A Dhaoine Uaisle,

 COVID-19 has changed our world in ways we could never have imagined. This pandemic is a fast spreading health crisis with no certain end in sight forcing entire societies to shut down.

            We should not be disheartened. CARE and CONNECT by phoning a friend and supporting each other. We will get through this crisis. Is treise muid le chéile.

            Perhaps this piece I would like to share with you by Fr. Richard Hendrick OFM will bring you comfort.

 

            Lockdown

 

            Yes there is fear

            Yes there is isolation

            Yes there is panic buying

            Yes there is sickness

            Yes there is even death.

 

            But

            They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise, you can hear the birds again

            They say that just after a few weeks of quiet the sky is no longer thick with fumes – but blue and grey

            They say in the streets of Assisi people are singing to each other across empty squares, keeping their windows open so that those who are alone may hear the sounds   of family around them

            They say that hotels and businesses in Ireland are offering free meals and delivery to households

            All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way

            All over the world people are waking up to a new reality

            To how big we really are

            To how little control we really have

            To what really matters

            To LOVE.

 

            So we pray and remember that

            Yes there is fear

            But there does not have to be hate

            Yes there is isolation

            But there does not have to be loneliness

            Yes there is panic buying

            But there does not have to be meanness

            Yes there is sickness

            But there does not have to be disease of the soul/spirit

            Yes there is even death

            But there can always be rebirth of love.

 

            Wake to the choices you make as to how you live now

            Today, breathe

            Listen, beyond the factory noises of your panic

            The birds are singing again.

            The sky is clearing,

            Spring is coming.

            And we are always encompassed by Love.

            Open the windows of your soul/spirit.

            And though you may not be able to touch across the empty square

            SING!

 

You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Go gcoinneoidh Dia i mboise a láimhe sibh go léir.

Beannachtaí Dé is Muire libh,

A chóiche is go brách.

 

 

Mary Kyne

RTAI President