with festivities such as the famous Republic Parade of Delhi in Rajpath, which honours India’s military forces and displays its rich cultural heritage.

The day began with a beautiful liturgical celebration for this purpose. A simple meal was prepared according to Indian culture.

The day ended with an evening recreation during which the Community watched the parade that had taken place on this occasion in Delhi.

Dear Sisters,

On the occasion of the “World Day of Consecrated Life” (02 February), the Congregation for Consecrated Life writes to all consecrated women and men and directs us to take to heart the message of Pope Francis in his encyclical Fratelli tutti, and to place it at the center of our life, formation and mission.

To quote from the letter, “We cannot disregard this truth any more: we are all brothers and sisters, as, in fact, we pray, not necessarily consciously of it, in the Our Father, that without an openness to the Father of all, there will be no solid and stable reasons for an appeal to fraternity” (n. 272).

The letter in its entirety is given below. I know all of us are engaged in a serious reading of this document, reflecting over it and considering its implications on the life of our Congregation. This letter from Rome is another reminder to us! Let us sincerely give it the importance it deserves in our life today.

Affectionately,

Sr. Lucy Jacob

The Province of Delhi celebrated the Week by setting aside quality time for prayer, reading and reflection with the help of the materials provided, inspiring videos and hymns. The creativity, newness, uniqueness, enthusiasm, interest and urgency with which the communities took up the call to care for our ‘Common Home’ was praise worthy. Each day, the communities chose different themes for prayer, like the five elements of nature, Nurture the Nature for the Future, No Earth No Life, Think Globally Act Locally, and the like.
Some communities are resolved to intensify their efforts to enlist the good will of the staff, students, parents and co – workers to become active partners with them in the project of “Healing the Mother Earth crying out in distress”. The final day of the Week, the Province reports that in prayer and reflection, Sisters examined their life style and the impact of their thoughtless behaviour and decisions with regard to food, water, energy and other material goods of the earth. “It stirred our conscience to acknowledge our sins against creation and truly be sorry for our neglect and indifference to the Earth groaning under the pressure of human callousness.”

Vice Province of Rwanda writes,

In the fabric of life, we see biodiversity as a blessing from God. This theme helped us meditate on the essential facts of creation: that creation comes from God and that we are part of it. What happens to the creation happens to all of us too. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux saw the Bible and nature as two books in which God speaks to us and reveals to us something of his beauty and his goodness; nature speaks to us and shows us the presence of God. This awareness brings us closer to our common home.

During this week, the communities of the Vice Province was united in prayer with the Christian community all over the world to pray for and with the earth. We have recognized that the more we are united with God, the closer we are to nature. In all communities we have decided to save water, keep our surroundings clean, manage waste effectively, and to protect plants and trees. In a special way, with help, some of the women learned to make a vegetable garden in sacks, to conserve water and to produce much in a small place.

The Province of St. Bernard reports that to kick off the “Laudato Sí” week, some communities watched short videos, including one on the encyclical itself. In the context of the ecological catastrophe, we listen to the invitation of Pope Francis to bring our efforts together for the protection of our common home. We understand that we can overcome global challenges only by showing solidarity with one another. As Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, our charity is manifested not only to the vulnerable, but to the whole of God’s creation. This understanding has influenced all our communities and each one is committed to make a contribution to protect our mother earth.

“Laudato Sí” week has not gone unnoticed in our communities. It has found its expression in many ways:

- Prayer in and with nature: Some communities spend an hour of meditation in the lap of nature: contemplation of the rising sun, listening to the songs of birds and animals, appreciation of the diversity of fruits, flowers and herbs. The whole creation is praising the Creator!

- We saw the urgency to nurture, love, respect, and protect our mother earth because she is our mother.

- In the context of our country, some plants nourish our life in many ways, such as:

• The Banana Tree: This plant, soon after giving its fruit, dies. This is what we are called to do: to die to self, to give life to others through free services; self-giving so that the other may flourish through my presence.
• The Palm Tree: This is a very useful and strong plant that holds itself up even if it is in the midst of other trees that can suffocate it. It is an invitation for us to be strong and solid, to hold on in joy as well as in sorrow.



• The Papaya Tree: It is a plant that needs to be planted deep in the earth. Its fruits rest on each other regardless of their weight or shape. It is an analogy for us to root ourselves in prayer, to support and help each other, to accept and love each other regardless of our differences.

An appropriate response to this awareness, we understand, is ecological conversion: concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society and inner peace. It is a way of listening to the cry of creation, recognizing the contribution that each of us can make to protect the earth, our common home.

Some concrete decisions taken by different communities:

- Praying with nature

- Planting trees on our land to fight against the economic crisis. We have planted many more fruit trees so that we can share their fruits with different communities and with those around us

- Strengthening the work of vegetable gardens and caring of flower gardens

- Separating waste into degradable and non-degradable items in order make compost, feed for animals and manure for our gardens

- Committing ourselves to cleaning and maintaining our environment.

The region of Mali reports that in response to the SG’s letter and in union with the world Catholic community, in prayer and solidarity each community of the Region of Mali celebrated the LS week, despite confinement and curfews. Our response was made concrete through the following activities:

- Adoration, rosary, a special hour of Worship each day to implore God’s mercy for the world

- Planting of fruit trees, taking care of our vegetable garden, using natural fertilizers

- Reciting Pope Francis’ prayer for the health of the sick every day after Vespers in union with the victims of Covid 19.

- In respect for nature and to show our love for our Mother Earth, we collect and recycle waste and use it differently.

“Marie-Auxiliatrice”, the community of Miabi in the Province of Saint Vincent de Paul, reports that part of their celebration of the Week was to weed the community garden and to plant anti-lightning plant (Ginkgo biloba). It is planted in all four corners of their house.

The Covid-19 pandemic continues!

“Let us make no mistake: our fight against coronavirus is far from over… Close to a million lives have been directly lost to the disease... A global pandemic requires no less than a world effort to end it. None of us will be safe until everyone is safe.” These are the words of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

The media information on the ever-changing statistics of the pandemic is available to us on a daily basis, if not hourly. Again and again, we are reminded of our responsibility to reduce contact with other people as much as possible, staying at home, working from home where possible, and practising physical distancing in order to contain the spread of the disease.

The extracts below will give you some glimpses into the life in the Congregation as we continue to live with the inevitable reality of Covid-19.

Sr. Lucy Jacob

Brussels

Belgium: First of all, we are happy to say that for the moment no sister of Belgium is sick by Covid-19. Unfortunately the number of the infections in Belgium makes much of Belgium into a red-zone today. The short period of ‘oxygen’ in the month June is now totally gone and the authorities announce again very strict measures to stop the tide. However, everything possible is done to keep the medical services going, to protect the homes for elderly from the virus and to have schools remaining open, as long as possible.

It’s a pity that as the infections increase, all activities must stop: a meeting with the new Bishop of Gent, Lode Van Hecke, in our motherhouse is cancelled. Most of the sisters were waiting for the personal encounter with the Bishop. We had also planned commemoration celebration for the sisters who died during the corona time - this must now move to another date. So also the New Year get-together. It is painful for the sisters who need the company of other sisters. The virtual possibilities can’t replace the warm, personal encounters between sisters.

England & Ireland: The government of England has warned us that tougher restrictions than those already in place, may be necessary; so we wait to hear the worst, which could be a total lockdown as we had back last March, at the beginning of the pandemic. To date the lockdown is localised to what is referred to as the ‘Hot Spots’ in various parts of the Country.

In Ireland, the situation is extremely concerning. From midnight on 21^st Wed. Oct. the country moved to its highest lockdown tiers for six weeks. This would mean that visits to private homes or gardens will not be permitted and there are to be no gatherings except for tightly controlled weddings and funerals.

Our Sisters in both Countries follow the guidelines from their respective Governments , as do the managers of our Care Homes in both Rosglas (Ireland) and Ansdell (England). So far, no Sister or person in our Care Home have contracted the disease, thank God, and in large part this is due to our excellent Lay Staff who follow the recommendations from the Health and Government Departments.

Ranchi: The Corona does not discriminate! Many of our sisters too were infected by Covid-19. The first SCJM tested positive was in Hulhundu. There was a sense of fear and alarm in the campus. More tests were conducted and 10 sisters were found positive with the virus and 8 staff members. Sisters who were infected remained isolated in a separate building and were cared for by other sisters and our helpers. In Jamshedpur, some 18 sisters of Mercy Hospital were tested positive, besides some doctors, nurses, technicians and other helpers.

The moment one is tested positive, she or he is isolated. Some take around 45 days to recover while others 21 days or one month to recover and rejoin duty. It is difficult for the hospital to function when there is shortage of staff to manage and handle the inflow of patients.

The hospital has made separate wards for Covid patients; right now the number of covid cases has come down. However, the danger involved in admitting and treating patients without the corona test still scare the staff. As winter is setting in there may be a rise in positive cases, but people are learning to live with it and hospitals are getting ready to treat cases with more confidence.

Delhi: In the Province the Sisters are making an effort to face the reality. Being vaccinated by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, we continue our ministries. Online classes are going on in full swing. The students and teachers are busy; so also the nurses and social activists in the Province; forgetting their own health, they give their services without counting the cost.

At present, there is one sister each in the communities of Sacred Heart Convent and Ashirbhawan in Amritsar and the Provincialate in Delhi who has tested positive for Covid 19 and three others who have some mild symptoms. All are on medication and in isolation. All the Sisters of these communities are self quarantined. 

It is a unique experience to be quarantined in one’s own house. Sometimes, we take community life for granted. When we are able to be together for prayer, Holy Eucharist, meals, recreation and other activities, we never realized the value of life in community adequately. Now, however, though physically we are distanced, yet we are united in prayer and we communicate with each other on-line, which is a relief indeed. 

Sri Lanka: As the country was adjusting into new normal with all the inevitable changes, unexpectedly the virus raised its head again on 4^th October. As the number of Covid cases is increasing rapidly, the quarantine centers are multiplied and certain hospitals and wards in some hospitals are tuned into Covid isolation and treatment unites.

As this second wave daunts the country, Jesus’s invitation to us “Do you love me… Look after my sheep” has become a tipping point. Our optimal responses at this moment in the history is our prayer for all the Covid infected, for those who are prone to the virus and for those at the service of the patients. SCJMs spend more time on their knees while trying all the possible ways to mitigate the suffering of people, especially the poor and the unemployed. Those under our care especially the elders, children and the working staff are taken care of. Home gardening is booming as we grow our own fresh fruits and vegetables. We spend more time inthe community: praying, working and taking time for each other while exploring new paths forward as Covid 19 is inviting everyone to a significant wake up.

Pakistan: In Pakistan, Covid -19 seems to be only in the newspaper! The people are going about without masks and any other precautionary measures! There are some measures taken in educational institutions, hospitals and banks. According to the news, there are new cases of the pandemic in Karachi and Islamabad and Smart Lockdown has been placed in the affected areas.

The schools are opened in stages, starting with three senior classes and bringing in the rest of the classes after a week or two depending on the place and situation. The schools in smaller towns such as Hafizabad, Kasur and Yohannabad have all the classes in while the others will have them in by the beginning of November. We cannot have more than 20 students in a class; so all the classes are divided into two groups and they come to school on alternate days.

By the grace of God, all our sisters remain healthy and unaffected by the virus. We live one day at a time with the hope that the Merciful Father will have pity on our world by delivering us from this pandemic soon so that we can live the normal life again.

Philippines: The challenges of each day keep reminding and creating an awareness within us to the reality of life around us; the poor becoming poorer each day with no work to earn their daily living. When the situation seemed improving, an unexpected increase of covid-19 cases forced us to cancel or postpone plans already made. The school children have classes online; but not many are able to benefit from this facility.

The government is advising people to look after the sick in their own homes. Life is not going to be easy and it is becoming more and more complicated. Everyone has the same question: how long to continue like this? We entrust our lives in the hands of God because He is the only one who knows what is best for us.

Vietnam: The pandemic brought once again disorder in our daily lives! Nam Hoa parish closed its gate since the Eucharistic celebrations did not take place, except some prayers at different hours of the day. However, there are some parishes at a walking distance that would accept just 30 to 35 people for daily mass. So, we braved out not to be late and be locked out like the foolish virgins who were deprived of attending the banquet with the Bridegroom. This continued about a fortnight and we were able to attend the Holy Mass in the parish again. At the moment, the situation is given out to be normal and under control.

Rwanda - Burundi: Everywhere, we can see that life is starting again, many buildings are under construction, teachers and students are in a feverish mood for the resumption of classes... However, restrictions are always respected: social distancing, wearing a mask, washing hands, no handshakes and no kissing (this measure seems very difficult to observe and undermines our culture of shaking hands and kissing at all times).

On our side, as SCJM being fully engaged in our apostolate, we continue our extra prayers and works of mercy. In our prayers, we remember and stand in solidarity with the peoples of other countries where the pandemic continues to cause much loss of life.

As for Burundi, while the whole world was shaken and panicked by the Covid-19 pandemic, it remained calm. There was no lockdown as elsewhere, no closure of churches or schools, work and life continued as usual. But last June, the pandemic was declared "public enemy number 1" by the new Burundian regime. Among the supporting measures, it decided to subsidise the price of soap and water by half. At present, however, the government has advised the population not to give in to this “unpredictable enemy”.

Mali: Always attentive to the situation, we kept ourselves updated with the latest news. But when we learned that the pandemic was spreading rapidly around the world, fear, anguish and anxiety began to fill our hearts.

Since the registration of the first cases, we asked our workers to stay at home, until further notice, then we ourselves started to do all the work: cooking, gardening, animal husbandry, etc. The majority of the population does not take the disease seriously. Although there are cases of infection and deaths, people live as if nothing happened. Some people laugh at us when they see us wearing the masks. There is total confusion, but on our side we do everything to be careful.

Every Wednesday, we do 30 minutes adoration to pray for all those affected by this disease; imploring divine protection. In spite of the fear that we feel every day, we feel the presence of God in our midst, and have the courage to go out one by one to at least do some small errands at the market. The population encourages us by minimising the disease. Despite this, we often take precautions not to let ourselves be contaminated.

St. Bernard, DR Congo: Messages about protective measures are everywhere...

One of the main ways in which Caritas, the local Church and religious communities, including the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, in their respective environments, help communities to protect themselves against Covid-19 is to ensure that they are armed with the right information to help them save lives.

Our experience with Ebola has helped a lot because the measures taken to stop the spread of Covid-19 are similar to those for Ebola, but with more emphasis on wearing a mask, lockdown and social distancing....

It’s true that it’s a new way of life that we have to get used to: walking around with masks on, washing our hands often, not shaking hands... a whole education to follow to get into different public places. We learn every day how to live with the coronavirus and how to defeat it. Whether they are pupils or teachers, in public or private schools, they all went back to school on Monday 12^th October. Like many of their peers around the world, the Congolese pupils will have to comply with new daily rules: wearing a mask, etc...

St. Vincent, DR Congo: The return to normal life is allowed while respecting the barrier gestures and following the modalities set by the response teams, such as temperature control at each entrance, hand washing, compulsory wearing of masks in public places, regular disinfection of places of activity... For the moment, the general trend is to relax, especially in relation to the wearing of masks, while new cases are still being detected, from time to time, in areas already infected.

In the Province in general, life is starting again in slow motion. We have made smaller and local changes to avoid incurring too much expense... Our lifestyle has completely changed, which requires us to review our living out of the vows. We have minimized the cost of expenses. We are all committed to raising awareness about respecting the barriers gestures in our communities, our schools and hospitals ... Positively, there are the awareness and commitment of each one to value the garden, the fields, the livestock, and in the future consider agro-pastoral communities in order to minimise expenses.

The impact of the pandemic in relation to our Charism is that in our health institutions where our sisters work, there has not been any case of Covid-19. As SCJM, our nursing sisters have continued to work with the sick in spite of the danger they face.

Dear Sisters,

We are now past the shock and disbelief of the outbreak of the pandemic C-19. We have been trying to face it in faith, hope and courage. We have been listening to the God who is powerfully communicating with us through this deeply disturbing intervention in our lives. We continue praying for deliverance from this virus so as to go ahead with our life in full swing.

“NOT YET!” seems to be the indication as you will discover from the accounts below. The impact of a second wave of the virus is felt in several parts of the world, including the SCJM world.

What is more! An opinion that seems gaining strength among the analysts and commentators is that the coronavirus is here to stay and that we better be prepared to live with it in an agreeable manner! If this is the case, we need to further sharpen our listening faculties to hear the “still, small” voice of the Lord from within this situation and be prepared to take new and untrodden paths.

Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord tells us, “I know the plans I have for you … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  We hold on firmly to this promise of the Lord as we move ahead!

Sr. Lucy Jacob

Brussels

Belgium

The country was beginning to limp back to some kind of a normal life when in mid-July reports of new cases began to appear. As this began to increase, it was clear that the second wave has begun to sweep over the country. The average daily infections stands at 371, an increase of 62% per week. Right now, Antwerp is the epicentre of the virus, and Brussels is given out to be the next. As a result, the government has tightened precautionary measures for at least the next four weeks, with new limits on contacts and events: social contacts are limited to five people; organised events are limited to 100 people; masks are compulsory at all events; shopping must be done alone again and the maximum shopping time of 30 minutes has also been reintroduced. 

Rwanda

Rwanda too shares with the rest of the world the effects of Corona, though compared to other countries it is not too bad. According to the recent account, there are 898 active cases of corona hospitalized at present; 918 have already been recovered, and in all 5 deaths have been reported.

In some of the parishes there is daily Mass, but only for the religious. The Sunday Mass is for all with all the required regulations. Severe punishments are given to people who do not obey the rules. So there is obedience at least out of fear. The traffic is allowed on the road till 9pm and all shops remain open till the evening. Schools still remain closed. All other works continue as usual. Complete lock down and quarantine continue in areas where there are more fresh cases. The frontiers to our neighbouring countries still remains closed.

But in Burundi, where we have one community, people seem to live in another world. Life is very normal as if nothing has happened: no masks, no social distancing, and no restrictions. People do die, but no one talks about Corona.

Pakistan

As the pandemic has hit only the major cities, most of the people have not taken it seriously. Despite the Lockdowns in different areas of the country, the people go about without masks. In some places, the fine is imposed and there the mask goes up as soon as one sees a policeman. The life seems to be normal except for the educational institutions. They remain closed and every other day a new date is announced for the reopening. All the banks, government institutes and shopping malls and shops do not let people in without the mask and hands sanitized.

The closing of the Educational Institutions has protected our children from the pandemic. Schools in the cities are having classes on line. Besides, the Government has started TV classes for different levels. The private schools, including ours, are having many financial difficulties as the government does not allow any employee to be sent off or to hold back the salaries.

The churches are still closed though some allow a limited number of the faithful for the Sunday Mass. We the SCJMs are lucky to have the Eucharistic Celebration quite frequently. We pray that God may deliver the whole world from this deadly plague and let us enjoy the normal way of living once again.

Vietnam

The people of Vietnam got back to normalcy from April 30th. Churches, schools, shops, and services are following their usual schedules. People began to feel secure again after a period of time living in fear and worries. Talks, news, discussions about Covid-19 seemed to be lesser and lesser in the country.

The summer holidays are here and when all were in the mood of vacation and relaxation, suddenly on July 25^th, Vietnam’s first community transmission case was reported in Da Nang after 99 days without a new case reported. The patient who was tested positive did not have any travel history. It is still unclear how he contracted the virus. The latest eleven cases include seven patients and four medical staff linked to Da Nang Hospital. At the moment, the city of Da Nang is applying the strictest social distancing measures of lockdown. 

In other parts of the country, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, people are again cautious about the seriousness of the transmission of Covid-19. Masks are required in all public places. Local police are visiting houses and hostels to make sure that all measures are taken to prevent infection, including our communities. Social gatherings are once again banned.

Churches, religious communities and the faithful are in constant prayer for the healing of the world from coronavirus.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has been efficacious so far in responding to early warnings of Covid-19. At present the country is in the process of closely monitoring the situation and strengthening preparedness to respond effectively to combat any incoming situation.

More than six months into this pandemic, Sri Lanka has made an enormous progress in controlling the spread of COVID-19. For the past four months, the Government, together with medical officials and the Tri-forces, have taken various measures to ensure that the spread of COVID-19 is minimized within the island. The support given by the public by obeying the rules and regulations and maintaining the good order and discipline has been of great help.

It can be assumed that Sri Lanka is very close to victory over this pandemic. Schools are being re-opened in a phased-out manner after a closure of 115 days. The parliamentary elections will be held in August with strict health measures and guidelines.

Today, the total confirmed cases stands at 2,810 with 503 active cases. 2,296 cases recovery and 11 deaths are notified.

The changing lifestyles of the post-pandemic “new normalcy” may prove to be a challenge for many, especially where transportation, employment and day to day needs are concerned.

India

The Corona Virus pandemic still continues to rage its fury in the Indian sub-continent. There is a decline in new cases in certain states; however it surges on in other states. The southern states of India that fared well in controlling it in the beginning are now faced with local and community transmission. Delhi which stood almost at the top of the ladder is now seeing a decline in new cases. As of now, India has a total 1.5 million cases (1.583.156) with a death toll of 34.224. A good number of them are being cured as well. In spite of the lock down of selected areas and travel restrictions within the country, life goes on and all are trying to learn to live with it with necessary precautions. As far as education is concerned, online classes are going on in full swing. A few other activities are also resumed.

In all this, the poor are the ones who suffer the most with no work and having no means for sustaining their families. Many are stricken with fear, anxiety and worry, not only of the virus but about their future.

Ranchi city, the capital of Jharkhand, is one of the hotspots for positive cases. However, many private hospitals in the state have been closed down due to lack of facilities to treat covid 19 patients and some have been sealed off for treating the infected ones without taking adequate precaution. The Mercy Hospital in Jamshedpur was kept open for general patients and it was a respite for the people of Jamshedpur. Although we had prepared isolation rooms for covid cases in case of emergency, we were not totally prepared to treat infected ones. By mid-July, when hospital staff members started getting infected and patients tested positive, they had to be isolated and those who came in contact with them quarantined. This meant less number of staff members and closure of the concerned departments. Before long the hospital had to be closed down too - on 22^nd July. 

The entire hospital was cleaned and sanitised during this period of total closure. It was fumigated as per the government rule and is now ready to admit new patients. Sisters are confident that everything will go well when the hospital reopens although there is also fear and anxiety and a sense of uncertainty as the Covid 19 situation in the state is moving from bad to worse.

In a situation where we cannot do much, the SCJMs hold on to the Lord in hope. We continue to storm the heavens that the Lord may have compassion on our world. What gives us the impetus and confidence is the trust we have in God that without His knowledge nothing happens and He will take care of those who care for others.

Philippines

We are very much grateful to God Almighty who continuously take care of us and for His providential care, love and protection.

There are some 89,374 confirmed cases in the country today. Around 65,064 have been recovered; and the death toll is 1,983. Both the national and local governments responded to the pandemic with various declarations of emergency, closure of schools and public meetings, lockdowns, and other estrictions intended to slow down the progress of the virus. The challenges of each day keep reminding and creating an awareness in us to the reality of life around us, especially as we see how the poor are becoming poorer each day. The reopening of schools is postponed as new cases are being reported. Children have online classes though few are able to benefit from this. The sick are advised to remain in their own homes and be looked after.

During these difficult times, we are invited to face these challenges as an invitation for our own conversion and to renew our faith in God.

Congo

On 18 March, at midnight, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced a state of health emergency because of the cases of Covid-19 detected in Kinshasa on 10 March 2020. He urged all his people to observe some measures to prevent the Pandemic.

The state of emergency was lifted on 21 July. On that date, the President announced the resumption of classes, starting with the final year of primary, secondary, high schools and university, from 03/08/2020, and from 15/08, the reopening of churches and places of worship, migration and interprovincial movements, the reopening of ports, airports, and all borders, and the reopening of discotheques, stadiums and theatres. For funerals, the provisions remain the same and are strictly enforced.

In addition, he stressed that thanks to the efforts of the response team, the mortality rate has fallen from 11% to 2.4%. The mortality trend is declining during this month of July. The DRC ranks 9th in Africa in terms of cases detected and 12th in terms of deaths.

The return to normal life is authorized, in compliance with the barrier measures and following the modalities set by the response team: temperature control at each entry, hand washing, mandatory wearing of masks in public places, regular disinfection of places of activity...

On 29/07/2020, the official media communicated the following statistics: 9,010 infected cases, 437 recovered cases and 215 deaths.

Mali

To date, Mali has reported 2520 infected, 75 deaths, and 1919 recovered cases. The state continues to trace possible infected cases in the country and directs its people towards remaining calm and respecting all precautionary measures. However, not everyone pay sufficient attention to this.

The schools are reopened. The public transport system was never affected. The airport is scheduled to open soon.

We continue interceding for our suffering world.

England

The current pandemic continues, and seems unstoppable here in the United Kingdom as elsewhere in the world. People, especially the most vulnerable, are genuinely and understandably frightened, since as yet there is no ‘miracle drug’ or vaccine available to combat this virus. The ongoing research in the various institutions, including Oxford to mention but one, gives some glimmer of hope on the horizon.

However, the anxiety about the potential spread of the disease is heightened, when on Thursday July 30th. the fact that the number of Corona cases in the Country was 28% more than on the first of the month. Our mortality is certainly thrown into sharper focus during this extremely uncertain period of time.

Following on from that, this morning’s news quoted our Prime Minister, Mr. Boris Johnson as saying, he was “squeezing the brake pedal” on easing lockdown after infections doubled in a month. His statement really sums up succinctly the whole situation. This was the day many businesses were due to reopen; instead it seems that the country has probably reached near the limits of what can be done to return to life as normal for now. One wonders if life will ever again be what we understand as normal, or will we rather be talking about Covid-19 normal.

Ireland

According to the latest statistics, Ireland has 26,027 confirmed cases of C-19 and 1763 Covid related deaths. The latest figures show that the pandemic has re-emerged in the country. Over a two-day period the country moved from a relatively stable epidemiology to a significant pattern connected to outbreaks. All are advised to be really careful and adhere to public health advice so to avoid further spread of the virus. Vigilance and precautionary measures are to be observed. 

(Caught up in the web of the pandemic, our two student-sisters, one in France and the other in Rome, who were at a course on the formation of formators, share with us their experience of living with the C-19.)

France: Sr Béatrice Tshilemba (St Vincent, DR Congo)

All of a sudden, everything stopped, as if by the pressure of a finger on an emergency stop button, because of a virus. The machine of our lives came to a standstill and things took a completely unexpected turn.

In France, the travel ban as a health measure was introduced by the authorities as early as 12 noon on 17 March 2020.

I was staying with the Sisters of Christ the Redeemer, and shared the community life with the two Sisters there. Since freedom of movement was restricted, it was necessary to organize our prayer life according to the programs of the liturgical celebrations on KTO channel or YouTube. In addition, we adjusted our timetable to watch the news at 8 p.m. on France2 channel.

To respond to this situation, as a community, we stitched some gowns, donated bedsheets, participated in the action of sharing and drew up a list of people in difficult situations in our neighbourhood. Every day, at 8 p.m., we applauded the caregivers from our windows. We prayed for the sick, the care-givers, the scientists, the politicians, the Church and all its members and for the dead every day. One of our acquaintances, a 55-year-old doctor, died of Covid-19.

We had time to reflect on several topics, as the pandemic has highlighted social inequalities, the importance of human contact, the heroes of this time, the Eucharistic fast, a new Easter celebration, the equality of all men or the way of looking at the aftermath of the pandemic... These moments of mutual reflection and sharing led us towards a different vision of the world, with its contradictions and its possibilities. 

Yes, when the boat of our world was battered by the waves and the headwind, we could turn continually towards Christ (cf. Mt 14:24).

Meanwhile, the courses continued online by videoconferences. It was necessary to adapt quickly to the new way of working and to conform to it.

Rome: Sr. Lilly Pallipurath (Ranchi)

With great enthusiasm and anxiety I reached Rome, the eternal city, on 25^th January 2020, to attend a Formators’ Program, organized by UISG (International Union of Superiors General). As we have no convents in Rome, my stay was arranged in a convent of the Poor Sisters of the Divine Providence.

We began with an orientation session on 29^th January. We were 44 sisters of 27 nationalities, and representing 33 Congregations. The program was well designed with important topics like theology of religious life, intercultural competence, Discernment and Leadership, Digital culture & formation, and the like. We were very excited as we had a lot of interaction and sharing during the class and at break hours. We soon started living like a family with a lot of group activities, celebrations and daily chores.

Just one month into the program – everything changed! On 6^th March we were told we couldn’t go to the Centre for classes! The impact of the now familiar pandemic started coming home to us without warning or preparedness. Our coordinator informed us that our classes now would be held on Zoom. Consequently, the course continued without any break. What we missed was meeting each other and the connectedness, although we continued with zoom group sharing, zoom prayer, zoom celebrations, etc. 

The news of the pandemic affected us and each one went through different experiences. The spread of Covid 19 in Italy and the rise of death toll shocked me. The news and images of people infected and died in Italy were depressing and at times filled me with fear and anxiety. Many of us could not sleep and all that we could hear was the siren of the ambulance. The only consolation was prayer – prayer from the depth, a cry from the heart, a quest for an answer, a search for a meaning as an SCJM in this situation. With tears in my eyes, prayer became more real. We were blessed to have Holy Mass everyday even during the lockdown. We had whole days of adoration that continued till the end of June. Praying for the people and anointing the sick through spiritual presence were the only simple things I could do for the sick and dying.

Through all this, when I count the blessings and regrets of Covid19 and the lockdown, I count more blessings than regrets. I got more time to reflect, assimilate and pray. I appreciate Sr. Lucy Jacob, our Superior General, and all the sisters who called and expressed their concern and support. Sr. Cynthia, our coordinator, and Sr. Patricia Murray, the Secretary of the UISG, took great care to listen to us, to share our feelings and to be with us during this time.

With interesting topics, new insights and learning, I got used to zoom classes. Sitting before the computer for 5 consecutive hours was not that easy. The course was very much focused on formation and very helpful for me as a person and in the ministry of formation.

All that we wanted and longed for was to come together once as a group before we left Rome. Yes, the lockdown was lifted and we were able to go for a retreat, take trip to Assisi and celebrate the concluding day on 26^th June, with social distancing and respecting other rules and regulations.

The threat of the coronavirus has the whole world on a pause. So also with me, now held up in Rome! As I wait for the flights to resume, I try to make the waiting a joyful, meaningful and hopeful experience.

As though the C-19 pandemic was not bad enough, Lubumbashi is also faced with what is suspected to be a tribal conflict. Being conscious of its potential danger, the archbishop of Lubumbashi exhorts his flock to not to lose hope and find courage and strength in the Lord. Here below Sr. Beatrice Tshilemba gives us a résumé of his pastoral letter. One more intention to place before the Lord !

Moved by concern for the people, sharing the same sufferings and in virtue of the prophetic mission linked to his pastoral charge, His Excellency the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lubumbashi addressed a message to the Catholic faithful, the political-administrative authorities and the security forces, men and women of good will, dated 19 May 2020, entitled: "I have seen the suffering of my people and have heard their cry" (Exodus 3:7).

In addition to all the suffering caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the situation in the province of Haut Katanga in general and in the city of Lubumbashi in particular is both dramatic and traumatic. Not a night goes by, the Archbishop said, without hearing that rapes, thefts, killings and armed robberies are being committed, mainly on the outskirts of the city where modest populations live. Worse still, burglaries, robberies and killings take place even during the day before the helpless eyes of those who are supposed to protect the population. 

This situation is a source of concern and raises some questions among the population, namely: Who are these people who operate with impunity? Do they have hidden agendas? What are their sources of arms, ammunition and vehicles? Who benefits from all these crimes?

The Archbishop points out that the population is facing two formidable enemies: the Coronavirus and the armed bandits who both bring insecurity.

Thus the Archbishop calls for vigilance and solidarity. He asks the people not to lose their trust in God because "hope does not deceive" (Rm 5:5) and to never forget that "unless the Lord guards the city, the watchmen watch in vain" (Ps 127:1). "May the Lord be our protector and support" (Sir 51:1-2). "People of Upper Katanga, be strong and stand firm" (Cfr. Joshua 1:7). "May the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Peace, intercede for us and may the Almighty protect and bless our Province! »

It is therefore a message of peace, hope and comfort, in this disastrous situation, that the Archbishop of Lubumbashi, Monsignor Jean Pierre TAFUNGA, addresses to the Catholic faithful and to the Katangese population.

24 June remains etched in the heart of every one of us!

At the point of his departure for his heavenly home, Father Triest’s last message to us was:
“Give and it will be given to you!”

His own life was nothing but an enduring gesture of GIVING as is evident in these words of his:
“I owe you my waking hours, all possible efforts, my rest … every hour of the day or night, and even when the roads are long, difficult and muddy …
I am happy when I, in imitation of Jesus, my Master,
may sacrifice my rest, my health, and even my life for you.”

If Father Triest were to walk and work in our present context of the global pandemic,
what would have been his response?

As we celebrate 24 June 2020, let us keep in mind that
God loves a “cheerful giver”!

Today we celebrate the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,

the feast of our Congregation!

May we be enriched by the treasures that are hidden in the Heart of Jesus

and be made channels of this wealth
to all those around us during this time of global crisis!

VIETNAM: WE ARE HOPE FOR THE WORLD!

When I think of hope, I think of a dark place, at the corner of the house, far from everyone’ the eyes, and there is a small ray of light. That is hope!

Life was moving smoothly. We thought ‘all is well and all shall be well’! There was joy and laughter everywhere. Suddenly, we got the news of a little virus called CORONA attacked our beautiful world and whole life came into a standstill. The pandemic did not spare any single individual; did not give any time to get prepared; but yes, life took a very unexpected turn. Everyone was left with their hands tied before this pandemic.

Surviving the virus, living in lockdown, rising unemployment, artificial price hikes and news about unexpected deaths from every corner of the world have already made the future seem very insecure.

In our country the story is entirely different. Truth is safeguarded under the carpet! An announcement was made in public places on taking precautions and to staying safe. At the same time, they left no stones unturned to attribute all honor and glory unto themselves, saying that the whole world is looking upon us and that only this country is CORONA free, and so on. Yes, the Government was alert from the beginning and did take action but what they say is not the whole truth.

Here we are not involved directly in any charitable work. During the period of social distancing we were at home. We were well provided with food, mask, sanitizer and other necessary things. The only thing we could do better was to pray: we prayed for the people affected by the virus and we sent vibrations of peace everyday as we spent time in adoration. We all stayed at home, made use of the time learning different things. Often we shared our thoughts and feelings with one another and felt enriched by it. We became a source of encouragement to one another. But how long?

We were shaken in our faith; fear started to grip us as we heard from different sources that the world population is diminishing; the economy is going down, and the like. No work, no food, many deaths, people can’t move, they die in a foreign land… without their dear ones - what is more painful than that? In this gloomy atmosphere, where is hope? Where is small ray of light?

There was a moment when we did feel low and hopeless.

We began strengthening our inner self. On one Sunday, our Placide community, had a meditation based on Deut. 6:3-9,13b (Listen, then, Israel, observe these commandments and put them into practice. If you do this, you will be well and you will multiply in this land flowing with milk and honey as Yahweh, the God of your Fathers, promised you. Engrave on your heart the commandments that I pass on to you today. Repeat them over and over to your children, speak of them when you are at home and when you travel, when you lie down and when you rise. Brand them on your hand as a sign, and keep them always before your eyes. Engrave them on your doorposts and on your city gates. Fear Yahweh your God, serve Him and call on His name.)

Believing in the power of Jesus’ name we drew and wrote the name of “Jesus” in different forms and figures and put them in and around the house, in the garden, on the trees, on our beds and all possible places. When we did that a thought came to me, “God loves us so dearly, surely He will save us. What we need to do is to have a firm faith in Him.”

All through we experienced the providence of God towards us as a little community. We also were inspired by our benefactors and being aware of the needs of our people around us, we kept a piggy bank and saved some amount from our pocket money and by skipping a meal. We were thinking how to reach out to the neediest.

One day Fr. Andy, an OCD priest, came to us and started narrating the struggle of the Philipino community residing in Ho Chi Minh City. Because of the lockdown they had no job, had no money to pay their rent, nothing to eat, no money for the last rite of a person who died with Covid-19, and many other different needs. We as a community decided at once that our little help would be a consolation to these needy ones, and so we joined Fr. Andy’s community for this purpose. We feel happy that we have become a drop in the ocean - that is, living love in a very practical way and bringing hope to others by helping them honestly and respectfully. No matter what the amount is, sharing it brings in double amount of joy. A small gesture but great meaning. It teaches me a big lesson of generosity. I feel blissful when I think of it. We are not able to do great charitable work but we can do a small acts of love in a great way.

With all these I have realized that hope is within our heart. It shines out through our sharing and charitable work. In the community itself we create a ray of hope to one another by being a graceful companion. I have learned and practiced many good things during this time and so I dare to say: Hope sparkles when love and faith come together. I am a hope. You are a hope. We are hope for one another. All of us are the hope for the world. Let us keep our faith and trust in God that our hope will never be dimmed. Let us pray for one another that all may hear the whispering of the Lord: “I am hope for all who are hopeless. I am the eyes for all who long to see. In the shadows of the night, I will be your light, come and rest in me!”

St. Bernard, Congo: "GOD WILL PROVIDE"

In D.R. Congo, on March 10, 2020, the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in the capital Kinshasa and precisely in the Commune of La Gombe where our community is located.

On March 24th, the President of the Republic, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, declared a state of health emergency. Three days were given to the population to get supplies because, for the Commune of la Gombe, the lockdown would begin on 06 April 2020, for two weeks. As the number of Covid-19 cases is increasing, the State has extended the lockdown to date.

Our ordeal began at the time of making purchases. The market was full of people and food was becoming very scarce and very expensive. We didn’t quite understand where all this would lead us or what we were going to do!

At the beginning of the lockdown, we had to go out to buy vegetables. On the way, we were stopped by the police at the central station of Kinshasa because we were two in our vehicle and we had only one access badge. After an hour’s exchange with the police, who would not let us go, we appealed to the mayor of the commune of La Gombe who came to our rescue. Because of this incident, we decided not to go out anymore and to be satisfied with what we could have at home.

The flame of Eucharistic fervor was not extinguished in our house. The Jesuit Fathers who are our neighbours did not hesitate for a single moment to continue to say Mass in our chapel in this time of lockdown. They took turns day after day so that we could have the Eucharist while respecting social distancing. During the daily Eucharistic celebrations, the lay people who are used to joining us are unfortunately deprived of access to our chapel.

During this confinement, the situation around us seems difficult: vulnerable people are crying with hunger and looking for food, including the police and guards assigned to guard the neighbouring offices, who have nothing to eat. They all head towards our community to beg for food. In solidarity with our people, we share what little we have with them.

Since we were more concerned about this situation, and since we cannot cope with it alone, we made a request for assistance to the Diaconia Service of the Archdiocese of Kinshasa which responded positively. We received some food.
In our turn, we made packets and distributed to each of these vulnerable people. The people were so happy and thankful to us for that gesture. Hope radiated on their faces. Part of the food received was also shared with the forty-five pregnant women and women in childbirth at our Mwinda Health Centre in Sanga Mamba and twenty malnourished children.

We experienced the words of our Founder, "God will provide". We saw how the faces that were saddened regained joy, smiles and strength. We also took the opportunity to sensitize them to the need to respect the measures taken by the Congolese State to protect themselves against Covid-19. We also encouraged the adults not to lose hope or become discouraged. All were in admiration.

This difficult time of Covid-19 pandemic had plunged us into sadness and stress. The annual retreat during this time was very beneficial for us and gave us the courage to move forward and do what we can while respecting the barrier gestures.

We have regained courage and strength. We are full of hope and ready to look for ways and means to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. We have begun to raise awareness among those who come to us, comfort them, give them hope and tell them to rely on Divine Providence because God will provide at all times.

SCJM in Ranchi help bring solace to Migrants

South Africa (Province of St. Vincent de Paul)

It was like a dream: we heard about a virus that causes a serious respiratory disease in China, in the city of Wuhan, and that killed many people, including a doctor. We had a feeling of fear and compassion for the Chinese people, without imagining that the famous virus was going to cross borders, without a visa, to reach other continents. A few months later, the news reached our ears: the virus had already landed in some African countries, including South Africa, our country of mission.

During this time of lockdown, we are in the house. We had the opportunity to pray a lot for the world, to do adoration in turn, throughout the day, to offer the whole world to the Lord, and more especially the people infected by Coronavirus, the health workers, the heroes who risked their lives to save the lives of others. This time of lockdown challenges us and invites us to always turn our gaze to the Most High, Almighty Master of life, and to think of the poorest who have nothing to eat at home.

At West Rand, in the house for pregnant girls, the Sisters accompanied the girls in labour to the maternity ward. We even saw the birth of a baby during this time of lockdown.

East Rand Brakpan is one of our homes for the elderly, sick and abandoned women. During the lockdown, all the workers were confined to their families, while the Sisters who work in this home remained in the Centre, serving the elderly women who are sick and abandoned by their families. The Sisters provide all the services: cooking, cleaning, daily care for the women and taking those who are sick to the hospital. During this time of lockdown, we even lost one of our residents, she was found dead in her bed in the morning. In spite of the work and fatigue, the dimension of prayer was not given up.

The Lord opened His Generous Hand by sending us donors in order to help the poor. We received food and went out into the streets and the shops around to distribute it to the poor. Or we would invite some poor families to come and get something to eat. We did this very carefully to avoid infection.

Miracles also happened: at the beginning of the lockdown, a catering firm that prepares meals for airlines sent two large refrigerated trucks to deliver food and prepared dishes. This helped us to feed people. Another time, a large truck full of nappies arrived at our Centre to deliver about 5,526 nappies for our residents, not to mention the other people who come every day to drop off something for the poor. The Lord really blessed us in a special way during this time of lockdown.

We experience the presence of God very tangibly in this time of crisis in the world and especially next to us where the cry of the poor is heard. God is there to comfort us and give us hope. We never cease to thank Him for the miracles of each day.

Region of Mali

On 16/05/20, the Minister of Health informed us of a total of 835 confirmed cases of Covid-19, 48 deaths, 479 recoveries, and 1838 people affected and lockdown was imposed. We, SCJM of the Region of Mali, stick to the measures of hygiene (hand washing, masks…) and social distancing.

And how do we experience this ’corona’ atmosphere? Schools are closed, but of course the Health Centre continues its work. The children talk about ’continuous strike’: for almost 2 years, the public schools have been on strike because of the teachers’ complaints.

On the radio, they talk about ’corona’ and they are silent about the war... However, more than ever, the attacks continue with many civilian victims... The macabre situation continues: Covid-19 victims, victims of banditry and terrorism. And already people talk about ’soon’: post-Corona victims, i.e. victims of famine, economic crisis, unemployment, insufficient schooling.

Never have we lived such a time of Lent... Even less a time of Passion and Easter without the faithful, without baptisms... In union with the whole Congregation, the Sisters of our Region made a retreat during Holy Week. Most of the Sisters had never experienced a retreat without a preacher. To their great surprise, they discovered the richness of Lectio Divina shared every day. The main theme for each day was: Jesus of Nazareth. Thus, together we shared the Passion of Christ, which is more than ever, now also, the Passion of our world: to follow Jesus in his suffering is also to keep all our suffering brothers and sisters in our prayer. To go through the Passion with Him is to know that at the end there is Life, because Jesus is Alive... It is an experience of faith that has marked us. What a grace to become even more aware that we are SCJM, Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary... (The “C” of Charity prompted me to add: Companions of Jesus, the Living, the Risen One).

Yes, this is an unforgettable time for all of us. We continue to pray for the sick...

When the spread of the coronavirus began appearing in the media, we didn’t realize that it had an agenda of invading the world with devastating effect on the lives of everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our society. We kept ourselves tuned to news channels for more information and understanding. Within weeks, when Belgium reported confirmed cases in the country, we had more reason to get alarmed. The government imposed lockdown on 18 March. We had no choice but to change and adapt our ways!

• We first of all came together as a community to share with and listen to each other of our feelings and thoughts and what the Lord may be telling us through the situation that the world is encountering today. All of us were unanimous that the Lord is there and is inviting us to listen and to hear: to hear with the ears of our hearts to the ways of God speaking to us through the devastating events happening around us and to adapt to new ways of being and doing.

• Joining Pope Francis’ meditation on the calming of the storm (Mk.3: 35-41) set the tone of our praying during this pandemic: The Lord is in-charge; faith in this presence frees us from fear and gives us hope, he said. Growing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters the world over, we started praying for the infected, their families, the dead and the bereaved, the front-line supporters, our leaders, scientists and researchers… Prayer became part of our very life! The Holy Week and Easter celebration took on a very unique tone as we spent the whole week in retreat and prayed intensely for our world and humanity.

• Daily Eucharist is now virtual, except for one day a week when our parish priest joins us, carefully maintaining social distance. We spend much more time before the Blessed Sacrament in adoration; we nurture ourselves more frequently through Lectio Divina, and our daily prayers have their primary focus on the needs of our world today.

• The lockdown meant letting our lay-helpers stay home for their own & others’ health and protection. Everyone pitched in to make things moving: cooking, shopping, cleaning, laundry, gardening, etc. Each one of us learnt something more, something new: ways of cooking – thanks to the YouTube, maintenance, use of the vacuum cleaner, how to use the different cleaning products, on-line shopping, kitchen gardening, taking care of plants...

• By the design of a Divine plan, to be sure, the general council members on mission were back in the Generalate before travel restrictions were imposed. The already scheduled meetings and visits for the months ahead had to be cancelled. However, they continued their regular meeting on matters related to the life of the Congregation. In some ways they were more occupied during the confinement than before: maintaining contacts with provinces/regions, getting connected and updated through social media channels such as WhatsApp, Skype and Zoom on the developing situation in each country of our presence, and changing, adapting & rescheduling events.

• In general, this lockdown situation gave us time to attend to things for which we had no time before: getting ourselves updated on various fronts, organizing files, tidying up cupboards and store rooms, clearing the house off cluttered things and the like.

• We have our moderate celebrations too: celebrations of Easter and Ascension, Labor Day, Mothers’ Day, Nurses’ Day, and birthdays of community members, including the birthday and Golden Jubilee of Sr. Birgit Goslain who was with for some days of the lockdown, adding joy to our life in community.

• There was also the daily visit to our garden of small groups of handicapped persons from an Institute nearby. During the lockdown, they were locked in too much that they needed a little fresh air and we were happy that they could walk in our gardens – maintaining social distance, of course.

• This week, responding to the invitation of Pope Francis, we live the “Laudato Si’ Week” and join in on-line some of the events organized by the Global Catholic Climate Movement. One evening, we were in the garden to pray with and in creation. The ducks in our garden, who have now become friendlier, joined us and even tried to use our prayer leaflet! The fish in the pond came up to the surface as though they wanted to say Hi! The birds seem to sing with greater clarity and depth!

• In the face of this pandemic we can do nothing much for the suffering humanity except turning to God in prayer for healing and protection. We are ever grateful to God for the blessings of life and the facilities we enjoy: a spacious house, spiritual nourishment, the support of a community, a beautiful garden, and food on our table, while many are suffering in isolation, fear, poverty and sickness. Each morning we wake up with gratitude for the gift of life and all the gifts gratuitously given to us.

• As the lockdown measures are being lifted gradually, the country today records 56511 confirmed cases, 14123 recovered cases and 9212 deaths. We pray with our Pope that the Risen Lord may “dispel the darkness of our suffering humanity and lead us into the light of his glorious day, a day that knows no end”.

Anglo-Irish Region

In the beginning of the Coronavirus Pandemic - Covid 19, we experienced a period of shock, disbelief and fear, as we began to hear through the media the horror that this tiny, invisible piece of matter was causing throughout the world and especially when the first death in Ireland was reported.

We were asked to stay at home in Ireland from mid-March and keep social distancing. We therefore closed our doors to all who come to Suaimhneas for therapies, meditation, and courses. This shock took days to settle as we watch and listened incessantly to all news and media coverage that filled our community. It took some days to reconcile that this virus was here and will visit many places through its stay. How we respond to this new visitor is important for our survival as a human family.

In the midst of the initial fear and uncertainty, our leaders in Ireland set the scene. As a community, we began to feel the influence of their leadership and their capacity to convey a sense of calm but measured response. We felt ‘held’ in what seemed an impossible situation. Their honesty, transparency and lack of political rhetoric gave us hope. We were all in this together was the constant message. Their request to us was to actively participate in our own context, to stay at home, keep safe, maintain social/physical distance, to support one another and to give a sense of hope and encouragement in the small but essential ways. People throughout the country are responding to this in many unique and admirable ways.

With the security that we are being held in hope and trust, we see this time as an opportunity for us to be practical and creative. We began to reorganise our lives around this new experience

• We began to engage with the fear that family, friend and SCJM community of contacting the virus in a more constructive way. To find new ways of supporting and feeling supported in our physical distancing through technology. Remaining connected while staying apart.
• Suaimhneas that was once filled with activity, was now busy on the phone, WhatsApp or Zoom, connecting to others in support.
• We continued our mediation program through video recordings of the sessions.
• Supporting people on the phone who are finding this period difficult and arranging professional referrals as appropriate.
• Supporting the frontline staff in hospitals and care areas by our prayers, letters and cards of thanks.
• Through Networks we were able to support an initiative that provided the local hospitals and nursing homes with well-deserved and needed practical items to make life a little easier for staff; e.g. kettle, sandwich makers, etc.
• We are full of gratitude for springtime that we can have this time in the garden, to plant, to weed and to tend to the soil. We have the time to observe and listen to the daffodils and tulips speak to us of its fragility and essence, reminding us of the cycle of life.
  

Many had been asking the question where God is in all of this. God is suffering with us and speaks to us in the helping hand, the sacrifice that one is making to make another safe and in the promise of spring as is revealed to us through nature every morning. God is in the invitation to look again at our priorities and how we value life at all stages.

Perhaps this is the opportunity afforded to us to listen to the Earth and enable us to experience the God of Love, Compassion and Tenderness in and through the whole of humanity.

Kathleen O’Meara, in the poem below, seems to capture the opportunities contained in our present situation:

And people stayed home and read books and listened
and rested and exercised and made art and played
and learned new ways of being
and stopped and listened deeper
someone meditated, someone prayed
someone danced
someone met their shadow
and people began to think differently and people healed
and in the absence of people who lived in ignorant ways,
dangerous, meaningless and heartless,
even the earth began to heal
and when the danger ended
and people found each other
grieved for the dead people
and they made new choicesand dreamed of new visions
and created new ways of lifeand healed the earth completely
just as they were healed themselves.

Ranchi

I was on my way to a medical shop a few days ago when I was stopped by a poor lady who looked worn out and troubled. She told me that she had two children and had no means of running the family during the lockdown. She also told me that there were many people around the place who did not have any work and so no money to buy food for the family. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she narrated and I felt moved. On my way back I kept thinking how to reach out and help them. Back in the convent when I shared my experience with my sisters in the community, they were moved too and suggested that with the help of the local people we could make a survey of the area where the most affected people were staying and thereafter we could do something for them to fight this pandemic during this lockdown period.

There were people living in small, dingy, rented rooms without even basic necessities of life, including the lady who had spoken to me before. With the help of some local business men, we made packets of basic food items that would help a family to survive. It was mandatory to inform the local police/civil authorities before distributing food material to the people in the villages. The police were very happy and supportive when our plan of helping the people was told to them. So after completing the formalities, some of us went to the villages and distributed the packets among the neediest. People came rushing towards us from every corner as they were waiting for food. On the following day, I saw many children and ladies gathered outside our gate. I knew it was for food as they had heard about it from others. I felt sorry for them for none of them had a mask or gloves as their concern was food; the threat of coronavirus did not matter to them. It was very difficult for them to keep the required social distancing as they were preoccupied with the thought of getting food. I could sense the anxiety on every face as they waited for the food packets. Then I saw the smile on their faces when they received what they were waiting for and the look of relief. More people started coming; the need was more than what we had calculated. The issue is to be addressed and resolved and I felt the need to work harder.

Later in the evening, as I recalled the day’s experience I marvelled at how a small act of charity brought such joy and happiness in the lives of some of our people. That smile on those otherwise worried faces is enough to keep going!

Dutch-speaking Province

While Covid 19 is raging through our country, leaving a devastating trail of death, suffering and sorrow, we can discern smaller and greater signs of hope and generosity in our communities and surroundings.

First and foremost, all of us are grateful for the manifold initiatives taken to provide us with spiritual nourishment and succour while liturgical celebrations are so badly missed. Most of our communities have learnt how to deal with “livestream”, You Tube and websites projected on TV. We are extremely grateful to the Belgian bishops and the staff of “Kerknet” (the website of the Flemish church), who provide us with manifold initiatives, thus proving them to be extremely good shepherds. Our own mini site on Kerknet has also given some input so as to lighten the effects of solitude and anxiety. We experience that the “virtual” world is not meaningless!

Besides caring for the physical and psychological needs of our fragile sisters, our community coordinators are offering spiritual input and information, especially for those confined to their rooms under quarantine. Srs. Sushila & Noreen, members of the international community to-be, are generously offering their loving services to the sisters at Melle and in the process of picking up some Dutch.

Several communities have taken initiatives to lighten the burden of isolation, experienced by people living in a retirement home. They make greeting cards for residents. One community gave them the message: “Keep courage, all will be well sometime” and inserted homemade cookies. Sisters, being residents themselves, have experienced manifold gestures of attention: sweeter than sweet!

We notice that we religious are not the only ones to give small signs of kindness, solidarity and generosity. First and foremost, we see and are grateful for the never-ending toil and work of our collaborators: nursing staff, people helping with maintenance needs, administrative staff and community coordinators. They witness to great compassion and amazing creativity to solve all practical issues to keep sisters safe and at “social distance”. We are in awe for the zeal of medical personnel, scientists such as virologists, epidemiologists, not forgetting journalists and politicians.

These are the prominent “heroes”, but ordinary people and even youngsters offer their smiles and readiness to help: “Are you in need?” “Can I help you in some way?” were the messages found in some mailboxes!

We join in with the local population showing appreciation and gratitude for those toiling at the service of the sick: we display white sheets on a balcony, we join in clapping hands with our neighbours, we make phone calls and send “whatsapp” messages, or even ring the chapel bell at 8 p.m. in keeping with what the bishops requested from the parishes.

Many women and even some men have started sowing facial masks and some of our communities have been the recipients of these so badly needed items. Some of our sisters have also started sowing masks (especially for our own members and collaborators), as “Corona” is likely to be with us for a very long time.

Finally most of us have noticed that people are more readily smiling and nodding while meeting in the street.

We need to mention – not collateral damage, but collateral gain - in the absence of noise, so that bird singing can be heard. Surely this atmosphere of quietness is an invitation to reflection and prayer. Even nature has fared well with this crisis: pollution is noticeably reduced and wildlife is prospering. Children can once more be heard playing in the open, though we are aware that not all have the luxury of a garden or even a terrace. We are concerned about the homeless and the “gardenless”! For them confinement to the house is more trying than for most of us having a spacious house and a garden!

Yes, signs of hope we do discern!

Belgian South Province

Some experiences of our Sisters:

• From the bedside of a dying man:

May you be blessed, Mr. Adrien!
You are among our elders. It’s not long since I met you and we’ve had some important moments together. You came to the dining room not knowing how to express yourself very well, but your eyes radiated kindness. You did not come any more and, passing along your room, I saw you very slimmed down. Afterwards, looking at you from afar, I realized that your eyes were already turning towards the unknown. Your breathing was panting. I sat down next to you. My gaze went from your face to the sheep grazing in the meadow, they just had to lower their head, look down and there was fresh grass under their feet. A ray of sunshine, and peace was complete. Your eyes looked down at me, and I was overwhelmed … Then it came to my mind to turn to our Father.
And I said: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Spirit who unites them, I forgive you all your weaknesses.”
I dared, yes! There are no more priests. There has been a return among us to simplicity, to truth.
You are gone, Mr. Adrien, do not forget us, neither your wife nor your two children.
See you soon.

• While scrupulously respecting to all the instructions, one SCJM made a large poster and went to hold it up in front of a Nursing Home that she used to visit and bring communion to the elderly. In this way she wanted to spontaneously thank and encourage all the staff so heroically devoted to the vulnerable. Several caregivers expressed their gratitude for this fraternal sign.

• Two SCJMs, residents of a Rest Home, are concerned about the overworked staff and try to support them as much as they can. They participate and animate moments of conviviality, help a few residents who can no longer eat on their own and try to spread good humour around them. In these difficult days, they are gifts for this House which they consider as their own.

• Two SCJM communities have joined a popular initiative: every evening at 8:00 p.m., they ring the bells of their chapel as a sign of thanks to all those who take risks to relieve and care for the victims of Covid-19.

• The telephone has become a precious and irreplaceable channel for meetings. It allows the Province to live more concretely a fraternal communion already lived in prayer. It brings courage and hope to the Sisters and to those relationships that suffer most from confinement. It is a remedy against depressing solitude, strengthens bonds and allows us to live joyfully the solicitude that each one needs.

Sri Lanka

As 2020 began to blossom, the news that kept coming from Wuhan was disturbing. Yet none of us thought that it would cross the borders. So, we were shocked to realise that Covid-19 did cross and made its entry into our own country and has already started making its claim on our lives. We were puzzled not knowing how to handle this new situation. There were more questions than answers. News coming from the European countries was disheartening. The world had come to a stand-still.

As we were journeying during the season of Lent, we were reminded of the journey of Exodus. The faith deep within us was strengthening us to walk forward to the promise land but the reality just in front of us tend to make us lose our hope. Houses, villages, towns and cities were locked down. Life became so hard, especially for the very poor.

Many of us made a spiritual journey through an online retreat during the Holy Week. It was a different Holy Week from any other we had in our life time. In spirit, we embraced the whole world, especially the victims of coronavirus, their families, the medical personnel and hospital staff, the leaders of the country, security forces, and so on. We found courage in the Divine Providence and felt strengthened by the moto ‘Give! It will be given to you’. We shared with the poor what we could afford. We heard the cry of the poor and we were urged to embrace them in Charity. We shared dry rations and vegetables with the needy. This act of charity brought smile on their faces and hope in their life. Assistance was offered over phone to those who were in fear and panic; consolation to the family members who had lost their loved ones. As Pope Francis tells us, “In hopeless situations of pain and suffering, God never abandons His children but rather remains close to them”. We are happy that at least in some small ways we too could bring some hope to the victims of COVID 19.

Anglo-Irish Region

The hospital management where I work as a Chaplain began its preparation for the possible devastating impact of the Coronavirus in January 2020.

In February I began to realise the seriousness of this disease when all staff, including myself received training in the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). It was this training, together with news from the WHO that I began to realise the seriousness of the disease.

We all had to help each other during this time. Waves of fear were palpable among all staff including senior consultants. Many felt that they would rather be anywhere else but working in the hospital environment. However, in a strange way there is power in this fear and we helped each other in confronting this fear. … The words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu written in 1931 were inspiring. “All of us experience fear but when we confront and acknowledge it, we are able to turn it into courage. Being courageous do not mean never being scared; it means acting as you know you must even though you are undeniable afraid.”

As a Chaplain I received many requests for prayers. When a very dedicated staff member who got infected began to recover, many expressed their renewed belief in the power of prayer and gave thanks.

All staff now wear Protective Clothing Equipment (PPE). These suits are incredibly difficult to wear and work in. We have to help each other to dress and even more importantly help each other to undress out of them. The fear of picking up infection or passing on infection is a big worry and challenging.

My role at this time is very varied: visiting the ward each day, organising the sacrament of anointing for patients, supporting relatives and staff, helping staff dress in PPE... we are all in this together, colleagues supporting one another.

Communicating a caring, compassionate presence is a vital role for nurses, doctors, social workers and chaplains in caring for patients and family. The inability to do so in the usual manner when wearing this PPE ‘goes against the grain’. This caring presence can and is so difficult when dressed in this way. Simple eye contact is difficult when goggles being worn are all steamed up. How the patients and families are experiencing this and what the patients think of us has not yet been revealed. But it must be one of great fear.

In the midst of this very stressful situation, small act of kindness and concern for staff working on the front line here at the hospital goes a long way to brighten the otherwise very difficult day. The public are so generous to us at the hospital, giving money, bring food, supplying PPE, providing toasters, kettles, coffee makers, bottled of water. The staff feel their support and all these acts of generosity help to make life a little easier for staff.

Prayer has become a much more important part of the support and healing within the hospital. The small prayer team I invited to pray in our hospital oratory includes our local Priests, Church of Ireland Minister, our Bishop and myself was a response to this need. Each of them felt privileged to be invited to help the staff who feel supported and held in prayer. For the seven days each week, one of the prayer team is in the oratory praying for those affected by the virus.

A candle of staff solidarity remains burning night and day for all those whose lives we touch in the course of our work at this difficult time. Many staff have commented on how they feel supported in this prayer.

Visiting to the hospital is limited now to those in the final hours of life and now part of end of life care. We can only allow two visitors per family at the moment. All family members visit in the knowledge that they could pick up the virus. They all must also wear full protective equipment, which adds to their distress.

I spend time each day making contact with bereaved families, whose loved ones have died as a result off Covid-19. Most report on how sad they felt about not being able to say goodbye. This and the lack of ritual of a funeral and the customary support from other family member and friends make this time very distressing indeed. They experience a lonely and isolating time. This makes the process of grieving very difficult and complicated.

I question myself: What is this virus communicating to us? Will we understand the lessons we have to learn? Maybe our wonderful environment is speaking to us now loud and clear.

To conclude, I try to stay in the moment because if I look to the near future where scientists are still struggling to find a vaccine and our people are dying … I do feel fear.

However, I do feel that our government leaders and medical personnel are showing great leadership in their management of our country. They keep us informed each day of what their plans are, the direction and decisions that they were making in the light of what is best practice and what the WHO is recommending. This kind of leadership has been so welcomed and respected by the people of Ireland. We feel we are in safe hands and all citizens are being cared for with great respect.

The support I feel from my Sisters in the Region is just wonderful. This is a great strength for me in my ministry. I feel proud to be a Sister of Charity of Jesus and Mary as I stand in solidarity and hope with all our sisters around the world at this time in history in the congregation united together in prayer and love.

In response to an initiative taken by the UISG for sharing stories of hope, our provinces and regions were invited to send in such stories. Presented in the form of reports, not stories in the real sense of the term, they are very enlightening, encouraging and inspiring. They speak to us of an integral part of our life in the Congregation today. So, we will post them here, one by one. The following is the account that came from the province of Delhi, the first one to arrive.

Challenges to live our Charism

The Corona Virus entered India on 30th January 2020 when a student who returned from Wuhan in China was tested positive. Just before its arrival, the country was already going through a terrible time due to the recently enacted amendments in the parliament: the CAA (Citizens Amendment Act), NRC (National Registration of Citizens) and NPR (National Population Registration). As these were interpreted as discriminatory, people rose in revolt, resulting in much violence and bloodshed, even riots.

Against this background, the country was suddenly gripped by the pandemic, which called for immediate attention and action. Overnight, the Central Government announced 21 days of lock down which left countless people helpless. However, God did not abandon them to despair. There were hundreds who reached out to them as torch bearers with a ray of hope.

The SCJMs of the Delhi Province have their own stories to tell of being such rays of hope for those who are groping in darkness.

1. The riot victims: The riots were primarily seen in Delhi, the national capital. The provincialate community reached out to the suffering humanity who were driven away of their homes. We joined hands with the archdiocese of Delhi, the Conference of Religious India (CRI), NGOs and other volunteers who came forward to alleviate the situation.

• Along with other priests, religious, social activists, journalists and religious leaders, some of our Sisters expressed their solidarity by joining a sit-in-strike in the capital,
• Some of us personally visited the camps and spent time with the riot victims. They listened to their heart renting experiences and counseled them.
• The province offered financial help for those in dire need.

Though what is done is like a drop in the occasion, our presence must have definitely been a ray of hope for the victims of inhumanity.

2. The Corona Virus Pandemic: We were aware of the virus spreading but never thought that it would become a global crisis. Gradually the country realized the need for preparedness and to take preventive measures to ward off the virus from spreading. The national lockdown declared for 21 days caused many problems, particularly for migrant & construction workers, daily wage earners and others on the margins. We were witnessing heart-rending sights on the roads in front of the provincial house where crowds of migrant-workers were on foot, trying to reach their homes, hundreds of miles away in most cases. There were still thousands left behind without shelter and food. To this suffering humanity we could reach out in some ways, we thought.

Some of our communities had already started reaching out to those who had nothing much to eat. Soon all other communities also found their own ways of being a ray of hope to the helpless. 26 communities sprang into action to help in all possible ways, such as:

• Distributing ration or offering financial help for treatment.
• Joining hands with those who were providing food in sheltered facilities.
• Making our school buildings available for quarantine purpose.

We were trying to be Good Samaritans to all those who were in need without distinction of caste, creed, religion, age or gender. These gestures of generosity, empathy, and solidarity with the affected people were sowing seeds of hope for the hopeless.

3. Solidarity with our “Lifeline”: Adhering to the words of Fr. Triest who said, “always accomplish your works of Charity in a spirit of faith, with your eyes fixed on God” we turned to God, our Lifeline. The last month had been a time of intense prayer, not only for the victims of corona but also for asking God for mercy upon us and the whole humanity for our sins, failures and short comings which have caused our Mother Earth to mourn under its weight. We are sure the Lord who labors with us during this world-wide crisis will enable us to continue to be a ray of hope.

In the depth of darkness when God seems concealed, the transforming light and hope of God is revealed through the committed and dedicated services of all health care supporters, government servants, NGOs, volunteers, priests, religious, donors and others whom our Fr. Triest would consider as “ gods on earth, and angels of God ”. May God, our Lifeline, continue to inspire us to walk in solidarity with the distressed people at this critical time of humankind!

St. Vincent, Congo (sent by Sr. Marie Céline Bulungu)

In the Province, so far, no Sisters have been infected by Coronavirus. Thank God.
In Haut Katanga: The Governor has authorised the sale of food products so that the population can get them. Barriers are being erected in different places to check the number of passengers allowed on public transport during this time of pandemic. In front of the food stores, shoppers are queuing up while respecting social distancing. Alcohol-based gel is given to people to disinfect their hands.

The situation does not seem too difficult for those who have a little money; while the majority of the population, who live from day to day by selling small items, is going through a difficult time.

In Kasai and Lomami: The population is on the move, people are only asked to respect the rules of hygiene. So far, only Kinshasa, North - Kivu, South - Kivu, Ituri and Kwilu in Bandundu have confirmed cases.

Overview of cases:
Kinshasa: 241 confirmed cases, 20 people cured, 20 deaths.
South Africa: 2272 confirmed cases, 410 people healed, 27 deaths.

In this alarming situation that the whole of humanity is going through, the Province of St. Vincent de Paul has chosen to have adoration every day in all our communities to implore divine help on our humanity in distress.

Mali (sent by Sr. Marguerite Tubale)

This, in brief, is the situation of COVID 19 in our country:

The Minister of Health and Social Affairs is responsible for keeping national and international opinion regularly informed of the epidemiological situation in Mali. He communicated the following:

On 12/4/2020 the health services registered 11 new cases of COVID 19, no deaths; 3 patients were cured, including a 15-year-old child.

To date, the number of positive cases registered in Mali is 116, including 9 deaths for a total of 25 patients cured. The care of the other patients is continuing. Other cases found in other cities are quickly sent to Bamako to avoid contamination.

The population is invited to remain calm and to respect preventive measures. We don’t leave our homes to go to the city and don’t have much news.

Easter was celebrated in intimacy, only with consecrated women, priests and a few lay people. All consecrated women are asked to stay in their communities: priests come to celebrate Mass every day.

England-Ireland (sent by Sr. Elizabeth Roche)

We are truly living in strange and bewildering times. We have begun our fourth week in lock - down, a term with which we have become very familiar since the COVID-19 has taken control of our lives. This silent, unseen and deadly enemy has caused and continues to cause hundreds of deaths daily. So much of life has to be put on the back burner, and the one thing we are all longing and hoping for, is a return to normality, whatever that new normal will be. As someone said recently, ...it’s also a pandemic of human disappointment...a lot of grieving on top of sickness, many deaths from the virus, and so many dying alone in hospital, without a loved one present to hold their hand and give some comfort at such a critical moment. Social distancing demands being apart at a time that closeness is most needed. Then there follows the equally stringent restrictions on funeral services and burial. So lives, families and communities are in trauma here, as indeed they are all over the world. It is certainly the strangest of feelings, even surreal. There is a deep heart rending sorrow and struggle that many people are going through at this time, especially those who are ill; ill with COVID-19 and those ill in other ways, as well as those who are mourning their dead.

Against this backdrop, which seems almost unstoppable, until a vaccine is found, there emerges a depth of human kindness, goodness and neighborliness which stands in complete contrast to what is happening. It’s as if our common humanity comes together in a gentle and caring way to show us how to be together, at a time when we are asked to stay at home and to observe social distancing from each other.

Regarding the A/I Region, to date Sisters remain virus free, as we each observe the measures demanded by the Governments and Health Authorities in England and Ireland. As 30 of the 33 Sisters in the Region are in the 70 plus age range, it means the majority are restricted to remain housebound, going out only for essentials such as medication, and some daily exercise. Communication by the various means of modern technology is of course a tremendous asset at this time, making contact to lessen the sense of isolation and loneliness. There is a lot of availability of live streaming of Mass from various places, which is very helpful, and during Holy Week the various services were accessible, allowing us to draw strength and hope from our Faith during this very difficult and challenging time. We, as Religious, are now experiencing the help and thoughtfulness of our neighbors who offer to bring us food supplies, and we in turn assure them of daily prayer, so we thank God that we are discovering what it means to belong to the one human family.

Sri Lanka (sent by Sr. Anastasia Perera)

Christ is risen! The Day after Easter all of us Sisters of Charity can look back in thanksgiving for the Grace of the on-line retreat which we had the opportunity to make together to discover everyone and everything anew in the Lord, and to grow in solidarity with the victims of Coronavirus.

The first confirmed case of the virus reported in Sri Lanka was on 27 January, a 44-year-old Chinese woman from Hubei Province in China who had arrived as a tourist. On 10 March, the first Sri Lankan local national, a 52-year-old tour guide working with a group of Italians, had tested positive. Thereafter, the reported cases, infected persons, and quarantined areas began to multiply and spread rapidly through the island. Wearing face masks became compulsory. The TV and radio issued instructions regularly about the necessary precautionary measures people had to take. Fear and uncertainty were evident everywhere. So many questions and no seeming answers! We were challenged to remain peaceful, supportive, and confident that the Lord would protect us!

Many travelers had neglected the quarantine procedures. This meant that they would spread the virus around. And they did! By 25 March, over 14,000 people were quarantined. Travel restrictions were introduced: suspension of visas and international flights. On 27th March, curfew was declared. It meant the inability to go out. Panic buying and long queues! We were challenged to return to a simpler life style, to question ourselves, to learn to do with less and to be thankful for the essentials. It was also a call to turn to our Mother Earth: cultivating home gardens for the future and listening to the gospel message, “look at the birds of the air and the lilies in the field”. In many of our communities Divine Providence was experienced in undreamt of ways when the larder was found empty and many mouths to feed!

Responsible behavior was called for: avoiding crowds, social distancing, frequent sanitization, refraining from abusing of social media, not violating the curfew restrictions… (to date more than 20,000 have been arrested for violations). Liturgical prayers, including Holy Week services, were cancelled and this was a blow until one reflected and saw that God is in our hearts!

In all our convents the sisters watched, prayed, encouraged others and hoped that the epidemic would soon come under control. However news coming in from the European countries left us aghast. We had recourse to many forms of prayer and supplication. Some of our smaller communities and homes for elders with residential priests or chaplains nearby continued to have mass and embraced the rest of the province and the Congregation in their prayer.

Day today spirituality and faith is now a living force, not just among the sisters but in the nation as a whole. People, though confined to their homes, are closer and more concerned. There is more sharing and caring. People gather around their televisions to follow mass and other services. Every little home and family is now a living church and a sanctuary of God’s love!

Vietnam (sent by Sr. Suman Anima Toppo)

According to the Ministry of Health, the country totally has had 265 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders since the virus first became known, some of whom have recovered. Today the total number of people quarantined amount to 75.291.

From 1st April, we have strict nationwide social distancing rules, restricting movements only for essential things. In this context, the Church in Vietnam live-streamed daily masses and other services during Triduum and Easter Vigil. The churches, which used to be full for daily masses, witnessed emptiness and great silence during the crucial time of Easter 2020. However, in families and communities, thousands of believers attend online masses daily with much love and devotion.

As responsible citizens of the country, all of us in the Region contribute our share to the nation by strictly adhering to social distancing, making sacrifices, and daily praying for the victims and sharing what we can with the poor.

For some of us this became a given opportunity for togetherness, our Cor Unum Anima Una. It is also a time to give expression to some of our God-given gifts and talents: art and handicraft, tailoring, painting, and the like. We have taken it also as an opportunity to study the Word of God and Congregational documents. We also have sessions to improve our knowledge of the language.

Some of us were anxious, including our aspirants and postulants. So, at times we sat together and talked about our experience during this moment of uncertainty and everyone shared their thoughts and reflections. We try to be channels of grace to each other. The formees were given the option to go back to their parents if they so wished; but their answer was striking: “Sisters, we have come here; we will face these difficulties together.” This beautiful response strengthened each one of us.

During this time, our benefactors were more concerned about our needs. Without entering the house, they would leave food items for us! We lack nothing! We are experiencing the providence of God. According to the available facility, communities plant their own vegetables and manage with whatever is available. As much as possible, we reach out to the poor in the neighborhood and share with them what we have in the spirit of Easter.

One of the communities had the privilege of having the Eucharist during the holy week, and the Easter day. Thanks to the parish priest who chose our house to celebrate the holy Eucharist and it was live-streamed for the parishioners.

United in prayer, the whole Region offers the mercy Rosary daily and spend an hour in adoration to pray for the healing of our world from corona virus. Walking together with others, we joined the Lifeline retreat with the same sentiments and intentions. The quiet time of social isolation has helped each of us to grow deeper in our relationship with God, self, one another, the people in the world and the whole of creation.

All of us lived through a very unique experience of the Paschal Mystery this year. The Lord met us, renewed and empowered us in and through the virtual world!

During the Holy Week, we had an exceptional experience of communion within the congregation and solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the world, confronting the realities of Covid-19, through our retreat on the theme of the Week. In a world that is severely being tested, the message of this Easter rings out loud and clear, dispelling all anxiety and fear. In the words of Pope Francis, at this Easter “we acquire a fundamental right that can be never taken away from us: the right to hope” (Easter Vigil Homily).

Expressions of interest and concern keep coming from various parts of the Congregation to know how we are, both here in the Generalate and in Belgium. Always, the power-bank of prayerful support accompanying every message, letter or call!

The situation in Belgium still remains critical with 30589 confirmed cases and 3903 deaths to-date (13th). The lockdown in force is likely to get extended and we continue to find ways of making the best out of it. Our Sisters, the infected cases, are making good progress and, thankfully, no new cases are reported. However, the casualty seems to be on the rise among the health care supporters.

In other parts of the Congregation, the situation seems to be gaining alarming proportions. We have a glimpse into it through the following accounts that have come in; others will follow:

Ranchi (from Sr. Mary Joseph Valiyankal)

The coronavirus that has taken the world by storm has India in its grips. Having the second highest density of population in the world, social spread is one of the dangers the country is faced with. Out of the 29 states in India, some of the affected states include Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. According to eminent doctors and social analysts, it is a matter of time that this virus spreads its lethal wings to other parts of the country. The death toll so far has gone up to 200 and the confirmed cases too are rising alarmingly. The people are living in constant fear and anxiety. The timely steps, especially the lockdown, obligatory social distancing and other strict measures taken by the Centre as well as state governments have been beneficial to a certain extend in preventing the rapid social spread of the virus so far. Some of the state governments have taken commendable steps in identifying the affected in the early stage itself and setting up isolation centres, screening facilities and appropriate treatment, community kitchen, distribution of necessary materials and the like.

One good thing that is happening now is that, cutting across boundaries, people are realising the need for God and many are extending their help to the needy in spite of the lockdown and other restrictions. SCJMs of Ranchi province are actively involved in taking care of the migrant labourers during the lockdown. It is initiated by the Arch diocese of Ranchi in co-operation with the Government of Jharkhand. One of our schools in Hulhundu has been converted into a shelter home for migrant-labourers. The place is prepared to accommodate 200 people with all provisions for their stay. They will be brought only after the mandatory tests and screening done. The same set up is done in Chinaki and in Abadganj to meet any emergency situation. Besides helping the diocese to combat this crisis, we also hold sessions to make people aware of the dangers of corona and on how to keep oneself and family safe from contracting the virus. Meanwhile the communities of the Provincialate, Nirmala College and Chianki have distributed food items to around 400 needy families in their respective areas. Sisters are willing and happy to help the needy whichever way possible and as we see the signs and symptoms around today we feel that we need to prepare for worse situation in the days to come.

In the midst of all this fear, anxiety and uncertainty we turn to God, with trust and confidence in His merciful love!

IAN Philippines (from Sr. Fatima Peiris)

As of today (April 12) there are 4,648 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the country. The death toll stands at 297. The entire country of more than 104 million people is under quarantine.

The country’s healthcare system is facing this added strain of the coronavirus along with tens of thousands of TB patients. The Philippines remains one of the few countries where TB cases continue to climb annually. Today, an estimated one million Filipinos have active TB infections. These now face the added threat of contracting coronavirus due to their weakened immune systems. As the hospitals are jam-packed now with COVID-19 patients, the TB patients are advised to stay at home.

Few supermarkets are open but only limited items are available. The people are going through a very hard and a difficult time: no jobs, no work and poverty.

As a community we have decided to make our life style very simple. Thank God we have some vegetables and fruits from the garden. We remain united with the whole world and spend more time with the Lord. The Holy Week retreat was a wonderful experience for all of us in the community to work for our own conversion and transformation. Each day, we are learning and experiencing many things for our life.

Pakistan (from Sr. Sophia Patras)

As many as 13 localities in the provincial capital of Lahore were partially or completely sealed on Saturday due to a sudden rise in cases of coronavirus. While Lahore remains among the worst affected areas in the province, the areas sealed are old and densely populated, a situation that could potentially lead to these sealed localities becoming virus hotbeds of mass infections.

The total number of countrywide Coronavirus cases stands at 5,015 with 86 confirmed deaths.
A majority of COVID-19 infections in Pakistan are pilgrims who returned to Pakistan from Iran earlier this month.

Pakistan’s Health Ministry has issued directives for the masses on how to protect themselves from the Coronavirus. The government has urged people to avoid public gatherings, wash hands regularly and keep a distance from the virus patients. Despite these public messages, which are being propagated through mainstream media, many people seem to ignore these instructions. Poverty is rampant in the country, with many people unable to make ends meet. They view coronavirus as the least of their problems.

To enforce ‘Social Distancing’ the army has been called in to help the police. At certain places, people breaking ‘Social distancing’ are being punished by the police. The mosques, Churches and all worship places are ordered to close for larger gathering. Only a few persons (4-5) can join the prayers on Fridays or Sundays. People are told to pray at home.

In big cities, the private hospitals are without doctors, and patients with usual sicknesses find it difficult to get treatment. The markets for eatables are open for a certain period of time. Many people of goodwill are taking care of the poor through distributing eatables to them.

Rwanda (sent by Sr. Mary Paul Vadassery)

Rwanda too has its share of painful experiences that the world is going through on account of the pandemic. The Lockdown which was introduced earlier for two weeks now will continue for another two weeks. Both civil and Ecclesial authorities regularly send us specific instructions asking us to observe them very strictly. In case of indiscipline, severe measures are taken by the authorities. In the beginning, people found it very difficult to stay in without meeting and greeting. But now it seems to have become part of their lives. We feel that Corona virus has taught people to be disciplined. The vigilance on the part of the authorities is really to be admired. Even the very uneducated, poor people get worried at the sign of simple cold and cough and run to health centres for a check-up. Ordinary check-up is done for the symptoms and many of them are sent back home after giving assurance and counselling. Only the very doubtful cases are referred to big hospitals for a complete check-up. Bottles of sanitizers are kept everywhere.

To-date, we have 118 cases but they are all mild cases, being segregated in government hospitals. Few of them have already recovered. All the hospitals do the initial check-up of everyone who enters. All private hospitals and health centres are asked to keep places ready to receive patients of Corona in case of necessity. It is quiet and calm everywhere. The big crows which used to come to eat everything we plant in our garden are nowhere to be seen now.

The poor people and the daily workers are the people who suffer the most in our country at this time with no work and no other means of income for their daily living. We do not forget them and try to share whatever we can to help them. This has taught us the spirit of sharing and caring for those in greater need.

Our sisters of Burundi, our neighbouring country where we have one community, are living in another world. So far they have five cases of corona. The frontiers and the airport are closed since two weeks and it continues to be so. For the rest, life continues as usual; there is no lockdown and people move around freely within the country. All institutions function as usual.

The holy week was a special time for us to be in closer union with the Lord with all our sisters of our Congregation. The calmness and quietness around helped us to pray better for the whole world and remember our brethren who are suffering in the various continents. We are extremely happy with our Holy Week retreat experience.

Delhi (sent by Sr. Teresa Attupuram)

As this is being written, India has recorded 16999 confirmed cases and 331 deaths due to COVID 19. The good news, however, is the recovery of 1086 positive cases. Delhi records the second highest infected cases with a total number of 1154 confirmed cases and 24 deaths. A national lockdown was announced on 24th March for 21 days and now it is reported that it could be extended up to 30th April. The government has also imposed travel bans and all the tourist sites, schools, cafes, restaurants, sports clubs and other public spots are closed temporarily. The lockdown has affected mainly the migrants and the poor, especially the women, children, differently abled, the marginalized and the displaced. They have no work, no money, no food and no proper place to stay. The number of vehicles on roads has reduced drastically and so the pollution too has come down.

Many Christian and Non-Christian NGOs have come forward for distributing food packets, groceries, medicines and other essentials for people to survive. All our communities in the province are involved in identifying the needy ones and offering help to the extent it is possible in the given situation. In remote areas food items are not easily available for purchasing. Nevertheless, our Sisters are laboring hard and are trying to reach out to the victims of the pandemic with the help of shop owners, the police and government officials. Both central and state governments have also taken a lot of measures to help the poor, such as providing with make-shift houses, shelter homes and rations for all. Besides, medical professionals are being trained to manage Covid-19 cases and testing facilities are augmented by roping in both private and public medical colleges, along with 14 mental health institutes across the country.

In the Province all the Sisters, helpers and our collaborators so far are protected from COVID 19. For many of us living indoors for such an extended period of time is a new experience. Many of our communities do not have Holy Mass and we missed the Holy Week and Easter Services. However, we are finding new ways to share and celebrate faith creatively during this pandemic. There is a thirst in everyone to remain connected with the lifeline / God.

St. Bernard, Congo (sent by Sr. Angèle Benabiabo)

The Covid-19 pandemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo is documented in the country from 10 March 2020, when the first case was confirmed in the territory.

On 19 March, Felix Tshisekedi announced the closure of all schools and universities in the country.

On the evening of 24 March, President Félix Tshisekedi declared a state of emergency during a televised address, and the isolation of the capital, Kinshasa. Panic gripped the inhabitants, and supermarkets were stormed with queues several hundred metres long.

On 27 March, the governor of Kinshasa finally decided to postpone the lockdown of the capital to an undetermined date, citing a problem of soaring prices for basic necessities and a risk of insecurity.

On 2 April, he announced new lockdown measures for the capital, which would eventually affect only the commune of La Gombe, Kinshasa’s administrative and commercial centre, for two weeks from 6 April.

As of 12/04/2020, the total number of confirmed cases stands at 235, since the beginning of the epidemic declared on 10 March 2020. In total, there have been 20 deaths.

Five provinces are affected. These are Kinshasa with 223 cases. North Kivu has 5 cases. There are 4 cases in South Kivu, 2 in Ituri and 1 case in Kwilu.

Since 2018, DR Congo has been fighting the worst Ebola epidemic in its history, described as an "international health emergency" by the WHO. However, in early March 2020 (when the presence of the coronavirus is beginning to be documented in the territory), new cases of Ebola detected are becoming increasingly rare, and the official announcement of the end of the epidemic is envisaged by the authorities for 12 April. DR Congo has also been fighting a major measles epidemic for more than a year, with the WHO having identified 335,000 infected children, including 6,300 deaths, particularly in the north of the country.

It is a touching poem about coronavirus by Brother Richard Hendrick, a Capuchin Franciscan living in Ireland.

As we prayerfully enter the season of the Holy Week, united with our sisters and brothers the world over in the Spirit, this poem is a powerful invitation to see our life today from another perspective!

Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.

Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing!

Sr. Lucy Jacob
Brussels
04.04.2020

All of us had our wonderful plans for the months and the year ahead; but we now realise that the Lord had another one!

The coronavirus forces us to stop, to think, to reflect, to listen, to change… The silence that envelops us and the restrictions on movements and outdoor activities oblige us to remain inside – an invitation to go deep within, to turn inwards…

The SCJM family, as also our brothers and sisters, the world over today is living through the impact of lockdown, enforced by our governments and civil authorities, to control and contain the pandemic of Covid-19. Nevertheless, according to the reports coming in from our provinces and regions, the cases of Covid-19 are on the rise and everyone is required to meet this pandemic head-on:

• The lockdown continues here in Belgium and we do everything possible to protect ourselves and others from the disease. Outing continues to be limited to get the essentials: food, medicine….
  • Of the two confirmed cases among our elderly Sisters reported earlier, one is getting better and while it is a fluctuating situation for the second one. Now, we have a third confirmed case who is also hospitalised.
  • Among the health-care supporters of our Sisters, there is an increasing number of confirmed and suspected cases. This is an alarming situation for obvious reasons.
  • As you know, during the last one week two elderly sisters here in Europe and one relatively young sister in Congo have left us for their eternal abode. I wish to add here that these deaths are unrelated to Covid-19.
  • As of today, Belgium reports a total of 10 836 Covid-19 cases and 431 deaths.

• Our student sisters in Italy and France report that, though their surrounding situation is disturbing, their studies continue on-line and that they are as well as can be in the given situation.
• Africa seemed relatively free from the virus but, apparently, it was only a matter of time. According to the information coming in from our sisters, the number of cases is on the rise. Restrictions issued by the governments do not seem to have the desired effect as people continue moving about, particularly in market places, which is the life-line for the majority of the people in each country. A shoot-at-sight order in Rwanda of anyone disobeying the orders of the government keep people in out of fear. Even then, there are reports of aberrations.
• Our sisters in the Asian countries witness a rising number of cases in their respective countries and stricter measures are being introduced to curb the spread.
  • The two student-sisters from Sri Lanka at EAPI in Manila are stranded. Manila being cut off from the rest of the country and world, they have neither any means to get out nor to be brought out by anyone else. Fortunately, the Institute lets them stay on and they are well.
  • In Sri Lanka, curfew is in force and anyone violating orders can be arrested.
  • A nation-wide lockout in India seems to be creating a kind of exodus of migrant workers in the cities rushing back to their villages on foot. The labourers living on daily wages in the cities and towns, and the home-less are the worst-hit by this lockdown in the country. Given the density of the population, the authorities are overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem. What is worse, the country is far from being prepared to address a pandemic disease such as Covid-19.

In this prevailing situation of ‘darkness’ what is getting stronger in the Congregation is the spirit of solidarity. I feel touched by the calls and messages coming in from various parts of the Congregation inquiring about our sisters in other provinces / regions and countries. Besides, there is a concerted effort everywhere to intensify our appeal to the Lord in various forms of prayer, personal and as a community, who alone can change the course of events unleashed by the virus. Let us remain united in the Lord during these difficult times!

Let us also make use of this occasion with its inherent potentials:

• To focus on the essentials of life
• To use the means we have at our disposal (e.g. the smart phone) to send / forward only messages that can be proactive and up-building as signs of our solidarity and support
• To acknowledge, value and appreciate the front-liners of this pandemic and pray for them:
  • Our health-care supporters who risk their lives to protect and save those of others
  • Our government leaders whose alertness and wisdom can steer the course of events
  • Our medical professionals, researchers & scientists whose hard work and insight can create a treatment to stop the virus
  • Our spiritual leaders whose intuition and discernment can strengthen us during this time on insecurity and uncertainty
  • Our civic leaders for inspiration, courage and strength to meet the needs of their communities
  • The employees of stores that are still open to us, providers of transport, law and order forces, volunteers…

May God help each one of us SCJMs to display courage, hope, generosity, and kindness to all those around us!

Sr. Lucy Jacob
Brussels
29.03.2020

The coronavirus is making its mark on an increasing number of people here in Belgium. As of today, there are 3401 confirmed cases and 75 deaths in the country.

With us the SCJMs, all of us are quarantined and all group activities banned, including liturgical celebrations. Any outing is limited to essential needs. Food markets admit one at a time only and purchasing is controlled to avoid panic-buying.

Despite all possible precautions, there are two of our elderly Sisters confirmed of the infection, one of whom is hospitalised and the second one, remaining in the Home, is given out to be improving. There is also one suspected case, under treatment.

Among the health care attendants in the Homes of our elderly sisters, we have three confirmed cases and two suspected cases.

It is the hope and prayer of every one of us that we see better days sooner than later!

On a different note, Sr. Sushila and Sr. Noreen, our two INC members, who are now in the community of Melle for language study appear to have integrated themselves well and feel happy and at home there. The community too is happy to have them. During these critical times, when everyone is required to remain in her respective room, when there are both confirmed and suspected cases among the Sisters, they have opted to remain with the Sisters to help them out in whatever way possible, even though the language is a barrier. This is SCJM spirit and really laudable!

In general, it is quiet and calm everywhere: the roads are clear and markets are empty; no sound of the airplanes or speeding vehicles; the hustle and bustle of the city is gone… But the skies are blue and clear, winter is giving way to spring, and the nature is beginning to put out its annual show!

And life continues under the loving gaze of the Almighty! We remain united in prayer with and for our sisters and brothers the world over, suffering and in pain!

Sr. Lucy Jacob
Brussels
22.03.2020

In the light of WHO declaring COVID – 19 as a pandemic disease, a question that comes to the mind of each one of you, I presume, would be “How are our Sisters in these critical times?” My immediate answer is: so far so good! There is no report of a SCJM casualty from anywhere in the Congregation.

However, as reports of more and more confirmed cases and mortality reach us from across the globe, we have reason to be concerned about, not only for ourselves but also for our sisters and brothers everywhere. Including Italy and France, where we have student Sisters, we are spread out over seventeen countries and the situation appears grave in some of these countries.

Italy, where we have two students (Sr. Nathalie Mayang Ntambw of St. Bernard, Congo and Sr. Lilly Pallipurath of the province of Ranchi, India), is declared a “red zone” – meaning people should stay home except for work and other emergencies. Both our Sisters report that they are well inside their homes and their studies continue on-line.

Sr. Beatrice Tshilemba of the province of St. Vincent, Congo is in France where all gatherings are banned and schools are closed among several other measures taken to avoid spreading the disease. However, she reports that her classes continue on schedule.

The elderly being the most vulnerable, in England and Ireland, besides other restrictions, everyone is advised against visiting the Homes of the elderly sisters. In both the countries, many restrictions are in place.

Here in Belgium, the National Security Council has declared a state of emergency over the entire country. Consequently, all recreational and sporting events are cancelled or postponed. Public places like restaurants, bars, and cafés are shut; schools remain closed… The Conference of Bishops has decided to suspend all liturgical celebrations, gatherings and meetings.

Consequently, practically all of us are ‘quarantined’. Both for the Generalate and Belgium provinces, celebrations, meetings and similar other gatherings are cancelled or postponed; those scheduled for the coming weeks/months are to be reconsidered. Over-seas mission trips of the General Government are to be rescheduled…

All the Asian countries of SCJM presence report cases of infection. Vietnam is stepping up measures to stop the virus from entering the country and spreading within the country. Our Sisters are quarantined within their respective communities, as reported earlier. Scheduled events in the Region may have to be postponed.

As of now, the situation seems mild in the Philippines, though the number of infected cases is rising. People are advised to stay home. Our IAN community, just out of the volcano-crisis - will they have to brace up for another crisis?

India reports a rising number of infected / suspected cases. The Union Government has declared COVID – 19 as a ‘notified disaster’. Our Sisters are on the alert and adopting precautionary measures to ward off the disaster.

Pakistan has confirmed cases of the pandemic and, according to WHO, is faced with a great challenge of containing it. Borders are sealed and public events are cancelled. Obviously, a serious concern for our Sisters.

As new COVID-19 positive cases are being reported in Sri Lanka, the province remains alert to meet up the eventuality. The government has imposed a ban on public gatherings and issued restrictions on travelling; educational institutions are closed.

Congo, which has already been facing an Ebola epidemic for more than a year, is preparing to face the pandemic of COVID - 19. The risk is great and the government has already initiated certain measures to arrest its entry and spread. Our Sisters in both the provinces are genuinely concerned.

The number of infected cases is given out to be on the rise in South Africa, a situation inviting our Sisters to be cautious.

According to the available information, while Rwanda reports one confirmed case today, Burundi, Mali & Central Africa have no reported cases. May our Sisters enjoy this relative sense of relief and security!

In summary, as of today, 15.03.2020, we have the following picture!

No doubt, it is a situation that calls for a concerted effort to bring this pandemic under control. In the words of the Director General of WHO: “This is not just a public health crisis; it is a crisis that will touch every sector – so every sector and every individual must be involved in the fight … we’re in this together (and together) this virus can be suppressed and controlled,” he asserts.

Let us, during this time of lent, do everything in our power for the amelioration of this pandemic disease. In particular let us pray, personally and in community; let us pray for the sick, for the care-takers of the sick and for all those involved in controlling the situation and finding a remedy. May the Spirit of wisdom enlighten and guide all those who are to take decisions in response to this outbreak!

Sr. Lucy Jacob Palliam Pallithura
Brussels
15.03.2020