Who would have thought that our motto for this year would relate so well to the difficult times we are experiencing? The coronavirus has turned our world topsy-turvy, interrupting our lives which we thought to have under control. Adjusting to a state of confusion and disorder has become the new norm. Staying at home, instead of doing our daily errands, and keeping the social distance away from our loved ones is important for everyone especially those over the age of 60. Yet, one of the most difficult and hardest things to do during the pandemic has been staying away from our Church. Unable to physically receive Jesus in Holy Communion was disconcerting and even fearful, but haven’t we been listening? God is in our midst. He says, “Do not be afraid! I am with you!”
Joyful Apostles Living the Covenant. Thanks be to God we have Schoenstatt; we have our home shrine and we are prayerful people. Our Mother Thrice Admirable has been crowned many times over in our homes and around the world. If we remain loyal and faithful to our covenant of love, Blessed Mother will be victorious over all evil powers. She will see to it that we return to a normal state of life and mind.
The Holy Spirit is prompting us to put our time to good use and our motto into action, not only being apostles but being joyful apostles, living out our covenant of love in the best way we know and from wherever we are. The Holy Spirit inspires us to use our creativity and talents to help others in need. For me, it was to sew the essential face masks for workers, friends, and family. I truly looked forward to the evening when I would sit at my sewing machine to work on the essential mask. Although they are easy and fast to make, it gave me a sense of purpose knowing I could do something to help others stay safe. I will continue to make them for as long as they are needed, adding a variety of patterns, colors, and materials. In the end, seeing how many people, both young and old, have come back to the lost art of sewing, even if it’s just to make face masks, is wonderful.