Called to walk and work together during this time of Pandemic
As we approach the first-year anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic, we cannot but look up to God with graciousness and gratitude for his immense goodness and love. In spite of the enormous threat, fears and anxieties that Covid-19 has inflicted and continues to inflict on the global community, we remain steadfast in facing this challenging reality with the conviction of our faith. Conscious of its tremendous consequences in the lives of many and its devastating effects on humanity, we hold on to God alone with a stronger and more solid faith. Every single day, as we welcome a new dawn, we are accompanied and sustained by the spirit of hope. A hope that will not let us down, for it is deeply rooted in Him. His abiding presence is the very source of our hope, a hope that generates joy, encourages, and teaches us to become signs and bearers of love today. The pandemic, in a way, though very terrifyingly and painfully, has taught us valuable lessons in life that opened our eyes and made us realize that “we are all in the same boat, where one person’s problems are the problems of all… No one is saved alone; we can only be saved together” (FT 32). This truth therefore has led us to embrace the call to charity, to communion and unity, which is exemplified in tangible testimonies of solidarity toward our suffering brothers and sisters in need.
During these difficult and trying times, we are continually invited to revive our sense of community and closeness, to work together as one family of God so that we may witness to the beauty of oneness, of safeguarding unity, of walking and working together in a synodal way. Pope Francis invites us to act together to bring about a rebirth in everyone, “a universal aspiration to fraternity” (FT 8), to dream together (FT 9), so that “in the face of present-day attempts to eliminate or ignore others, we may prove capable of responding with a new vision of fraternity and social friendship” (FT 6). Impelled therefore by the spirit of the “da mihi animas,” we welcomed and faced this crisis with daring and courage. Though we were not ready or prepared for this pandemic, the Spirit led us to pray, to listen, to dialogue, to discern together and to be converted as we sought what is best for the common good in our educative and evangelizing mission. Our relief operations as one Provincial Educating Community have proven once again our synergy and team work, our capacity to collaborate by putting our common resources, endeavors and creativity together in order to respond to the needs of our brothers and sisters with mercy and compassion. The desire “to go out” and to leave behind our comfort zones paved the way for our communities to pass on little acts of kindness and caring to many, especially to the weary of heart, the downtrodden, the fearful, the discouraged, those who have lost their loved ones, the sick and the afflicted, those affected by natural calamities, those who give their undying service to others, etc. In short, we tried to reach out to our vulnerable, fragile, and wounded brothers and sisters in need. Thanks to Divine Providence and the goodness of heart of every member of our educating communities, and the generous support of benefactors and friends, this pandemic experience has also given us the opportunity to live in concrete the compassionate acts of the Good Samaritan and to extend our “widow’s mite” to fulfill our common dream to be a missionary prophetic community today in the spirit of joy and hope. Moved by hope, and comforted by her maternal presence, we ask for our Blessed Mother’s protection so that we may surpass these difficult times. Don Bosco used to say, “Trust in Mary and you will see what miracles are.” He assured us that the best shield against the threat of the pandemic is to remain in God’s grace, to pray with fervor, and, in particular, to have real devotion to our Blessed Mother. She is our Mother of Hope in times of difficulty. She will surely intercede for us and grant us the graces and the safety we need to continue walking together during this pandemic. Sr. Mabel Pilar, FMA Provincial Superior
FMA Lifeline May 2020 - February 2021
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