Celebrating virtually
We are now in the middle of Holy Week, a time when Christians enter into the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. Normally we go to our churches for this occasion. But our chief health officer has wisely told us not to gather for fear of contagion. But through personal prayer and mediated relating, we may still observe Holy Week.
First, if there ever was a time for prayer it is now. Respecting the conscience of non-believers, we have to spend time with the Lord who, through the doctors, nurses, front-line workers, and ourselves following the protocol, will take us through this very serious health crisis.
Secondly, we must follow mediated relating. Without sounding simplistic, there are now two ways of relating. One is rubbing shoulders with one another. Psychologist Carl Rogers calls this basic human interaction, as in church or a classroom, personalism.
But we all know that for the time being such relating would endanger our health. We may still be a personalist, but we have to modify our behaviour. We need to find another way of communicating during this sacred week.
Mediated relating is using technology not to replace human interaction, but to enhance it.
Thus, many Island churches have electronic masses, services online, and outreach through email or FaceTime. The telephone, of course, is always an option.
At no other point in communication history has mediated relating ever come into its own like now. We thank all the electronic media for their vital service. When the crisis is over, we will look back at a different world, including our churches, and realize that social media, if used properly, is a life saver.
Thus private prayer and mediated relating will for the first time during a pandemic help us observe this Holy Week during which we pray for believers, non-believers, other religions and all people of good will.
Bernard J. Callaghan
Charlottetown
Remember our neighbours
As we celebrate Holy Week and look forward to Easter, let us not forget that almsgiving, especially from Lenten sacrifices has always been part of our Lenten observance. In these trying times Canadians feel very uncertain about our economic future. As we face each day’s challenges let’s not forget people in the poorer countries of the world who cannot meet their basic needs and are shuddering at the spread of COVID-19. They lack basics such as medical facilities, medicines, food, clean water and sanitation.
Development and Peace-Caritas Canada, reminds us that these people are our neighbours. Traditionally, on the fifth Sunday of Lent and onwards we encourage people to donate to the organization’s 149 community development and humanitarian projects serving 16.8 million people in 36 countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. These projects promote justice in communities trapped in poverty to transform their situation, and discover their dignity and strength together. We need to keep focussed on building global solidarity.
Parish collections are postponed indefinitely because the churches are closed. Those who are able to respond can donate directly to www.devp.org and click on donations.
In closing, members of the Charlottetown Diocesan Council of Development and Peace-Caritas Canada extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Heather Morrison, Marion Dowling and all caregivers. Special thanks also to all delivering essential services.
Mary Boyd,
Chair, Diocesan Council
