Over the past several days, we have heard of a number of our Sisters and Brothers and Laity who have passed away from COVID-19, and of others who are critically ill. The Dominican Family is clearly in great solidarity with our suffering world. However, in the midst of such tragedy and isolation, it is important to be attentive to the glimmers of hope that are very much alive within us and among us. And there is no better moment to consider this than now, as we prepare to celebrate the feast day of our sister, Catherine of Siena, on 29 April. Catherine knew first hand our present day experience. When the plague struck Siena, many fled. But Catherine and her companions stayed, nursing the sick and burying the dead. She was a source of great inspiration for those who knew her, and she continues to inspire us today.
The Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena (founded in Albi, France), have prepared a series of short videos of communities of their Sisters simply sharing life and going about their ordinary tasks in these somewhat anomalous times. The Sisters have graciously agreed to share these videos with DSI, as a way of offering encouragement and hope. Even in the midst of darkness, Catherine continues to inspire. Through her intercession, may we continue to support one another in all our efforts to “spread the contagion of hope…” (Pope Francis, Urbi et Orbi, Easter 2020)