Each week a member of the Vincentian Family will share a part of his/her experience during recent months. From the depths of their heart these writers will present a message of hope because we are convinced that there are positive lessons to be learned from this pandemic.

I want to share with you what could be referred to as a Vincentian PQRST, but first, let me explain the meaning of PQRST. This is a teaching method which involves Preview, Questions, Read, State, Test. Therefore, a Vincentian PQRST will involve: Pandemic, Questions, Reality, Salt, Transform.

Fr. Irving Gabriel Amaro Ramayo, CM,
VMY Assistant Director General

P. Pandemic: This situation has turned everything upside down: our lives, our values, our dreams, our plans, our way of relating to one another. Even meetings and gatherings that also had to be postponed. It is like engaging in a war without knowing who is the enemy or where an attack will be launched. Many things are changing but I also believe this is an opportunity to engage in personal, social and community transformation.

Q. Questions: What new things have we discovered about ourselves especially with regard to our family, our artistic expression, our collaborative work, our self-reflection and our instinct for survival? How has this pandemic affected us … affected our brothers and sisters in need? Are we fearful? How do we evangelize with hope in the midst of our fear? During this time of confinement what projects are we engaged in for the well-being of others? How will we continue those projects? And the list goes on…

R. Reality: This reality of COVID-19 has not only affected us but has affected the whole world. Things that were once important are no longer viewed the same way, while other things that we had neglected or forgotten, are now in the forefront of our consciousness and are being given the value they deserve.

S. Salt: “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). Today the world needs our abilities, strength, resilience, and creativity in order to confront this crisis. A person of prayer can do anything. Therefore we are called to be visionaries and to strengthen our bonds of solidarity. Yes, we are to be courageous (do not be afraid [Matthew 28:5]) and to take advantage of this time in order to grow and transform, in order to promote educational and environmental projects as well as projects that will eradicate poverty and injustice.

T. Transform: Will technology save us? Is it not the generous hearts of health care professionals, store owners, sanitation workers and many other first responders who have saved us? Pope Francis in his Urbi et Orbi message invites us to reawaken and put into practice that solidarity and hope capable of giving strength, support and meaning. Can we enter into deeper solidarity with others? I am a member of the Vincentian Family: how to act? How would we like to transform ourselves?

(Adapted from the International Vincentian Marian Youth Newsletter, June 2020 issue)

Would you like to share with the Vincentian Family worldwide some concrete and positive experience of yours during this time of pandemic? If so, please fill out the following form. It need not be very long, 300-400 words is enough: