Q & A: Celebrating Easter Amid COVID-19
Easter is typcally not a time of uncertainty for Christians around the world. However, this year it's taking place amdist the COVID-19 panedmic, which has proven to be anything but certain. This has, naturally, raised many questions – both of health and spirituality. To answer some of these, WFUV's Anthony Alaimo talked with Father Robert A. Romeo of St. Mary’s Parish in Manhasset, NY.
Q: What has the St. Mary’s Parish done in response to the pandemic?
A: Our response has been daily viewing of mass from the parish either live streamed or videotaped. We offer in the same format for Stations of the Cross, the Rosary, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and prayer services. Myself or one of the priests offer a daily reflection that is sent through email. The priests have also been tapping a video message that we send out. One of the activities we did as a parish was for Palm Sunday. Since we were not able to gather or receive palms I asked the parishioners to decorate their doors with branches to honor Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We also sent along a picture for the young people to color and hang in the window of their home. Parishioners were invited to send me the pictures of their doors and pictures which we posted online. I am doing the same for Easter Sunday. A picture of the Resurrection to color and hang in their window. I have also posted pictures of the family watching one of the services or Masses. A suggestion came that we have people dress up for Easter Sunday as they watch our mass. Last sunday and again son, we asked parishioners to go outside at 7pm and make noise, ring a bell, bang pots as a recognition and thank you to all our Healthcare and Medical workers, who are the heroes of this pandemic. I rang the Church bells also. We are planning to do this again and involve the students from the Schools of St. Mary's. The High School Chamber Choir created a video song of Amazing Grace. Each from their own home gathered and with headsets (and their live faces)were able to sing as one voice. It was beyond beautiful and very well received by the parish, the School Community and Alumni.
Q: How do you think the Churches can maintain a sense of community alive and remain active despite most of us being so far and separated from one another?
A: I think the Church community can stay connected when they are still able to worship, though not in the Church, still connected to the parish. Sharing their ideas and photos helps that ability to remain as one. Seeing the interior of the church, through videos, live streaming and pictures invokes the memory of the Church. Seeing and hearing what others are doing deepens that sense of community. Of course it is not easy but being creative can certainly help bridge the gap.
Q: In my own community I’ve seen the faith of some be bolstered by the pandemic. Do you feel like this is a time in which faith can be strengthened? If so, how should us believers go about doing that?
A: I of course am hoping this will bolster the faith of believers. Maybe these days of isolation and social distancing, through something that was created out of our control, will refocus our lives with the understanding that we are not only connected to each other but depend on God for all things. Hopefully that need to feel connected will ignite in us that desire to acknowledge the sovereignty of God in all things. God is present in this pandemic as He is in all things. He is present to grasp us by the hand so we can realize we do not go through this alone. Though we work for our destiny, it is God who fulfils it.
Q: In general, do you see the future of congregation (or at least the physical dynamic of it) changing in any way due to the pandemic, and the fear surrounding it?
A: Hmm change in the future congregation. I wish i could give you an answer but unfortunately I do not know the future. I hope we do learn lessons. Maybe the most important lesson is that we do need each other and God to be complete and most human. Because we are created to be in relationship with God and one another. St. Irenaeus says "the glory of God is man fully alive". What makes us fully alive?..love that ability to move outside our own life to embrace and invite others and most especially God Himself into our heart.
Q: Are there any verses of scripture that stand out to you during this time that you think could resonate with the Church at this moment?
A: There are so many verses from Sacred Scripture that can be comforting. There is one from the Old Testament for Joshua that I particularly like " Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Js 1:9
I have also taken great comfort in the life of St. Mary of Egypt. She was a converted sinner who went into the desert and for 47 years she did not receive Holy Communion. In her isolation she came upon a monk who gave her communion. The priest was to return one year from that date to bring her communion. But St. Mary of Egypt died on the year anniversary of receiving the Blessed Sacrament. I am touched by this story because in these days of being temporally isolated from The Body and Blood of Jesus we can look to St. Mary of Egypt. She was in a deep spiritual communion with Jesus through prayer and solitude. She may have been isolated but she was certainly not alone. What a great message for us in these uncertain times.
