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.

Our life has totally changed. Because we are “persons at risk,” we have not been able to go outside during this time. We value our freedom and we have had to depend on others to purchase food and other necessary items and yet at the same time, we have seen that people give their best in situations like this. Apart from not being able to go outside, we have come to realize how privileged we are because there are so many other lonely and helpless people who do not have the same material and human resources.

One of the main difficulties has been that our son became infected and was admitted into the hospital for eight days. Our suffering was enormous because we could not be by his side or help his family … feelings of helplessness. It has been most important to reflect on the reason for this pandemic … perhaps this is a warning from God to confront our arrogance and insensitivity as we live in the midst of an unjust and dehumanized world.

We have been very close as a family despite the distance between our homes. Our children have been very aware of our situation and we have been touched by the love and human and Christian values that have emerged during these difficult days. We are proud of them.

We have come to a fuller understanding of the smallness and insignificance of the human being. We have prayed and talked to God to understand what God wants us to learn from this pandemic. Our faith and trust in God have been strengthened and therefore, we have placed everything in God’s hands and mercy.

During this time, we have become more interested in family and friends. On the other hand, we have organized a virtual activity for a United Hands project, and we have collaborated in organizing a parish fundraising campaign to help people in need.

Many lessons have been learned during this time: one of the most important has been that the overwhelming majority of people have given the best of themselves and their resources and have reached out to assist others (this has profoundly touched me). I have also come to a deeper appreciation of the need for humility. I believe also that by consuming less, I can still be happy and the Earth is healthier. I know that love and commitment will save the world … and I also know that God will never abandon us.

Juana Perete