The Sisters of Divine Providence from Allison Park, PA saw many deaths among their Sisters and Associates, yet found a meaningful way to remember those who left this earth.  

As in years past, we marked the days of November as a special time for remembering and thanksgiving. Regretfully, it was necessary to alter our plans for the annual Mass of Remembrance at Providence Heights as we continued to contend with Covid-19 and the uncertainty of gathering with family and friends. As an alternative, all Sisters, Associates, employees, friends and partners in mission were invited to join with the Sisters, via livestream from our Mother of Divine Providence Chapel, as we remembered those Sisters and Associates who died during this global pandemic. Each Sister who died during this time was remembered on a designated day in November at the daily weekday liturgy. Following the evening meal on each designated day, the Sister’s memorial letter was read and storytelling about the Sister was shared.

Many of our WPC congregations whose Sisters and Associates died during these Covid times did similar rituals of remembrance.  They may not live physically among us any longer, but they live within us now in a new way.

Barbara McMullen, CDP