- December 2, 2020
By Sister Rita McCormick
Being raised in Catholicism, I was blessed with learning catechism and being part of processions and Holy Days that were also Mass days. Year by year, there were celebrations for first communion, baptisms of new family arrivals, and being confirmed with the challenge to live with fidelity to my faith and beliefs. Learning to pray the rosary was special for me. The Stations of the Cross were explained, and it was a challenge for me to be faithful in following that special and somewhat difficult practice in church, in grade school and high school.
Living at Carondelet at this time, I decided to go to the Holy Family Chapel balcony as I had the desire to meditate while following the beautiful display of the Stations of the Cross. I did not come with any program or suggested prayers for each station.
My heart was filled with the needs of today for people all over the world who are living in loss and pain beyond what any of us ever expected to hit as COVID-19 progressed through the nations, countries and our homes.
As I looked at Station One where Jesus takes up the cross, I began to tear up. My heart and thought went out to pictures of children, young adults, families, businesses, etc. I began to understand that I was not about to struggle with how to meditate in following the stations. As I walked slowly, standing in prayer for each of the stations, the more I found my heart touching the challenges and changes that all people are facing. When I got to the station of Veronica holding her veil to offer to Jesus, I thought of the many people who have something to offer those who have so little in their kitchen or no money to shop for food. I was deeply moved.
For all the years and times that I have walked the Stations of the Cross, I do not believe the challenge was ever at the depth that I felt this time. I did not have to pause and search for my thought of how the scenes fit in with today.
There is a resurrection that is at the end of our own journey through these difficult times. The changes and challenges within are the reminders of the resurrection that is all in process. When I completed the stations, my sobs were in gratitude for the gift of faith and the goodness and generosity that has been growing in the midst of these difficult times.