It’s a heartbreaking story that reminds us just how deadly the coronavirus can be. Inside a Roman Catholic convent in Michigan, thirteen nuns all tragically lost their lives to COVID-19. The virus spread through the Felician Sisters convent “like wildfire,” claiming the lives of these devoted women. Most of them passed away within the same month, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt.
The nuns who succumbed to COVID-19 ranged in age from sixty-nine to ninety-nine. Among them were teachers and even an author and secretary for the Vatican Secretariat of State. These were truly remarkable souls who made a significant impact on their community and the world.
According to the Global Sisters Report, this is said to be the most devastating loss of life among a community of women religious since the 1918 influenza pandemic. It’s a somber reminder that we haven’t faced a viral pandemic of this magnitude in over a century.
These devoted nuns were particularly vulnerable to the virus due to their advanced ages and close proximity to one another. They lived together, prayed together, and worked together. Their strong bond may have inadvertently aided the spread of the virus within the convent.
The coronavirus entered the secluded convent through two aides who were unaware they had been infected. Sadly, they unknowingly brought the virus with them, and it quickly circulated throughout the buildings. This pattern of transmission mirrors what has been observed in nursing homes and other places where elderly individuals reside.
During one tragic month, a sister succumbed to COVID-19 every other day. In total, thirteen nuns lost their lives to the virus, while an additional eighteen were infected but survived. It was an unimaginably difficult time for the surviving sisters as they were unable to attend the funerals of their fellow nuns due to the risk of transmission.
Most of the deaths occurred between April 10 and May 10, with the coronavirus claiming the lives of twelve nuns during that time. However, the thirteenth sister passed away on June 27, prolonging the period of grief for the community.
Noel Marie Gabriel, the director of clinical health services for the Felician Sisters of North America, described that month as a “whole different way of life.” The sorrow, mourning, and grieving were all-consuming. The grieving process was even more challenging without the ability to properly celebrate the lives of these remarkable religious women.
Sadly, many other nuns across the country have also lost their lives due to the coronavirus. The exact number is unknown due to the inadequate tracking of these statistics by religious officials.
This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of the pandemic. We must all do our part to prevent the further spread of this dangerous virus. So, please, wear your mask and follow the recommended health guidelines. Together, we can protect ourselves and those around us.
