In a deeply distressing turn of events, thirteen nuns from a Roman Catholic convent in Michigan tragically lost their lives to COVID-19. This devastating situation unfolded when the virus infiltrated the religious institution and spread rapidly among the nuns at the Felician Sisters convent. Within the span of a month, most of the nuns succumbed to the virus, highlighting the dangerous and deadly nature of the coronavirus. This solemn reminder underscores the importance of wearing masks to protect ourselves and others.
The nuns who fell victim to COVID-19 were between the ages of sixty-nine and ninety-nine. Their passing represents a profound loss for the world, as these remarkable individuals were members of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice, located in Livonia, Michigan. Among them were teachers, an author, and a secretary for the Vatican Secretariat of State. Their absence will be deeply felt, and their contributions will be sorely missed.
The Global Sisters Report described this tragedy as “the worst loss of life to a community of women religious since the 1918 influenza pandemic,” highlighting the magnitude of the loss. This grim statistic serves as a stark reminder that we haven’t witnessed a crisis of this magnitude in over a century.
These nuns were particularly vulnerable to the virus due to their advanced age and close proximity to each other. Despite the escalating reports about the coronavirus, their daily lives remained intertwined, as they lived, prayed, and worked together. This close-knit community unfortunately facilitated the rampant spread of the virus within the isolated convent.
The virus was unknowingly brought into the convent by two aides who were unaware of their infection. Their innocent entry into the religious sanctuary ignited the spread of the virus, resembling the devastating outbreaks seen in nursing homes and other places where elderly individuals reside.
Over the course of a month, a sister succumbed to COVID-19 every other day, resulting in the deaths of thirteen nuns. Additionally, eighteen other nuns contracted the virus but managed to survive. These staggering numbers serve as a poignant reminder of the toll this virus can take on vulnerable communities.
Unfortunately, due to the risk of transmission and adherence to health guidelines, the surviving sisters were unable to attend the funerals of their fallen sisters. This added an immense burden to their grieving process, as they were unable to bid farewell and honor the lives of these devout women in a manner befitting their contributions and dedication.
Most of the deaths within the convent occurred between April 10 and May 10, when twelve nuns succumbed to the virus. Tragically, another sister passed away on June 27, extending the mourning period for the community.
Reflecting on this profound loss, Noel Marie Gabriel, the director of clinical health services for the Felician Sisters of North America, remarked, “We couldn’t contain the grief and the sorrow and the emotional impact. That month was like a whole different way of life—a month of tragedy, sorrow, mourning, and grieving.”
Sadly, many other nuns across the country have also lost their lives due to the coronavirus. The exact number remains unknown, as religious officials admitted to inadequate tracking of statistics.
This somber occurrence is a poignant reminder of the devastating toll the virus can exact, especially on the older population. Let us not underestimate the gravity of the situation and ensure we remain vigilant in adopting preventive measures to safeguard our loved ones and our communities.