Hope and Faith During the Pandemic

From: J Birch <Birch403@outlook.com> Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2020, 2:13 AM To: dujarric@un.org; GlobalOttawa@globalnews.ca; news@skynews.com; contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com; tips@GlobalTVBC.com; ctvottawa@ctv.ca; vatio23@genaff-segstat.va; vatio26@relstat-segstat.va; nytnews@nytimes.com; justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca

Subject: Hope and Faith During the Pandemic (Opinion)

Hello Everyone,

I was reading a story about nuns and priests in Italy who are dying. They are dying because they are on the front lines with Doctors and Nurses administering to patients spiritual needs while doctors and nurses see to their medical needs.

Many nuns and priests as we know are older as they have devoted their life to the selfless calling of Gods love. However, we know that those who are in later stages of life are at greater risk of mortality. I am in awe of their courage and willingness to be there for us so we should see if there are ways we can protect them.

Perhaps we can utilize nuns and priests as religious field commanders directing, counselling and teaching younger volunteers to administer spiritual comfort to those in need. This will allow us to still help those who need it while refocusing the knowledge and experience of the elder spirituals in command roles.

Each would direct their volunteers to the hospitals that they are needed and start to coordinate a spiritual network from coast to coast. You can also use existing tech infrastructure in the hospitals to allow for remote prayers at bedsides as well.

Perhaps even convents and congregations can help sew facemasks and make hospital gowns as well to help in even more ways. Coordinating nationally and then globally we can ensure that wherever prayer is needed, it is heeded.

I thank each and everyone on the front lines and those working in essential services to help one another both mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. God be with you.

Stay Safe, Stay Sanitized and Stay Supportive,

John Ames Birch

@johneames2