Today there is no lack of spirituality despite the scourge of Coronavirus. On the contrary, the internet is booming with articles, blogs, and YouTube videos offering spiritual guidance or purporting to explain the pandemic.
I know because I’ve been there myself. Frequently. I’ve also reached out to spiritual directors, attentively followed the homilies and reflections during the extraordinary papal events, and fervently asked God in prayer… all to make sense of what’s happening right now. But, to be honest, I don’t have much clarity. Italy, where I live with my family, was hit early and hard. When we went into lockdown forty-six days ago (at time of publication), we were the first country in the western world to do so. All businesses, factories, and shops were shut down with the exception of a narrow range of “sectors” considered vital related to food or medicine production or distribution. Most Italians are forbidden to leave their homes with only a few exceptions (grocery shopping or the pharmacy). Violating the decree can result in a steep €5000 ($5500) fine, confiscation of vehicle, and up to 90 days in prison. Perhaps the most dramatic part of the decree – for those of us accustomed to an active faith life -- is the restrictions on the Church. Church doors can remain open, but the ban on “assembly of persons” necessitates the suspension of all Masses and the reception of sacraments in any form. There is no exception even for baptisms, weddings, or funerals.
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Bret ThomanCatholic. Franciscan. Married. Father. Pilgrim guide. Writer. Translator. Pilot. Aspiring sailor. Archives
April 2024
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