Technology has been a great ally during the time of social distancing, caused by the Covid 19 Pandemic. Technology appears to be extremely necessary as it connects us to Social networks giving us infinite possibilities and resources. Companies, schools, hospitals, diverse groups and even churches have used it in a massive way. Inclusive events, on a global level, are being held, as is the case with Praying Together of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
On April 8, via the videoconference platform Zoom and Facebook, a significant event took place, uniting five continents. The General Council invited all the sisters around the world through a newsletter to pray for the health of humanity in unity. They said “We invite the whole Congregation to join in prayer at the same time with all those affected by this global pandemic: Patients, their families and loved ones, all hospital and health staff and others who risk feeding and caring for the poor. "
People from five continents connected themselves to pray together via zoom. Altogether there were 50 groups. In each group, there were at least three people participating. Through the Facebook platform, it is not possible to have the exact number of people who followed the live. what is known is that it reached almost 7 thousand people. It generated more than 4 thousand views and had 339 direct participations through comments.
In France and India
Sr. Jona Chinnappa, provincial in France, about the event, says: “All the sisters in the province participated. Some were alone in their own rooms, others prayed together in the chapel, while 25, who succeeded, were directly connected via videoconference. We also thank all the people who developed this communication technology through which we were able to be together in prayer and even exchange signs of friendship from one end of the world to another”. Jona\´s family in India also followed. “We stopped work, but we will never stop praying for all of humanity, terrified by fear and anguish. The small screen has become a church that unite the entire planet. We had a spiritual experience” says one of the family members.
In Pakistan
Sr. Sumaira, responsible for the social networks of the Sisters of St. Joseph who live and work in the Pakistan Region, connected the community, via videoconference, and participated in the event. She expressed how much technology has been a partner when it comes to shortening paths. “The world is known as a global village and with the advancement of technology we feel so united! Technology has travelled distances, there are countless advantages that it offers us. In unite, we approach this moment of sadness and form a " network of love ".
In Italy
Sr. Rosalba Sacaturo, who followed this conference from the city of Ferentino, affirms how much technology can bring people together. “Technology has been able to bring together many more people from different continents. Being clear about the ‘enemy’ to be fought made us rediscover each other\´s need.” St. Paulo reminds us, "When I am weak, then I am strong", and this gave rise to the idea, and the need, to pray together, that all of us - from the continents - were at the computer at the same time, it was very powerful, praying together, with a silent cry to the sky.
In the United States
Member of the NGO (Congregation of St. Joseph) at the UN, Sr. Bárbara Bozak followed, in Windsor, in the United States. According to her, the meeting of religious, associates and friends from all over the world was “inspiring and comforting to know that we were united in hope, in all continents. It was the first time that we made such an effort. Everyone was grateful for this opportunity to be truly present and would like to do it again. "
In Bolivia
Sr. Ericka Rodriguez, who lives in San Ramón, El Beni, emphasizes the connectivity provided by social networks, in times of Pandemic. “I felt united with all the people who, through social networks, followed this prayer, it was wonderful to feel how we were all connected with one feeling, full of hope and faith”, she said.
In Brazil Many participated in Brazil and spoke favourably about this event. Sr. Ana Amélia de Oliveira Miranda, from Marituba, Pará, says: “It was a powerful experience of being in unity with the whole world, people, nature and God. It was media that offered us this opportunity.” From Indaiatuba, São Paulo, Sr. Célia Regina List says that it was a “deep connection mainly because we know that, at the same time, we were all united. It was nice, in the end, to see the excitement of each group, in the different corners of the world, saying “hi”, “hello”, “hello” to the participants on the Zoom screen.
Sr. Sueli Zanatta and the community followed the event on facebook at the Eldorado settlement, in the interior of Mato Grosso do Sul. She says “This technology helped us to be in unity and harmony at the universal level”. From Paraná, Sr. Nelza Delazari says: “at the same time, people from all over the world came together in prayer, thanks to the media” and Sr. Edlise Klein, from Santa Catarina, adds: “It was a moment of connecting life, faith and hearts that only technology, at this moment, can make it possible. Sr. Rosa Porangaba de Pelotas expresses that it was a deeper connection with humanity and with the Congregation.
In Garibaldi, the Sisters of the Casa de Reposo “Betânia” accompanied and Sr. Eulália Antoniazzi says that the Sisters were slow to believe that the whole Congregation was, at the same time, united in virtual form. The feelings expressed were of joy, admiration, privilege to live in this time, when the media has evolved so much. In Caxias do Sul the Sisters connected themselves from different neighbourhoods.
The next event is scheduled for May 30, follow information on the fanpage @csjchambery.
Sr. Eliana Aparecida dos Santos
