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.

At the end of June of this unforgettable year 2020, a group of young men and women, members of the VMY, decided to create a virtual prayer community that would pray the rosary each day. They were motivated by a desire to accompany a 21 year old young woman suffering from Lupus (and she continues in her struggle with this disease). At the same time these young people wanted to pray for all those who are infirm and for an end to the pandemic.

Each day, from the early hours of the morning, intentions flow into our WhatsApp group. These intentions come from near and far places throughout the world. Each message reminds us of the need to live our day in prayer, offering who we are and what we do for the good of our sisters and brothers.

At 8:00 pm, 30 to 50 people, including entire families and people not related to the group, connect via Zoom to pray the rosary. The Sister who accompanies us leads the group in the opening prayer. Then two people read the intentions of the day and the meditation, and we take turns praying the beads. Sometimes technology fails and several individuals are unable to connect, but at the same time, from their homes, they pray together with the others, knowing that if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them (Matthew 18:19-20).

Our prayer group has shared sorrow, joy, news of healings and relapses, fears and hopes. We do not know each other personally, but we feel and – even more – we are truly a convinced that we are a community of brothers and sisters who welcome others and present the Lord with the needs of our Church, of the entire world, of our countries and of our loved ones.

At a time when it was impossible for us to be close to each other, this community of prayer allows us to accompany so many people whom before it would have been impossible to express our compassion and love. At this time when we have to refrain from physical contact, our faith-filled and hope-filled prayers embrace each person entrusted to us.

This unique experience of communion still continues and each one of us are reminded of the fact that we are part of this communion of saints … active members of this body of believers. Yes, prayer is the best embrace. It knows neither borders nor distance, and like rain, it produces its effect, even though those effects might remain hidden from our knowledge.

Yasmine Cajuste