Bahama Catholic - April 2020 - Easter

EASTER MESSAGES OF HOPE The Holy Father’s Easter Message Today the Church’s proclamation echoes makes problems vanish. No, the resurrection of throughout the world: “Jesus Christ is risen!” – Christ is not that. Instead, it is the victory of love “He is truly risen.” over the root of evil, a victory that does not “by- Like a new flame this Good News springs up in the pass” suffering and death, but passes through them, night: the night of a world already faced with opening a path in the abyss, transforming evil into epochal challenges and now oppressed by a pan- good: this is the unique hallmark of the power of demic severely testing our whole human family. In God. this night, the Church’s voice rings out: “Christ, my hope, is risen!” The Risen Lord is also the Crucified One, not some- one else. In his glorious body he bears indelible This is a different “contagion”, a message transmitted wounds: wounds that have become windows of from heart to heart – for every human heart awaits hope. Let us turn our gaze to him that he may heal this Good News. It is the contagion of hope: “Christ, the wounds of an afflicted humanity. my hope, is risen!” This is no magic formula that CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 From Archbishop Patrick Pinder, STD, CMG “ ... After these bleak days there are much brighter days ahead. Our celebration of Easter keep ”us holding firmly to that Hope. Beloved in Christ: a tree. Yet ... God raised him on the third day....” (Acts 10:38ff). What we have here is a basic, fun- Easter is the very foundation of our faith. The damental expression of our Christian faith. It is celebration of Easter brings us back to that the bedrock upon which we place all our Hope. foundation. It takes us back to how it all It is the foundation upon which we build all our began. It is essential for us to return to this Feast values. It is the cornerstone for all the meaning each year to remember and to reaffirm what it is and purpose and motivation for good that is in that we believe and why we believe it. We our life. return, each Easter, to the very source of Hope and strength within us. More than that, it is the source of the expectation we have for the fullness of life of which we have From the Liturgy of Easter Sunday The Acts of the only hints and expectations in this mortal exis- Apostles reports Peter saying: tence. In Easter we celebrate the resurrection of “[Jesus] ... went about doing good and healing Christ, the victory of life over death. all those oppressed by the devil for God was with him.... They put him to death by hanging him on CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

2 April 2020 E-Edition Urbi et Orbi Homily of Pope Francis In response to the how we have allowed to become dull and feeble ongoing coronavirus the very things that nourish, sustain and strength- en our lives and our communities. The tempest pandemic, Pope lays bare all our prepackaged ideas and forgetful- Francis delivered an ness of what nourishes our people’s souls; all extraordinary blessing those attempts that anesthetize us with ways of “urbi et orbi” — to thinking and acting that supposedly “save” us, the city and the world but instead prove incapable of putting us in touch on March 27, 2020 with our roots and keeping alive the memory of those who have gone before us. We deprive our- PHOTO CREDIT © Vatican Media selves of the antibodies we need to confront adversity.  In this storm, the façade of those stereotypes with which we camouflaged our egos, always worrying about our image, has fallen away, uncovering once more that (blessed) common belonging, of which we cannot be deprived: our belonging as brothers and sisters.  The following is the full text of The Holy Father’s In spite of the tempest, he sleeps on soundly, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” Lord, Urbi et Orbi homily delivered on March 27, 2020. trusting in the Father; this is the only time in the your word this evening strikes us and regards us, Gospels we see Jesus sleeping. When he wakes all of us. In this world, that you love more than “When evening had come” (Mk 4:35). The Gospel passage we have just heard begins like this. For up, after calming the wind and the waters, he we do, we have gone ahead at breakneck speed, weeks now it has been evening. Thick darkness turns to the disciples in a reproaching voice: feeling powerful and able to do anything. Greedy has gathered over our squares, our streets and our cities; it has taken over our lives, filling every- “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” (v. 40).  for profit, we let ourselves get caught up in thing with a deafening silence and a distressing void, that stops everything as it passes by; we feel things, and lured away by haste. We did not stop it in the air, we notice in people’s gestures, their glances give them away. We find ourselves afraid Let us try to understand. In what does the lack of at your reproach to us, we were not shaken and lost. Like the disciples in the Gospel we were the disciples’ faith consist, as contrasted with awake by wars or injustice across the world, nor caught off guard by an unexpected, turbulent storm. We have realized that we are on the same Jesus’ trust? They had not stopped believing in did we listen to the cry of the poor or of our ailing boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called him; in fact, they called on him. But we see how planet. We carried on regardless, thinking we to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other. On this boat… are all of us. Just like they call on him: “Teacher, do you not care if we would stay healthy in a world that was sick. Now those  disciples, who spoke anxiously with one voice, saying “We are perishing” (v. 38), so we perish?” (v. 38). Do you not care: they think that that we are in a stormy sea, we implore you: too have realized that we cannot go on thinking of ourselves, but only together can we do this.  Jesus is not interested in them, does not care “Wake up, Lord!”.  It is easy to recognize ourselves in this story. about them. One of the things that hurts us and What is harder to understand is Jesus’ attitude. While his disciples are quite naturally alarmed our families most when we hear it said is: “Do “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” Lord, and desperate, he stands in the stern, in the part you not care about me?” It is a phrase that you are calling to us, calling us to faith. Which is of the boat that sinks first. And what does he do? wounds and unleashes storms in our hearts. It not so much believing that you exist, but coming would have shaken Jesus too. Because he, more to you and trusting in you. This Lent your call than anyone, cares about us. Indeed, once they reverberates urgently: “Be converted!”, “Return have called on him, he saves his disciples from to me with all your heart” (Joel  2:12). You are their discouragement.  calling on us to seize this time of trial as a time of choosing. The storm exposes our vulnerability and uncovers those false and superfluous certainties around which we have constructed our daily schedules, our projects, our habits and priorities. It shows us

3April 2020 E-Edition It is not the time of your judgement, but of our “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith”? Faith Embracing his cross means finding the courage to judgement: a time to choose what matters and begins when we realise we are in need of salva- embrace all the hardships of the present time, what passes away, a time to separate what is nec- tion. We are not self-sufficient; by ourselves we abandoning for a moment our eagerness for essary from what is not. It is a time to get our founder: we need the Lord, like ancient navigators power and possessions in order to make room for lives back on track with regard to you, Lord, and needed the stars. Let us invite Jesus into the boats the creativity that only the Spirit is capable of to others. We can look to so many exemplary of our lives. Let us hand over our fears to him so inspiring. It means finding the courage to create companions for the journey, who, even though that he can conquer them. Like the disciples, we spaces where everyone can recognize that they fearful, have reacted by giving their lives. This is will experience that with him on board there will are called, and to allow new forms of hospitality, the force of the Spirit poured out and fashioned in be no shipwreck. Because this is God’s strength: fraternity and solidarity. By his cross we have courageous and generous self-denial. It is the life turning to the good everything that happens to us, been saved in order to embrace hope and let it in the Spirit that can redeem, value and demon- even the bad things. He brings serenity into our strengthen and sustain all measures and all possi- strate how our lives are woven together and sus- storms, because with God life never dies.  ble avenues for helping us protect ourselves and tained by ordinary people – often forgotten peo- others. Embracing the Lord in order to embrace ple – who do not appear in newspaper and maga- The Lord asks us and, in the midst of our tempest, hope: that is the strength of faith, which frees us zine headlines nor on the grand catwalks of the invites us to reawaken and put into practice that from fear and gives us hope.  latest show, but who without any doubt are in solidarity and hope capable of giving strength, these very days writing the decisive events of our support and meaning to these hours when every- “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith”? Dear time: doctors, nurses, supermarket employees, thing seems to be floundering. The Lord awakens brothers and sisters, from this place that tells of cleaners, caregivers, providers of transport, law so as to reawaken and revive our Easter faith. We Peter’s rock-solid faith, I would like this evening and order forces, volunteers, priests, religious have an anchor: by his cross we have been saved. to entrust all of you to the Lord, through the men and women and so very many others who We have a rudder: by his cross we have been intercession of Mary, Health of the People and have understood that no one reaches salvation by redeemed. We have a hope: by his cross we have Star of the stormy Sea. From this colonnade that themselves. In the face of so much suffering, been healed and embraced so that nothing and no embraces Rome and the whole world, may God’s where the authentic development of our peoples one can separate us from his redeeming love. In blessing come down upon you as a consoling is assessed, we experience the priestly prayer of the midst of isolation when we are suffering from embrace. Lord, may you bless the world, give Jesus: “That they may all be one” (Jn 17:21). How a lack of tenderness and chances to meet up, and health to our bodies and comfort our hearts. You many people every day are exercising patience we experience the loss of so many things, let us ask us not to be afraid. Yet our faith is weak and and offering hope, taking care to sow not panic once again listen to the proclamation that saves we are fearful. But you, Lord, will not leave us at but a shared responsibility. How many fathers, us: he is risen and is living by our side. The Lord the mercy of the storm. Tell us again: “Do not be mothers, grandparents and teachers are showing asks us from his cross to rediscover the life that afraid” (Mt 28:5). And we, together with Peter, our children, in small everyday gestures, how to awaits us, to look towards those who look to us, “cast all our anxieties onto you, for you care face up to and navigate a crisis by adjusting their to strengthen, recognize and foster the grace that about us” (cf. 1 Pet 5:7). routines, lifting their gaze and fostering prayer. lives within us. Let us not quench the wavering How many are praying, offering and interceding flame (cf. Is 42:3) that never falters, and let us for the good of all. Prayer and quiet service: these allow hope to be rekindled.  are our victorious weapons.  What is an An Urbi et Orbi blessing is usually given only at Christmas and Easter. It means “to the city and the world,” and is given for the benefit of all humanity. Urbi et Orbi This blessing is also given immediately after a new pope’s election and carries with it ?blessing a plenary indulgence for all who follow by television, internet or radio, who are sorry for their sins, recite a few prescribed prayers and promise to go to confession and to receive the Eucharist as soon as possible.

4 April 2020 E-Edition circumstances, that these rivalries do not regain force, but that all recognize themselves as part of a single family and support one another. The European Union is presently fac- ing an epochal challenge, on which will depend not only its future but that of the whole world. Let us not lose the opportunity to give further proof of solidarity, also by turn- ing to innovative solutions. The only alternative is the self- ishness of particular interests and the temptation of a return to the past, at the risk of severely damaging the peaceful coexistence and development of future genera- tions. Pope Francis gives his Easter message before the Urbi et Orbi blessing on April 12, 2020. This is not a time for division. May Christ our peace Photo credit: Vatican Media/CNA. enlighten all who have responsibility in conflicts, that they may have the courage to support the appeal for an imme- The Holy Father’s In these weeks, the lives of millions of people have sud- diate global ceasefire in all corners of the world. This is denly changed. For many, remaining at home has been an not a time for continuing to manufacture and deal in Easter Message | FROM PAGE 1 opportunity to reflect, to withdraw from the frenetic pace arms, spending vast amounts of money that ought to be of life, stay with loved ones and enjoy their company. For used to care for others and save lives. Rather, may this be Today my thoughts turn in the first place to the many who many, though, this is also a time of worry about an uncer- a time for finally ending the long war that has caused have been directly affected by the coronavirus: the sick, tain future, about jobs that are at risk and about other such great bloodshed in Syria, the conflict in Yemen and those who have died and family members who mourn the consequences of the current crisis. I encourage political the hostilities in Iraq and in Lebanon. May this be the time loss of their loved ones, to whom, in some cases, they leaders to work actively for the common good, to provide when Israelis and Palestinians resume dialogue in order to were unable even to bid a final farewell. May the Lord of the means and resources needed to enable everyone to find a stable and lasting solution that will allow both to life welcome the departed into his kingdom and grant lead a dignified life and, when circumstances allow, to live in peace. May the sufferings of the people who live in comfort and hope to those still suffering, especially the assist them in resuming their normal daily activities. the eastern regions of Ukraine come to an end. May the elderly and those who are alone. May he never withdraw terrorist attacks carried out against so many innocent peo- his consolation and help from those who are especially This is not a time for indifference, because the whole ple in different African countries come to an end. vulnerable, such as persons who work in nursing homes, world is suffering and needs to be united in facing the or live in barracks and prisons. For many, this is an Easter pandemic. May the risen Jesus grant hope to all the poor, This is not a time for forgetfulness. The crisis we are fac- of solitude lived amid the sorrow and hardship that the to those living on the peripheries, to refugees and the ing should not make us forget the many other crises that pandemic is causing, from physical suffering to economic homeless. May these, the most vulnerable of our brothers bring suffering to so many people. May the Lord of life be difficulties. and sisters living in the cities and peripheries of every part close to all those in Asia and Africa who are experiencing of the world, not be abandoned. Let us ensure that they grave humanitarian crises, as in the Province of Cabo This disease has not only deprived us of human closeness, do not lack basic necessities (all the more difficult to find Delgado in the north of Mozambique. May he warm the but also of the possibility of receiving in person the con- now that many businesses are closed) such as medicine hearts of the many refugees displaced because of wars, solation that flows from the sacraments, particularly the and especially the possibility of adequate health care. In drought and famine. May he grant protection to migrants Eucharist and Reconciliation. In many countries, it has not light of the present circumstances, may international sanc- and refugees, many of them children, who are living in been possible to approach them, but the Lord has not left tions be relaxed, since these make it difficult for countries unbearable conditions, especially in Libya and on the bor- us alone! United in our prayer, we are convinced that he on which they have been imposed to provide adequate der between Greece and Turkey. And I don't want to for- has laid his hand upon us, firmly reassuring us: Do not be support to their citizens, and may all nations be put in a get the island of Lesbos. In Venezuela, may he enable afraid, “I have risen and I am with you still!” position to meet the greatest needs of the moment through concrete and immediate solutions to be reached that can the reduction, if not the forgiveness, of the debt burdening permit international assistance to a population suffering May Jesus, our Passover, grant strength and hope to doc- the balance sheets of the poorest nations. from the grave political, socio- economic and health situa- tors and nurses, who everywhere offer a witness of care tion. and love for our neighbours, to the point of exhaustion This is not a time for self-centeredness, because the chal- and not infrequently at the expense of their own health. lenge we are facing is shared by all, without distinguish- Dear brothers and sisters, Indifference, self-centeredness, Our gratitude and affection go to them, to all who work ing between persons. Among the many areas of the world division and forgetfulness are not words we want to hear diligently to guarantee the essential services necessary for affected by the coronavirus, I think in a special way of at this time. We want to ban these words forever. They civil society, and to the law enforcement and military per- Europe. After the Second World War, this beloved conti- seem to prevail when fear and death overwhelm us, that sonnel who in many countries have helped ease people’s nent was able to rise again, thanks to a concrete spirit of is, when we do not let the Lord Jesus triumph in our difficulties and sufferings. solidarity that enabled it to overcome the rivalries of the hearts and lives. May Christ, who has already defeated past. It is more urgent than ever, especially in the present death and opened for us the way to eternal salvation, dis- pel the darkness of our suffering humanity and lead us into the light of his glorious day, a day that knows no end. With these reflections, I would like to wish you all a happy Easter.

April 2020 E-Edition 5 Archbishop Pinder’s The wisdom of Science, Medicine and Public Health and to grow closer to God. Doing so they have pro- Easter Message | FROM PAGE 1 tells us that to protect ourselves as best we can we vided great benefits to our civilization. I think here of need to: the giants of our spiritual tradition such as St. We share in that resurrection by our own Baptism. •Stay home Benedict and St. Ignatius of Loyola. We are all capa- That is how we understand Baptism. St Paul says: •Practice Social Distancing ble of using our time of confinement, our lockdown, “Are you unaware that we who were baptized into •Wash our hands frequently positively. To deny this is to undermine and to under- Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were •Cover our cough or sneeze with a tissue then prop- value our potential and our very selves. indeed buried with him through Baptism into death, erly discard the tissue. so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the Indeed, this Easter finds us bearing a heavy cross. Yet glory of the Father, we too might live in the newness Let us not be foolish. Let us not be irresponsible. Let this time of trial will not last forever. The passion and of life.” (Romans 6:3-4) us follow these directions wisely. death of Christ is not the end of the story. His passion leads to his glorification. With that in mind, let us We celebrate this Easter at a most unusual time. The Being confined is not easy for us, but it is possible embrace our cross wisely, faithfully and hopefully. entire planet is in the grip of coronavirus (Covid19). and right now it is necessary. History offers us exam- After these bleak days there are much brighter days This dangerous and deadly virus for which, at pres- ples of those who used confinement very positively. ahead. Our celebration of Easter keep us holding ent, there is no vaccine or cure has impacted just There are those who had confinement imposed upon firmly to that Hope. about every nation and the deaths now number in them, sometimes unjustly. Still, with discipline and the hundreds of thousands. Some among us have vision they used the time to fashion a better future for May the Risen Lord be our Hope and our strength. been infected and some have died. themselves and their nation. A prime example is May God Almighty protect us all. Nelson Mandela. Happy Easter! As we celebrate this Easter we do so joining the rest There are also those who freely chose confinement of the world in bearing a unique cross. It is Covid19. in order to attain spiritual discernment and insight Catholics celebrate Palm Sunday at home as Archbishop Pinder streams Mass online Blessing of the palms via Facebook livestream on Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is the start of the and heartwarming to see how many most important week (Holy persons responded to the invitation,” Week) of the year for Christians, the Archbishop said. according to Archbishop Pinder. However, this year due to the lockdown “The fact that so many people respond- conditions as required by the ed in this way tells us that so many of us Emergency Order, the faithful could not feel the need to express our sense of celebrate Palm Sunday in the usual way togetherness even though we are physi- and instead watched via Facebook live cally separate.” stream. He said, “It tells us something of the Archbishop pointed out that, “the pre- power of symbols which can often vailing sentiment of those who tuned in speak louder and more powerfully than to the digital celebration on Palm mere words. It reminds us that when the Sunday was one of gratitude and praise occasion calls for it we will find effec- to God. Moments like these show us tive and potent ways to express our how much we need each other and faith.” how much we need to express our faith in a loving God.” “We are physically isolated, but united through our faith.” In light of this lockdown, the Archbishop invited the faithful to place a palm branch or some other shrub on their front doors to be blessed during the livestream. “It was most impressive

6 April 2020 E-Edition Faithful stay connected through social media Photo: Paula Strachan-Reckley Pews sit empty in our parishes following Archbishop Pinder’s Emirates). Aaron Moss, a Bahamian who resides in the UAE was one of March 18 announcement that all public celebrations of Mass in the 3,000 viewers who tuned in on April 12 to watch the Easter Sunday The Archdiocese of Nassau were canceled due to the COVID-19 Mass. pandemic. Since the 24-hour curfew went into effect, Archbishop Pinder live streamed daily Mass via Facebook each morning, and streamed the Holy In a recent statement, Archbishop advised that daily Mass would be live Week and Easter liturgies from his residence. streamed via the Archdiocese’s social media platforms. Continued on page 7 “Our digital platforms such as Facebook and YouTube have given us wonderful opportunities to allow the faithful to experience daily Mass by live streaming, ‘’ Archbishop Pinder said. “It also allows persons to return and view the Mass at their convenience.” This is a ‘new normal’ for many of the faithful globally and locally, who now have to watch daily Mass via live stream or on television. “One remarkable thing about live streaming is that it enables us to reach persons wherever there is internet service; this means those very near as well as those far away,” said Archbishop Pinder. The Archbishop pointed out that these social media platforms bring “a sense of unity even though we are separated physically. ’’ That Catholic unity has spanned as far as Abu Dhabi (United Arab

7April 2020 E-Edition The first Archdiocesan Facebook live stream was on March 25, 2020, celebrated by Archbishop Pinder – it had a total of 2,200 views. Now more than ever, people under ‘lockdown’ here in The Bahamas and around the world are turning to their Catholic faith for hope, prayers and spiritual guid- ance in this time of crisis. Therefore, Archbishop Pinder’s initiative to launch viewing Mass via the live streaming of the liturgies has definitely helped meet the needs of the faithful. Here is what viewers are saying: The daily Mass live stream has been an absolute blessing to many families. it has been a difficult and new experience. But she added this increased and test- ed her faith. Father David Cooper, pastor of Mary, Star of the Sea Church in Grand Bahama, understands the stress the coronavirus pandemic is putting on the Catholic com- “We are adapting“ says Lisa Bellot, of St. Paul The Apostle Church. “We have munity in Grand Bahama, so staying in touch and connected with his congrega- been tuning in every day; it has become a part of our daily routine. In addition, tion is crucial and important to him. she says her family also listens to the pre-recorded daily reflections by Fr. Kendrick Forbes, via the parish Facebook page. He has also been live streaming daily reflection during Holy Week. “ We are also staying in touch with congregation members through the church’s Facebook page, In these difficult times, Lisa believes it is important to “spread the word.” She said in phone calls and texts, WhatsApp messages and through prayers.” she has been sharing the links with her family and friends locally and abroad. Also adjusting is Aniska Smith and her family, “we are adapting to watching “We know that some of our parishioners are going through situations in life livestream very well. In fact, Aniska added that it has brought her family closer already, after experiencing the trauma from Hurricane Dorian, now compounded together and they have encouraged others to join in celebrating the Mass by host- by this pandemic, “ Father Cooper said. ing a \"watch party\" via Facebook. “I particularly like the fact, that if I missed the live stream (via Facebook), I am able to view the Mass later through the Archdiocese YouTube channel,” she added. St. Francis Xavier Cathedral members, Ondrey and Gabby Mckenzie told BC, that “their family have been enjoying a sense of community that is built when they can see fellow parishioners, friends and family members viewing the Mass along with them and participating through the posting of comments in the same man- ner, as they would recite the mass in person.” Agatha Cartwright, who usually worships with her daughter and her family at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, describes the livestreaming experience as ‘different’ from her usual way of worshiping. She explained, “It is definitely keeping me connected to my faith, and it also allows me to enter into a prayerful space as I participate in the virtual celebration of the liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist. Danielle Grant, a mother of two, on a recent Sunday, said she dressed up her son, and her daughter, as if they were going to church, and watched the Sunday Mass via YouTube. For St. Anselm parishioners, Veronica, Antoinette and Lesley Hutchinson, it is “While live streaming was better than nothing, she says worshiping at a distance customary for the family to worship together every Sunday. “We have continued is a struggle; especially not being able to receive communion, but instead praying to worship together by now gathering in our living room every morning at 9 a.m. the ‘Act of Spiritual Communion.’” for daily Mass. “Now we are experiencing and enjoying “virtual Mass services” via livestream.” Lesley said. Continued on page 8 However for Veronica, who usually attends the 6 a.m. Mass each day; admits that

8 April 2020 E-Edition How to get the most out of Mass online From page 7 •Preview the televised Masses This is one of the biggest concerns and what Catholics miss most Gabby said “they feel a sense of church community when we see offered to determine which may regarding viewing Mass online, the Catholic faithful are experienc- our fellow parishioners, friends and family members viewing the be most appropriate for ing… not being able to receive Holy Communion. Mass along with us and participating through the posting of com- your household. ments in the same manner as we would recite the mass in per- Others who were interviewed agreed that there is a particular the- son.” • Set up a space in your home for ological importance in attending mass in person and physically receiving Holy Communion. Her husband, Ondrey added that, “we are thankful for the oppor- prayer/worship. Consider covering tunity to at least spend time in worship via electronic means, as a table with a tablecloth or anoth- A parishioner of St. Cecelia’s Parish, said while thankful for the we continue to pray for God's hand of protection on our country live streaming, and mindful of the social distancing rules, worship- and the entire world. er nice cloth of the season- al ing from home, meanwhile, simply isn’t the same as being in the liturgical color. church as that is where the Eucharist is. “I feel that I am with Christ physically when I’m at church, he added that he truly feels Timolin and Eddie Thompson, from Holy Family Parish said while • Place a Bible, a candle and a that difference,” he said. they are grateful for the daily Mass livestream they too miss the cross or crucifix on the table. physical interacting, the togetherness shared with her parish family Veronica expressed that not receiving the Eucharist leaves a void every Sunday and hope they would soon be able to commune • Straighten the space, and and a longing in her soul. “The Eucharist at its core is about great together again. ar- range enough furniture for all. sacrifice and thanksgiving, and so we give thanks and are eternally grateful for the gift of livestreaming, and the gift of faith that now “I definitely miss the physical presence of my church family, how- challenges us to be the living church gathered around a domestic banquet table. “ ever, I cherish our telephone conversations that now keeps me • Have everyone go to the connected to my church family,” a St. Bede Church parishioner bath- room, get drinks, wash Viewing Mass via livestreaming according to the Archbishop “is by said. faces and come prepared to attend no means the same as being physically present but it is an excel- lent way to communicate and to keep in touch while we are sepa- In this time of social distancing and quarantining, Archbishop said, to the Mass. rated by physical distances as we are required to be at present. “ “What we learn by using this method at present, we can continue to apply even after we have passed through these challenging • Turn off and remove all devices times.” that can distract from the space. - PSR SUBSCRIBE • LIKE • FOLLOW US • Remind everyone that we do not kneel and perform the ritual www.archdioceseofnassau.org/live gestures of Mass while we are watching it, since this does not take the place of attending Mass. But everyone should attend to it prayerfully and make a spiritual communion. Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nassau • Before the Mass begins, a light candle. archdioceseofnassau

SCHOOL NEWS 9April 2020 E-Edition Students Share Their Views Although children can still be infected it has been reported that they are less vulnerable to the effects of COVID 19. But in terms of the impact of the pandemic children are most vul- nerable. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic there have been significant changes to the rou- tine of children around the world. Students throughout The Bahamas are entering their 5th week of school closure. After a two-week Easter break Catholic school students in The Bahamas will resume online learning on Monday 20 April. Bahama Catholic spoke to students about how they are dealing with changes to their routine, here are some of their responses. St. Augustine’s College, student Trent Thompson starts the day with a virtual lesson. “During this time, I place all my hope and trust in - photo courtesy of Jacinta Thompson. God. I have always had a deep connection with God, however, attending a Catholic school has Catholic schools turn strengthened my relationship with God tremen- to remote learning dously. I am continuing my daily devotions at home as I would usually do  at school. My faith Update from The Catholic Board Of Education and complete trust in God have been my pillar of strength whenever I become anxious about the On Sunday 15 March 2020, April, the CBE system will fully imple- Catholic Education said, “The institu- uncertainty of many future events.” as a result of the COVID-19 ment Goggle Classroom as its main tion of the Continuity of Learning Plan pandemic, the Minister of platform. Google Classroom provides has changed CBE’s instruction, - Zyhria Curry, Aquinas College Education announced that all schools a secure and viable option for online engagement, and interaction to a vir- in The Bahamas would close. Catholic teaching. tual forum.” Mrs. Rolle added, “Upon “The best thing that has come out of this lock- Board of Education (CBE) registration every CBE student (prima- down is the time that I have been able to spend Administrators had met earlier in the Over the past week, Catholic Board of ry & secondary) is assigned a CBE with my family and deepen my faith. During this week to make contingency plans in Education’s IT specialists conducted email account; however, this is the period, I have grown significantly closer to my the event of school closures so were Goggle Classroom training. These first opportunity that schools have had family. Being on lockdown together has forced us prepared to begin remote teaching were introductory sessions with teach- to use them on a large scale. The to communicate daily and find creative, fun ways when the announcement was made. ers of St. Cecilia’s School, St. Thomas email accounts ensure all our students to pass the time together. I believe that I have More School, Mary, Star of the Sea are aligned using a secure email sys- grown significantly closer to my family. In addi- For the past three weeks CBE teachers Catholic Academy, Xavier’s Lower tem.” tion, being at home has provided me with an proceeded with online teaching to School and Sts. Francis and Joseph opportunity to deepen my faith. During this CBE’s two thousand six hundred stu- School. The session with Aquinas “Our students are always our number Easter season, I spent more time with God since dents. Teachers used a variety of meth- College was a follow up session as the one priority and CBE will continue to I had nowhere to go and no distractions to gain ods and software including Class school has used this platform in the work closely with all stakeholders to my attention.” Dojo, Edmodo and Zoom. There have past. Next week schools are sched- make the best decisions for students, been challenges including attendance uled to attend additional training ses- families, and our school communities, - Donovan Butler, St. Augustine’s College to online sessions, access to devices sions. The overall goal of these ses- “ the director said. and parental availability but CBE is sions is to expose teachers and admin- “In terms of a memory of 2020 I would like to committed to meeting the needs of all istrators to the Google Classroom plat- “We thank all our stakeholders for carry with me as I move into another chapter of our students. form so the platform can be used their patience as we navigate this new your life, I’d like to carry the character of CBE will resume remote teaching on throughout the system. way of learning.” resilience. A reminder that this year, which was 20 April. Beginning the week of 27 Mrs. Claudette Rolle, Director of filled with challenges from the beginning, Hurricane Dorian and ending with Covid-19, has taught and proven that a challenge so destructive like Dorian and a worldwide  pandemic has no effect on my capabilities rather it is based on how I react and adjust to the situation.” - Kuvantè Newbold, Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy

10 April 2020 E-Edition Tips for Surviving the Lockdown with children Submitted by Xavier Lower School Teachers • Parents are also encouraged to exercise daily with their children. Kids love to compete! We have all been introduced to a “new • As meals are a big part of the day, cook or bake normal” as we work from home and are together! Explore new recipes or have a Bake- challenged to take on the role of parent, off/Cook-off teacher or student. As we progress on this new jour- • Be sure to get in your daily dose of sunshine – walk ney here is the collective wisdom of Xavier’s Lower around your garden, have a scavenger hunt, explore School teachers to assist you in maintaining an nature or simply sit outside and bask in the sunshine. atmosphere that is conducive to learning, family • Take 15-minute breaks between lessons– play board bonding and spiritual growth. games, I Spy, karaoke and/or card games • Keep a daily gratitude journal Our tips for surviving the lock-down period are: • Utilize online resources such as BrainPop, • It is strongly recommended that some form of Scholastica, daily routine or schedule is established. This can be • Have a movie night! (have a coin toss to see who will adjusted from day to day. select the movie) • Parents and students are invited to begin each day • Have a talent night! with devotions, as is the custom when students are • Have a craft night! in school. This may include sharing reading the Bible stories or watching YouTube videos. Hopefully, these suggestions can assist in keeping your • If possible setup a workstation where work can be home environment amicable and healthy. We also organized and easily accessed. kindly ask that Parents and Guardians remember that • Use everyday objects found at home to assist in our teachers are ready, willing and able to support you, the learning process (dolls, trucks, cans, cars, balls) as you in turn support us. Most importantly, however, • Make learning as fun as possible! never forget the adage that says the family that prays • Try to get in 15 minutes of reading each day. Have together stays together! God Bless you all! the children read to you! , Simple Prayer Children Can Pray Daily During COVID­19 Pandemic for Peace of Soul Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing: God alone is changeless. Patience gains all things, Who has God wants nothing. God alone suffices. ­ St. Teresa of Avila Google image

April 2020 E-Edition 11 Catholics encouraged to practice What is spiritual Communion? “spiritual Communion” during Spiritual Communion is the prac- tice of desiring union with Jesus COVID-19 Epidemic Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It is used primarily by individuals who After the Angelus prayer on March 3, cannot receive holy Communion, Pope Francis invited the faithful “to such as the ill, the divorced and rediscover and deepen the value of the remarried, and those who have communion that unites all the members of the not yet been received into full Church. United to Christ we are never alone, communion with the Church. St. but we form one single Body, of which He is Thomas Aquinas described it as the Head.” “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the most holy sacrament and Pope Francis encouraged those unable to lovingly embrace him” at attend Church to pray for spiritual a time or in circumstances when Communion, “a practice that is highly recom- we cannot receive him in sacra- mended when it is not possible to receive the mental Communion. Sacrament.” Archbishops and bishops around the world join the pope in inviting the faithful to this practice. In his encyclical, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Pope John Paul II explained how the essential role of the Eucha- rist in uniting us to Christ led to the practice of “spiri- tual Communion”: In the Eucharist, “unlike any other sacrament, Act of spiritual Communion the mystery [of communion] is so perfect that it brings us to the heights of every good thing: My Jesus, Here is the ultimate goal of every human I believe that you are desire, because here we attain God and God present in the Most Holy Sacrament. joins himself to us in the most perfect union.” I love you above all things, and I desire to receive Precisely for this reason it is good to cultivate you into my soul. in our hearts a constant desire for the sacra- Since I cannot at this moment ment of the Eucharist. This was the origin of the practice of “spiritual Communion,” which receive you sacramentally, has happily been established in the Church for come at least spiritually centuries and recommended by saints who were masters of the spiritual life. St. Teresa of into my heart. I embrace you Jesus wrote: “When you do not receive as if you were already there and Communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual Communion, which is a unite myself wholly to you. most beneficial practice; by it the love of God Never permit me to be will be greatly impressed on you.” (Ecclesia de Eucharistia 34:68-70) separated from you. Amen. source: https://diolc.org/wp-con- tent/uploads/2020/04/fc_east- er_special_edition_parish.pdf

12 April 2020 E-Edition FaithKeeping the during Covid-19 Online Spiritual Resources Many Dioceses, parishes, and Catholics begin to feel the Spiritual Communion: https://archny.org/mass/acts-of-spiritual- effects of remaining at home due to the coronavirus. Below is a communion/ list of websites for Mass, prayers, and daily reflections to help us all during this trying time. Please note, this list will be COVID-19: A Prayer of Solidarity: updated as more resources become available. http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devo- tions/prayers/covid-19-prayer-of-solidarity.cfm Online Mass Light a Candle Online (from the National Shrine of St. John Roman Catholic Archdioces of Nassau Facebook Page: Neumann): https://stjohnneumann.org/faith-miracles/light-a- https://www.facebook.com/archdioceseofnassau/ candle-online/ Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nassau Youtube Channel: The following publishers have generously made their resources Catholic Nassau: available to support prayer during these diffi https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgZcSDzt2y3584HLEndhf 0A/featured cult days. We thank them for their generosity and pastoral con- cern. Vatican News Live Stream of Pope Francis’ Masses: https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html Liturgical Press: Give Us This Day: https://giveusthisday.org/Digital Catholic TV Mass: https://www.watchthemass.com/ Magnificat: English: https://us.magnificat.net/free EWTN Daily Mass: https://www.ewtn.com/tv/schedule Bayard: Living with Christ: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: http://www.livingwithchrist.us/#covid https://www.nationalshrine.org/mass/ The Word Among Us: English: https://wau.org/meditations/ Prayers USCCB Pope Francis’ Prayer with Mary for COVID-19: http://www.usccb.org/about/communications/usccb-president- Daily Readings: English: reflection-and-prayer-during-coronavirus.cfm http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041420.cfm Daily Readings Audio: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings- Archbishop Gomez Prayer for COVID-19: audio.cfm http://www.usccb.org/about/communications/usccb-president- Video Reflection: reflection-and-prayer-during-coronavirus.cfm http://www.usccb.org/bible/reflections/index.cfm -Taken from USCCB