Greetings of peace.
We are now into our seventh week of this new way of life. This sense of isolation can lead to anxiety, confusion and impatience. We need to see the light of Christ through this veil of darkness and uncertainly. His light is a beacon of hope to guide us through this pandemic. The prayer to
Our Lady of Hope
that Br. John Maganzini, O.F.M. wrote is an uplifting meditation. Our Lady’s intercession is very powerful.
Last week,
I listened in on a virtual meeting of five Boston CEOs
. Theirs was a message of hope and optimism. Despite the abrupt change in lifestyle and the way we are forced to do business, the upshot is we are collaborating with colleagues and employees to find creative measures to keep moving forward, while protecting employees and customers. Fr. Frank Sevola, O.F.M., our guardian, and I are having these same conversations with the friars and our employees. It will be a different way of “normal,” once we reopen. Fear not, the Holy Spirit is leading the way.
Our outreach programs haven’t missed a beat. Mary Ann Ponti continues to operate the Franciscan Food Center each Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., adhering to social distancing guidelines, while St. Francis is properly outfitted. Our food center members depend upon us for weekly groceries, and we remain committed to serving the poor.
Mary Ann continues to bring the Women’s Medical Clinic to patients during her Tuesday and Wednesday street outreach in Downtown Boston and Boston Common. She assesses each woman’s complex needs, including substance abuse, mental illness and trauma, makes referrals to the appropriate service provider, and provides transportation when necessary.
Finally, I am profoundly grateful to those who have made a
charitable gift
, during the Shrine’s closure. Thank you for making a difference. The friars continue to pray for you and I ask that you continue to pray for us. With humble gratitude, I am
