Precious Commodity

although it can’t be found on grocery store shelves,
hope is among the world’s most in-demand items these days

Hope is hard, even in “normal” times. Throw in a pandemic, national civil unrest, the challenges of winter, and the hurdles many must overcome to be vaccinated, and hope can be as hard to find as paper towels and disinfectant wipes! So we dig deeper, rely more passionately on our faith that God will see us through. Sometimes, he calls upon us to do the hard work ourselves.

“Hope is difficult in any situation. This year is a particular challenge,” says Sister Barbara Ann Webster. “Hope is coupled with faith. Without faith you can’t have hope, and without hope, you can’t have faith.”

Sister has responded by increasing her prayer and finds that praying the Rosary is particularly meaningful. “After the initial Creed we say, ‘for the increase of faith, hope and charity,’ and we continue on,” she explains. “I like to ponder there and ask God to really increase these virtues in us, in me, so the overflow will be charity — where I will be aware of those around me who need my prayers, my concern and my listening so that they can pass on hope and faith to others in whatever way possible.”

As a general rule, Sister Gracy Kundukulam, the youngest member of our United State Province, puts her worries firmly in God’s hands. “I am not worried about tomorrow because I don’t know if I will be here tomorrow. So I am enjoying the time I have now,” she says. “Nothing is going to happen without God’s knowledge. Trusting in God is what gives me hope.”

Leaders and essential workers — those who have to care for themselves and still be present for so many others — have found themselves particularly taxed by the events of the past year. Among them is Barbara Martin-Fiedler, one of our lay Associates who teaches theology at Notre Dame Catholic High School in Easton, Pa. She and her colleagues nationwide have watched students in their charge adjust to an ever-changing learning environment.

“The students who have persevered and still attend give me hope,” Barbara explains. “Many students are online and, in some cases, one student is still sitting in class while we teach online and in class at the same time. The one student attending in-class learning alone inspires me!”

Our own leadership team has been charged with re-envisioning administrative functions — some that involve Sisters in different states and on different continents — to meet this extraordinary moment. Many of our community’s travel plans, major meetings, outreach efforts and fundraising events have all been conducted in unconventional ways or postponed altogether.

“This past year has really been one that has tested me on many levels,” says Sister Frances Marie Duncan, provincial minister of the School Sisters of St. Francis. “What gives me hope is the reality that God has never abandoned me before and that, even in my darkest hours, there was always light at the end of the ordeal. Some of my worst times in life turned out in the end to be my greatest blessings.”

Though she’ll never claim to be a medical doctor, Sister Nancy Celaschi contends that humor is among the most effective remedies for dwindling hope. The Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs where she ministers in Rome essentially has been shut down since last spring and will remain so until it is again safe to travel. In the meantime, she has made the most of electronic connections.

“I have been spending time with Facebook, finding cultural articles, pieces about life in Italy — when tourism resumes — and puns, lots of puns,” Sister says. “I have many Facebook ‘friends’ whom I barely remember, having met them on pilgrimage. But seeing their reactions and comments reintroduces me to them, and I simply ask God to bless them. Reading the comments has become a prayer form for me.”

In a world where troubling headlines consume so much of the evening news, good news — whether it comes via social media or by word of mouth — can offer a quick injection of hope into our daily lives.

“Every time we hear that someone gets better from COVID-19 or tests negative, it does give me hope,” says Sister Roselyn Kuzma. “But we have also heard from so many among our families and friends who suffered much and then God called them home. I do have hope that the vaccine will help all and that everyone will continue to be safe.”

Our 12 Sisters who reside at Mt. Assisi Place personal care home in Pittsburgh — like seniors in long-term care facilities worldwide — have been particularly isolated during these times, with visiting restricted for safety reasons. Hope is on the horizon, however, as they will receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine next week.

“There are so many who can’t see their relatives. I have hope for them that soon all will be able to visit with hugs and not through a glass window,” says Sister Roselyn.

Having recently lost a family member to COVID-19, Sister Frances Marie still finds ongoing inspiration in the poem Footsteps, one she shared with our readers at the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. She recommends we all read it again.

“When going through rough times, when it does not seem like there is an end to sorrow and grief, it is good to remember that God is carrying you,” she says. “But you may not realize it until He puts you back down.”

looking to connect?

If you’re going a little stir crazy and looking to connecting with others in a socially-distanced way, consider registering for an online spirituality program offered by our St. Francis Center for Renewal. To browse upcoming offerings, click here.