It with a grateful heart that I send this message to you all. The past few days have been filled with a great deal of change and uncertainty. Now, we find ourselves taking on a new way of reaching our students. It is a time to show, once again, how valuable teachers are, how versatile we can be and how our professionalism will not waver. We have a challenge before us, and we will rise to this challenge.
As we keep our overall wellness at the
forefront of our mind, I share with you the message from Pope Francis in
reference to COVID 19 and the presence of the Lord in this situation. In his prayer, Pope Francis calls Mary “Health of the
Sick”, adding that she kept her faith firm as she stood near the Cross as
Jesus suffered. “You,
Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. We are certain that you will
provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return
after this moment of trial.”
The Pope also said we seek refuge under Our
Lady’s protection, knowing that she will help us “conform ourselves to the
Father’s will”. He offered this
prayer;
O
Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.
At the foot of the Cross you participated in
Jesus’ pain,
with steadfast faith.
You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we
need.
We are certain that you will provide, so that,
as you did at Cana of Galilee,
joy and feasting might return after this moment
of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the Father’s will
and to do what Jesus tells us:
He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and
bore our sorrows to bring us,
through the Cross, to the joy of the
Resurrection.
We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy
Mother of God.
Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the
test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.
(Taken From: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/pope-francis-prayer-our-lady-protection-coronavirus.html)
It goes without saying that policy, protocols and demands of the situation are unfolding rapidly. Even when this reality is difficult to manage, it is our professional responsibility to respond in a way that is appropriate to our profession and our division. With our own personal health, the health of our families and loved ones and the health of our communities at the front of our minds, we need to take care to stay well spiritually, physically and mentally. The Local is here for you. Please e-mail or contact the office with questions or concerns, we are always here to support. Check out our website every now and then.
Thank you for all that you have done and are doing to ensure that our students are well taken care of. As I always say, teachers are one of the cornerstones of society. It is this time that this will be ever present.
Peace to you all,
Sandra