3 Things I Saw Online That Gave Me Hope
The Coronavirus has the whole world feeling anxious and often helpless. I’ve felt myself asking the question “What can I really do?” I’m not a doctor or nurse; I don’t work for the CDC and I’m not a virologist. Healthcare providers, scientists, and essential workers have all played a vital role in minimizing the spread of this virus but we each can play a unique role as well. We each have specific gifts and talents that can serve our families and communities well. While I’ve seen some not so great aspects of humanity during this time (I’m looking at you, toilet paper hoarder) I’ve also seen some stunningly beautiful moments from humanity. I’m reminded of the words of St. Pope John Paul II, “There is no place for selfishness and no place for fear! Do not be afraid, then, when love makes demands. Do not be afraid when love requires sacrifice”. I hope these moments of beauty bring you as much joy as they brought me.
Meet Father Don Giuseppe Berardelli. Father Berardelli was a Catholic Priest for 47 years. While serving in the Diocese of Bergamo in Northern Italy, he contracted COVID-19. The 72-year-old Catholic priest gave up his personal ventilator to save the life of a younger patient who needed a ventilator as well. Father Berardelli passed away on March 15. Because of the quarantine, a funeral was not able to be held but there were reports of people applauded for him from their balconies the next day. Father Berardelli’s actions not only points us to the vocation of the priesthood but also to each of our vocations: love. The mayor where Father Berardelli served, Clara Poli spoke about his character saying, “A great person… he was always cheerful and full of enthusiasm, he gave peace and joy to our communities…..He was a priest who listened to everyone, he knew how to listen, whoever turned to him knew that he could count on his help.” (article)
A group called Sikh Volunteers Australia are cooking and delivering homemade meals to vulnerable people in need of meals for free. They’ve delivered 1,000 meals to those who are in isolation and need food. Their Vice President, Manpreet Singh said, “(It’s mostly) vulnerable people who are worried about the virus or people having trouble getting food at the supermarket, and disabled, homeless and single parents who are looking after their kids and can’t go out”. In addition to helping feed over 1,000 people during the coronavirus, they regularly help feed the homeless twice a week. During the bushfires in Australia, they also helped. (article)
Businesses are doing what they can to help. Joann fabric has been offering free material for those who wish to make masks to donate to hospitals. While adhering to all the social distancing requirements, JOANN stores have also opened their classrooms to allow people to use their sewing machines and materials to make masks and gowns for hospitals. President and CEO of JOANN said, “We are seeing hospital workers, organizations and individuals coming into our stores for supplies to make these essential items, and our customers are asking us how they can help….So many are spending their time and money to help in this tragic situation, and we want to step in to do our part to protect the amazing people who are helping the communities we serve.” (article)
I hope these stories brought you as much joy and hope as they brought me. Times of uncertainty can often make us turn inwards and focus on our needs, but I hope these stories remind us all the beauty of humanity and the importance of being our brother’s keeper
