The Sisters of Bon Secours are embracing technology as a way of connecting their Bon Secours family worldwide at this challenging time. Anne-Marie Whelan who works for the Sisters as their Evangelisation and Vocations Officer in Ireland and Great Britain tells us that like many congregations, families and even businesses there are challenges in maintaining contact at this time. The Sisters are based in Ireland, Great Britain, France, North and South America. Within the wider Bon Secours family are Sisters, staff, lay associates and Young Adult groups.
“I maintained contact with our own young adult group in Cork and the Sisters here in Ireland right from the start of the pandemic through the use of email, text and Zoom. While talking to my colleagues based in other countries we realised that this would be an opportune time to connect our wider family. We have started a ‘Zoom Hangout’ as a way of connecting all of our Bon Secours family. The first Zoom Hangout was a great success with almost 60 participants from various countries and included all ages from Sisters in their 90’s right down to young mothers with their babies. It was a great way to maintain the Internationality of our Bon Secours Family. Participants got to virtually meet people from other countries and hear from them the different challenges they are experiencing at this time. For example those in Ireland over the age of 70 are cocooned in their homes. In Peru women and men are only allowed out for essentials on alternate days Monday to Saturday and on Sunday nobody is allowed out. Three young women in Peru had just started a ‘Live-in’ experience with some Sisters in Trujillo. These young women are considering a vocation to Religious Life and the plan was for them to live with two Sisters in community for a few weeks to experience daily prayer and work life with the Sisters. However they now find themselves on lockdown and are forced to stay indoors with the Sisters indefinitely. It was lovely to see them and hear that they are having a wonderful time, and feel safe and are happy to be with the Sisters at this time.
We are continuing these ‘Hangout’ sessions and as a result, we have offered to gather them in ‘Prayer Trios’. One Sister has paired with two young adults and the three of them connect weekly for a time of prayer and get to know each other. These trios are also international and a way for our wider family to get to know each other.
The availability of technology has been a blessing to so many. Sisters have embraced the use of many platforms to keep in touch with each other, and it is certainly keeping up their spirits. Having Daily Mass broadcast on RTE has also been a blessing as well as services that are being streamed from Churches both here in Ireland and worldwide. Many tune in to the daily Mass in Knock Shrine and various Churches around their local areas.
The Sisters ministry of prayer continues each day for all who are affected by the pandemic across the world and especially here in Ireland. Prayers are offered daily for all who have died and those grieving at this time without the traditional support of family and the extended community.
The Sisters are always available to pray for your intentions which can be sent to them through their website http://www.bonsecourssisters.ie/prayer
If you would like to explore a vocation with the Sisters of Bon Secours, visit their website: www.bonsecours.ie