Near Yet Far: A Pandemic to Remember

 COVID-19 Pandemic has created havoc globally. There are several studies that have been conducted as relates to the physical and psychological effects of Pandemic. Those effects are devastating and will remain for many years to come. Economic devastation is mindboggling and will take years to recover from this economic fall. Ample ink has been spilled on these topics of immediate concern and hence, states and organizations have come forward to address them with almost hastily. Therefore, I would like to focus our attention on two other aspects of human need and they are social and spiritual effects.

The human need to interact and mingle with others is necessary for our growth and evolution. Peaceful coexistence is possible if all persons engage in proper social contacts. The growth of the child largely depends on the society where children learn the traits of life and besides they gain knowledge from each other's experience. Likewise, adults socialize at work or otherwise which bonds them to live peacefully and hence evolve as whole human beings. Spouses and family members feel the effects of social distancing to reduce the spread of the virus. Family members are skeptical to touch each other which is natural because families want to protect each other. These effects are serious and will have a longlasting impact on individual growth. These impacts also might lead to human disasters such as enmity, quarrels, and alienation of others. Persons treat others with less dignity and respect due to distancing. Touch plays a significant role in the physical and psychological growth of individuals. This basic sense of touch has been curtailed due to the virus. It might take years to break this new normal of untouchability. 

Humans are spirit and body. Spiritual needs of humans fulfill other needs that are tangible. Although spiritual needs are not merely religious based but also inner peace emanating from the conscious. For many person spirituality rooted in religions as an impact on human growth and evolution. Worship places have been shut their doors. Persons have been denied access to their worship places by this deadly virus. Their right to a relationship with God has been trampled and destroyed. This will have effects on families and society. The relationship between God, humans, and the environment has been disturbed and will take years to bring them to perfect unity. The distance has been widening as the COVID virus is taking its toll around the world. Many have lost their loved ones and in retrospect, they have asked questions such as 'where is God?, why God is silent? why is God allowing this? is there, God?' 

In conclusion, I suggest that all of us reflect, ponder, and share our own struggles in fighting this virus. Human growth depends on all aspects such as physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and environmental. As our healthcare workers strive to help in combating this deadly virus, I urge everyone to focus on life and growth holistically. Help those who are struggling with their social and spiritual relationships. It is crucial to focus on these aspects so that humans grow and evolve as a perfect human person. The human being is possible only through a blend of all essential aspects. I appeal to find ways and means to bring this blend and help each other in this noble task. 

Tribute to a Cheerful Nun

Words are not enough to express gratitude to Sister Admirabilis Browne who has passed on to her heavenly abode. Sister Admi has left an ineradicable mark in the hearts of so many Guyanese. Likewise, I had the honour of experiencing her pleasant demeanour. We have been touched by sister in exceptional ways. Sister was born in 1924. She went to Sacred Heart School and St. Joseph’s School in Georgetown. Early education in these schools emulated her religious vocation to the Sisters of Mercy. After taking a job for few years, she entered Convent of the Sisters of Mercy in 1947 in Dallas, Pennsylvania.  She pursued an MA in Mathematics from Fordham University. Her contribution towards education and hospital has been outstanding. She was the administrator at Mercy Hospital in Georgetown for several years.   

Sister celebrating her 70th anniversary recalled a simple yet profound experience in Mercy Hospital as a young sister. She was walking down the corridor when a young boy ran up to her called her, “Auntie Jesus, Auntie Jesus.” The boy has been taught to address a woman as Auntie and the boy noticed the cross on sister, hence the boy called her, ‘Auntie Jesus’. This encounter with the boy reminded sister to be like Jesus. Encounters as this will make us truly disciples of Jesus. Through this encounter, Sister encourages us to be close to Jesus even if it seems like He is not close to us, to know that God is doing His own thing to strengthen us. Therefore, do not be discouraged or worry when things are not going right.

 Her cheerfulness and love engulfed with a contagious smile is the hallmark of her life. Anyone who has met sister will never leave without being refreshed with a charming smile. She loved everyone in her own way since she believed in the love of God and love of people. She preached and practised her own saying ‘seeing happiness in others made you happy.’ This charming quality comes from her relationship with God for she articulates, ‘listen to the inner voice of yourself where God speaks.’ Sister encourages us to love Jesus not merely in a distant way but focus on loving those around us and this will have an amazing impact on

us. Her approach towards the young people was to meet them from where they are, although sister belonged to the ‘typewriter’ era. Therefore, she is loved and missed by many young people. I personally admired her for her attentive ear towards my preaching in the Church even though she had wealth of knowledge and spirituality. She has inspired me to remain humble because in humility we praise God. As we celebrate her life in gratitude, we imbibe the qualities of cheerfulness, love, humility and acceptance of a changing world. I conclude with her own motto, “All for Jesus through Mary.”