Maria’s Musings on COVID-19

Source: cbc,ca
The title of this entry really should be “Maria’s Wanderings” because that is 
exactly what my brain and my feelings have been doing since Saturday, 
March 14, 2020. From the beginning of March until that date, I had 
been watching and reading everything I could about COVID - 19. 
I thought that I was prepared for its arrival in our province.

I was as ready as I could be, until the first confirmed case was 
announced on March 14. It was if a dagger had gone through my stomach. 
Fear and an ominous sense of dread surrounded me.

It was ironic because I had been looking forward to celebrating March 18, 
the four year anniversary of my cancer surgery. 

So, I began comparing and contrasting my thoughts and feelings, 
then and now. What was the same and what was different and more 
importantly, WHY?

From four years ago, I remember the shock, terror and yet the 
realization that the tumour was cancerous and that there were 
going to be many changes in my future.

I also remember the patience and support of the few people 
that I initially told. 

I remember the expertise and caring of my medical team and 
the support of so many parishioners when my “news” was 
announced to the parish.

I remember praying, and for some reason unknown to me at the time, 
I prayed for healing, rather than a cure.

Today, we are still in the early days of terror, shock and 
disbelief. We are facing dramatic social changes, forcing 
us to examine what we hold dear. (It certainly makes decluttering 
a lot easier.)

Physical distancing is vitally necessary but it goes against 
a basic human need for physical contact and a basic human 
instinct to reach out to others, as we did in Snowmageddon.

In January, we found new and creative ways to live and to 
help others in need. We did this with humour, grace, and
a great deal of ingenuity. This is an even greater challenge 
now, but as citizens of this great province, and parishioners 
of St. Pius X Parish, we CAN do it.

• We can learn as I did, what a difference a phone call, a card or an e-mail can make.

• We can learn as I did, the infinite value of human friendships and relationships.

• We can learn as I did, that being in control is really an illusion.

• We can learn as I did, that complete independence is also an illusion.

• We can learn as I did, the value of finding one thing each day to be thankful for, 
no matter how hard that day had been.

Four years ago, the most important lesson I learned was the value and 
importance of prayer, my personal connection to God. I could actually 
feel the presence of so many people praying for me and with me. 
I experienced “the communion of saints”. 

My deepest desire for all of us is that through prayer, 
we will stay connected to God and to one another. 
Please join me in praying these verses from Psalm 16:

You, Lord, are all I have and you give me all I need. 
My future is in your hands.

Maria Kelsey is the Pastoral Assistant at St. Pius X parish in St. Johnês. She is responsible for the faith development programs for children, and families, as well as for the Elder Ministry Committee.

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8 Comments
  • Peter Bisson
    Posted at 01:47h, 30 March Reply

    Thank you Maria!

  • Lorella D'Cruz
    Posted at 04:58h, 30 March Reply

    What an uplifting post in the current Covid-centric climate, Maria! You offer us invaluable lessons: to pray for healing above cure; acceptance; appreciation and gratitude for our blessings and friendships – and, in all things, prayer. Thank you!!

  • Esther Buckley
    Posted at 08:38h, 30 March Reply

    Beautifully written . I enjoyed your blog very much.

  • Margaret (Peggy) Wilson
    Posted at 08:50h, 30 March Reply

    Thank you! It is a fine balance between being alone and the experience of solitude. I am so joyous now when someone just calls to see how I am doing. I make sure to call at least one person everyday, but I don’t always receive that call, but when I do I feel so loved. I miss my parish, not only the eucharist but the fellowship. The coffees and prayers we had as a group afterwards. They are my spiritual family and I love and miss them.

  • Richard Grover
    Posted at 10:31h, 30 March Reply

    Hi John, I just read Psalm 16 to check what Maria quoted. Bingo! I also read Peggy Wilson’s comments on Maria’s reflection. Peggy’s comments/reflections wow me. Having been to Oz , and also worked with Aussie Donna Bourke at SPHS when Larry and his family were on sabbatical with his family , etc. etc. …it is my experience that Aussies have much in common with Canadians . I would like to email Peggy. Would you /could you send me or arrange fore me to have her email address ? Richard

  • Grace Colella
    Posted at 14:23h, 30 March Reply

    I appreciated your blog Maria.
    Thank you!

  • Paul Valeriote
    Posted at 06:40h, 31 March Reply
  • Jenny Cafiso
    Posted at 12:06h, 31 March Reply

    Words of wisdom that some from someone who has suffered. Thank you Maria.

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