The Day the Churches Closed

By Ana Borden

I disconnected from the stress of news and calls during the beginning of the corona pandemic by gardening in our yard. My thoughts were with my sister and brother-in-law while they were in the trenches saving those affected at their hospitals, until my husband shared the news that public masses were suspended in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

I was silent, realizing what we considered would occur happened as well as the severity of the changing environment. That day, the birds continued to sing, the children kept playing joyfully and, thankfully, the church bells kept ringing. It was like the day before and like the day after. Because of these sounds, I have peace in my heart that God has a plan for all of us and, despite our loss of control, he is in control. His plan is greater than any we could imagine.

Yes, death surrounds us, but so does life. In the fear, I see hope and sparkles of new life and awareness.

My oldest daughter and I have been sharing Holy Mass, most mornings, on our local television stations. We have been praying the rosary with our children nearly every evening. Our children have had daily scavenger hunts and achieved new things like riding their bikes. We’ve interacted with our extended families due, thankfully, to modern technology, and there has been lots and lots of outdoors play all around.

Let’s focus on God’s graces and have him lead us during this challenging time.