After living through The Plague in Florence in 1348, Giovanni Boccaccio wrote The Decameron. It is the story of ten young people in isolation who encourage one another with dreams and stories.
Their gift to us today is the realisation that in a pandemic we need to support one another.
In physically distancing ourselves, we need to be sure not to isolate ourselves socially, emotionally or spiritually. To stay healthy in mind and body, we need to use any technological means to reach out and stay in contact with each other.
Recently, Pope Francis stood in an empty St Peter’s Square, a solitary figure offering a blessing for the world, reminding us that even though we are physically distant, isolated or quarantined, we are not alone:
"The Lord… invites us to reawaken and put into practice that solidarity and hope capable of giving strength, support and meaning to these hours when everything seems to be floundering. The Lord awakens so as to reawaken and revive our Easter faith … It means finding the courage to create spaces where everyone can recognize that they are called, and to allow new forms of hospitality, fraternity and solidarity."
May your quiet Easter be peaceful and healthy.
Matt Digges
Director of Mission
Sawtell Catholic Care