Dear Friends,
We miss the presence of our guests at the monastery and pray daily that all of you, and your families, are safely sequestered and free from any signs of COVID- 19.
I continue to be inspired by the care and concern people are showing toward each other. With our housekeepers furloughed (at full pay), the Sisters are stepping “up to the plate” to do many of their daily chores. It’s amazing how quickly the sign-up sheets for volunteers get filled in. As a former educator for many years I feel for the principals and teachers who find themselves scrambling to provide worthwhile experiences for their students. Pity the parents who are trying to work from home having to share their one computer with their children. And, think how helpless parents must feel who don’t have computers and/or no Internet connection. Makes us ever more grateful for the wonders of technology we have in place. For us, we are grateful for the closeness to and the tech services provided by Saint Leo University.
Beginning April 2nd we will join Benedictine communities in the HERALD OF HOPE practice of ringing our Angelus (outdoor) bell at 3 p.m. each day of the pandemic. We will stop to call to mind all those whose lives are affected by COVID-19: you, our friends as well as those who are the unemployed or lonely, isolated, especially elderly people; those without food resources and all who are striving to meet that need. We remember those who are ill and all the care-takers … There are just SO many … we gather everyone in our prayers and present them to our holy founders, Benedict and Scholastica, along with our deceased Sisters to present to God for mercy, comfort and compassion.
I invite you to join us at 3 p.m. for a moment of intercession for people everywhere that they may have the courage and courtesy to practice appropriate social distancing.
With prayers and our affection,
Sister Roberta Bailey and Benedictine Sisters of Florida
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