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MH England
March 31, 2020
Up until two weeks ago, we were stretched to the max, giving retreat days and talks, participating in special Lenten series with two different groups, hosting retreatants and guests, already trying to figure out how to transport three extra guests to Holy Week liturgies. Then on a dime, it all stopped.
We had also entered the last phase of preparation for an historic event in our country and Church: The Catholics in the UK were all asked to consecrate themselves to Our Lady on March 25th, with Fr. Gaitley’s 33-day preparation made freely available.
Then on March 29th, after a two- year preparation, England was rededicated to Our Lady as her dowry.
The first official dedication was in 1381, when King Richard II begged her protection in a time of political unrest. At this time, centuries later, we implore her help in a darkness even more profound. But obviously, when this idea was first conceived, no one had any idea we’d be in the middle of a pandemic.
These extraordinary events of grace were to have been celebrated in cathedrals throughout the country, but with cancelled Masses, we all tuned into streamed Masses in Walsingham instead. I think that was more powerful, as we were united in one liturgy.
It feels like the catastrophe that our foundress Catherine predicted has crashed in on us, and she indeed prepared us well.
The “word” for Madonna House this past year was Nazareth. We reflected on Catherine’s writings about Nazareth but really, what can you say about it? Then this word turned out to be our way through the coronavirus crisis.
With our enforced isolation, I had hoped we’d at least get some projects done around our house but we don’t have any extra time.
Our prayer life, meals, and work take up most of our day. Instead of hosting people in our home through retreats and visits, we make and receive phone calls.
One of the members of this house, Fr. Brian Christie, is a priest, and we are profoundly grateful for the gift of daily Mass in our home. This has become our most cherished way of praying for our people.
Many expressed relief and gratitude that we have remained in England with them at this time.
And what are we doing? What we always do: daily work, prayer, trying to love one another.
It is not natural for four people to live in one house 24/7, with no incursions or excursions. In stressful times, tensions can be heightened and the work of loving and forgiving is paramount.
We look out for our neighbours, we keep in touch with many people, we live our own Nazareth life with the Holy Family and the Trinity—the same as we always do. And Light shines out into the darkness.
I truly believe that we shall emerge from this time as a more purified, strengthened and unified Church and country. We’ve all had to let go of inessentials; we’ve all come to appreciate the gift of our Church, family and way of life; and I pray that everyone has dug deep within and searched for God—whether they recognize Him or not. The choice really, is to trust God or despair.
