Our first Sunday "in"

Were we quarantined last Sunday? I don't even remember. I guess not, but we went to Vigil Mass so I think we stayed in even though we didn't have to. Oh well, hindsight and all of that.

So, today was a week since everything in our known universe was cancelled. Luckily it's also Laetare Sunday - we're halfway through Lent!

From the entrance antiphon:

“Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exalt and be satisfied at her consoling breast.”

I know it seems like rejoicing is the last thing on peoples' minds. There is a rampant virus floating about, people are acting strangely (hoarding food and not really listening to mandates from the government), we are forced to watch Mass on our televisions instead of sitting in the pews. So, if you can't manage that level of "joy" right now, tuck it away until the day comes when this has all passed and we're back again to our regularly scheduled lives. 

That's in italics for a reason. The one thing that this week has been is unscheduled (except for the online classes - cue moaning from the kids involved). We have been floating somewhere between vacation and depression but definitely in a not-normal fog. The kids and I have been progressing through stomach flu, our washing machine has been broken, I haven't left the house in 6+ days, and in all of it I don't think I've raised my voice (except relating to one particular person and those of you with teens may be able to relate). Definitely not-normal. 

So, yesterday was Sunday and I've been reading about the fact that, not only should you be live-streaming Mass, you should also make an effort. In other words, don't just wander into the room and sit down; present yourself as you would (or even better than) you've been doing when attending Mass in person. So, we got up, had breakfast, then got dressed in Sunday clothes (this is a big deal after 6 days of sweats). 

pre-Mass instructions

I admit I've been enjoying the ability to just pop here and there for Mass each day. Today we're at a parish in our diocese, yesterday in Philadelphia...maybe Stockbridge or even Canada somewhere. It's going to fill my travel-void if this quarantine continues while we're supposed to be on pilgrimage!

Today we settled on our own St. Anthony's Chapel because, following the 11:30 Mass, they were going to have a procession and blessing with some special relics (St. Rocco!) to ask their intercession against COVID-19.

We went to St. Anthony's for Mass a few months ago and DH said, "this is definitely a Catholic's paradise - going to Mass among all of these Saints." He's right. It's so comforting to have them nearby, even via livestream, in the midst of life these days. 

The Mass was beautiful, with the Sanctus and Angus Dei, sung Gospel and a homily that included, "Usually the Lent that God gives us is much better than the one we choose for ourselves." Amen. The procession,  Litany, and prayers were a comfort to us who are currently fasting from the Eucharist. No matter where we find ourselves, we can remember that all we need do is invoke the Saints and angels and we are never alone.

After Mass the kids got to work. One of our dear priest-friends, who we met through our beloved Sisters of the Divine Redeemer, is celebrating his 60th anniversary of Ordination on Wednesday. What an amazing accomplishment. What a wonderful priest. He is old-school and not afraid to say what's what (he's also Slovak which makes that first part redundant). He calls me "Susan" in the most delightfully stern voice and always tells Gianni to "mind your mother and father". 

What do you give a priest who's had 59 years of Ordination anniversaries? We decided on prayer. A spiritual bouquet - more prayers for someone who has prayed for so many throughout his life. 

I totally reused a Valentine jar from years ago but it seemed to work. 

DH decorated the bag

For those who are worried...we called ahead, left the bag on the porch and rang the bell. As we were pulling away, Sister Ann opened the door and took the bag inside...

Let's pray for Fr. Ed and all of our priests. Those, like Fr. Ed, have worked hard their whole priesthood and now are at risk for the virus that is circulating. Those who are in active ministry are working and carrying the stress we're passing along to them. Pray for your priest by name today then pray for all the priests you've known and those you will never meet. Pray that Our Lady will keep them in her mantle and protect them. Ask that God open their hearts to be even more selfless during this time so that they might meet the needs of their flock and pray for them without ceasing.

We are blessed. 

The last Mass

Last night we went to Vigil Mass at one of our two "home" parishes. We were blessed that, much to our surprise, the celebrant was our beloved priest, Fr. Robin. Fr. Robin has been with us an extremely long time...

Yes, that's Silvana...it's been that long!

It was an especially blessed evening because the homily was about the woman at the well. How our lives should be only about seeking that Living Water that will forever quench our thirst and keep us for Eternal Life. "After all," Father said, "our goal is to get to Heaven...that's why we're here. That's what we should always be doing; trying to get to heaven."

It's remarkable because this man turned 80-years-old in December and because he struggles with respiratory issues. During a weekend in which the faithful were dispensed from Sunday Obligation (if they were afraid to venture out because of the new coronavirus) this old, unhealthy priest stood before us, leading us to Heaven. There have been calls by priests to "stay away" from Mass (one said, if he were us, he wouldn't attend...huh? I guess it's good you're not us!). How wonderful to see this priest living his faith and being such an example to those of us in the pews.

I hear you - by going to Mass, we are responsible for someone's death! Seriously? Why is that only the cry about Mass? No one says that if you're going to the movies or the mall or the grocery store. There has been a direct assault on the Church and sadly, as the recent letter from the Pope stated, many priests are acting more like businessmen than priests. It's been a sad display to me but it's certainly isolated the priests who are more about self-protection and less about faith and serving the people. Perhaps out of altruism and perhaps not but true colors have shone through.

So, we're here. All Masses have been canceled for the foreseeable future. Sacraments? They'll get back to us. It's going to be a difficult time. I am grateful that our local church remains open so that we can at least visit Jesus in the Tabernacle and pray for an end to this virus and the surrounding hysteria.

I feel sorrow for the people who have died from this illness and more sorrow for those who have forgotten that we can do all we can do but, ultimately, if you want a miraculous healing, it's not going to come from human hands. Only He can bring that about. Lord, make haste to help us!

We are blessed.