With people of different religions celebrating different festivals from their homes, a definite adaptation procedure can be seen in the spiritual and religious institutions. As a response to the pandemic, many religious groups are organising virtual services to come to aid of many people. Establishing faith in people can be a path to provide hope to people whose lives have been disrupted due to the widespread of the infectious disease. As churches, temples, and mosques shut down in the name of social distancing, many of such institutions organised radio, television, and online streaming of prayers for the regular devotees. Recently, Easter services were cancelled globally to comply with COVID-19. Many religious leaders have addressed this situation, providing guidance and opinions, and definitely asking their followers to stay at home.
David Meconi, the director of Saint Louis University’s Catholic Studies Centre, and Sister Virginia Herbers, the director of the University’s Office of Mission and Identity, assured that there are ways to how practice faith while in isolation. It requires a lot creativity and inner reflection. Some priests are trying to find innovative ways to connect with people. Meconi points out an instance, and says, “There are a few priests hearing confessions in parking lots six feet away from anyone who drives through. There are also instances of Eucharistic Adoration in parking lots where individuals simply stay in their cars and come and pray.”
The members of the University’s community are struggling to help the people of the society during social distancing but Herbers points out that there are many ways to do so even when following that clause. She says the smallest act of charity can amount to something big during such an adverse situation. The power of prayer has a greater effect on the community when it is done in unison with everyone in the society. Herber says, “We are living in a frightening time, but life in itself is good, and there is so much good in life that I don’t want to forget about it."
Subarna Basu