Prayer in the Midst of a Pandemic

with usual practices suspended, sisters find creative outlets for spirituality

Throughout the spring, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged our Sisters — and Catholics everywhere — to adapt their prayer habits amid life without daily Mass. Greater periods of solitude, coupled with the the ability to watch Mass online through the wonders of technology, necessitated re-envisioned prayer lives for many.

As restrictions have slowly been lifted in certain areas, Catholics are returning to churches — in masks, seated far apart and, in many cases, with no music or singing. It’s not life as usual, but a welcome comfort to be back in places of worship.

Yet, some of our Sisters live in personal care homes and, due to an abundance of caution and stricter guidelines governing senior care facilities, Masses have not yet resumed.

“I’m looking forward to daily mass and receiving the Eucharist. This is what I have missed the most,” says Sister Roselyn Kuzma, a resident of Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh, Pa., where Masses remain suspended to protect the personal care community. “I also missed the opportunity to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation and hope we will have both soon.”

Through it all — and with some creativity — our Sisters have found ways to worship.

Before Masses recently resumed at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa., a television had been placed atop the altar so that Sisters could still gather in the chapel to watch Mass and worship together. Sisters at Mt. Assisi Place and the smaller convents in Pittsburgh found faith while gathered around computers alone or in small groups to view Masses streamed by local and national sources.

“For us, it was a privilege and blessing to be able to participate virtually in our Bishop’s Mass each day and allow his inspiring homily to carry us through the day,” says Sister Mary Xavier Bomberger of herself and the Sisters under her care in Villa Clare at Monocacy Manor.

The circumstances changed not only how our Sisters pray, but also what they include in their prayers. So many have added those with coronavirus, their caregivers and essential workers to their intentions.

“I recall all the faces of the sick, the poor, the suffering, the first-responders, medical personnel, essential workers and laborers, the dying, the grieving, those who died – all those touching and oftentimes disturbing images seen on the news,” says Sister Mary Xavier. “Lord, have mercy.”

During these trying times, there certainly has been no lack of subject matter for conversations with God. “I use the news stories as sources of prayer,” concurs Sister Frances Marie Duncan.

Some have found the solitude refreshing and a means by which to truly focus on and absorb scripture and other readings. In fact, Sisters Elaine Hromulak and Cecilia Jacko report that the 2020 Holy Week was among the most spiritual they’ve ever experienced.

“What I’ve missed most is attending Mass at church,” says Sister Yolanda Escamilla. “But praying in the same place is a silver lining. Slowing down has helped me to get my bearings.”

While the sense of isolation has seemed overwhelming at times, the downtime gained over the past few months has come with a silver lining for many, as they’ve created their own daily holy hours.

“It’s wonderful that prayer time doesn’t need to be at a particular time because your day has no schedule for ministry or other responsibilities,” says Sister Georgette Dublino.

Likewise, Sister Anne Kutch says, “I‘ve had more time for spiritual reading and outdoor meditation.”

In good times, bad times and these unprecedented times, our Sisters have endured in their long-distance relationships with God. As Sister Roselyn Kuzma attests, “There is no social distancing between Jesus and me!”