Sisters to take part in special memorial services

The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, are partnering with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and other faith organizations in calling for all people to take time this weekend to mourn the 100,000-plus persons who have died in the United States from COVID-19.

In addition, the faith leaders are calling for all to pause at 1 p.m., EST, on Monday, June 1, to honor those who have died.

“We received the message from LCWR, and we knew immediately that we wanted our own community to respond with a special time of prayer,” said Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, General Superior of the Congregation. “During our Pentecost Liturgy on Sunday, we will pray for the 100,000-plus who have died. Also, we will have a special prayer service on Monday at 1 p.m., to honor the deceased.”

The sisters in the Congregation are still following shelter-in-place regulations and because of this, Sister Dawn said the Monday service will be broadcast to the sisters via closed circuit. The Congregation will also Livestream the service.

LCWR suggested all faith organizations mark the “grim milestone” on Sunday during celebrations of the Eucharist of prayer while encouraging others to do so.

“Hopefully, taking time to remember those who have died will also help us be attentive to the positive actions we need to take to prevent further loss of life,” Sister Dawn added.

LCWR added that people should contact elected officials and ask them to designate Monday, June 1, a National Day of Mourning and Lament – remembering those who have perished with moments of silence, the lowering of flags, interfaith vigils, and civic memorials.