The Communion Reflection read during the Covid Memorial Mass is as follows:-
We remember, God of history and commemoration, we remember.
We remember when the virus came and lives were lost; we remember the lockdowns and the separation, the cocooning, and the isolation.
We remember being separated from classmates and work colleagues, from family members and friends, we remember the confusion, the 2km travel restrictions, the walks around our neighbourhood, the despair, and the grief.
We remember that sense of vulnerability and shock.
We remember the numbness that overwhelmed us as we watched our screens for hours and hours, waiting for an explanation and understanding that never came.
We remember.
We remember, God of hope and presence, we remember.
We remember the heroes, those who rushed to help, who tended to the sick and contagious, who rose up to suppress the virus, those who held death in their hands.
We remember the various ways that our community supported those who grieved. Guards of honour along the streets, balloons, rounds of applause, pages of condolences on R.I.P., waves, tears and prayers offered from afar.
We remember the visits to nursing homes and hospitals, standing at windows looking in, talking on phones, longing for a hand to hold, aching to hug one another.
We remember families who coped with reduced numbers at funerals, planning Masses with priests over the phone, and a separation from the familiar rituals at a time of bereavement.
We remember the hours and the days of confusion, of giving comfort and drying tears.
We remember words of support and compassion from nations far and wide who were suffering the same tragedy as us.
We remember.
We remember God of love and compassion.
We remember the solidarity, the community spirit, the rallying of people to get through this together.
We remember the rainbows on our railings. The editing and delivery of Pastoral parcels.
The shopping done for elderly and vulnerable neighbours. Coming to the Church to light candles and pray silently, watching daily Mass on our devices and learning the prayer of spiritual communion.
We remember the home schooling, having meetings in our pyjama bottoms, the baking of banana bread, the zoom quizzes, the exercise classes on the street, conversations over garden walls…..2 metres apart of course.
The stocking up on toilet paper, and wondering if we would ever be able to get back into the D.I.Y. shop for more paint.
We remember.
We remember, in part, because we see the ripples of that tragic event continue to impact our world.
We continue to grieve with families today as they grieved with us these past three years.
And together we wonder if there will ever be an end . . . to illness, to suffering, to death.
And we remember.
We call to you now in our remembrance, God of justice and of peace. Give us a will to truly pray that your kingdom may come on earth as it is in heaven.
On this day of remembrance:
May we honour the lives that were lost to this tragic illness and may we give comfort to those who live with that loss.
May we give thanks for those who served and saved, rendered aid and assistance.
May we give thanks for our wonderful neighbours, friends, and strangers, in our community who helped each other through these times.
May we seek healing and cures where it is within our ability,
and rely on you when the ability escapes us.
On this day of remembrance:
May we re-build what has been torn away from us.
May we mend what has been broken.
May we live in your love when fear seems to reign.
May we bear witness to the source of comfort.
Amen