Whether it’s through our annual faith-based celebrations such as Christmas and Easter, or our shared journeys through the sacraments, or weekly celebrations of Mass, there are many shared experiences that bring us together as a Catholic community.
I spoke to a friend who lives in the south-west of France, Audrey Lux. She says sacred Catholic traditions help her celebrate her faith with people she cares about.
‘Although we do not often go to church, we do celebrate Christmas and Easter, and we try to go to church on those two occasions’, she says.
In Australia, too, faith brings people together. I spoke with Sister of Mercy Marie Davey, who is former deputy principal at my school, Damascus College. She mentioned the same rituals as Audrey, and spoke more about the need to remember the meaning behind those celebrations.
‘Occasions which have their basis in a religious context have become very commercialised in our society, and the true meaning behind them is often forgotten’, she says. ‘I think it is important to pause and remember what we are celebrating.’
One time where faith can be particularly powerful is when people have died. On the day she spoke with me, Sister Marie said she had been at a funeral of a man who lived a faith-filled life.
‘There celebration with his family recognised the person he was and what he was for others’, she said. ‘I think there is great comfort to be experienced when the knowledge that we shared something that was special to us is so openly expressed. His faith was part of who he was, and that expression keeps it alive to those who were sharing in the ceremony.’
STAYING CONNECTED DURING THE PANDEMIC
One of the things we’ve all shared over the last year-and-a-half has been an experience of a global pandemic. COVID-19 affected people’s ability to gather and attend Mass, however it also built bridges among Catholics across the globe.
I spoke to John O’Leary from Cape Town South Africa, who says he was able to connect with others by accessing livestreamed liturgies from across the world. He says that helped to give him great hope for the future, despite the current difficulties.
Both he and Sister Marie said that they attended global, online Masses, and this made me think about the many friendships that people must have made throughout this challenging time. People from South Africa to Australia were simultaneously celebrating their faith in the same ways.
John O’Leary also had a touching reflection comparing the lockdown to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70CE. ‘The realisation that Christianity survived the destruction of the temple in 70CE, only 35 years or so after Jesus’ death and resurrection, a catastrophic event which affected Christians as well as Jews whose temple it was. Lockdown in many ways was like a modern destruction of the temple – no liturgies in person, no gatherings. And yet, in many small communities based in homes and online, people took responsibility for sustaining their faith and supporting each other.’
John perfectly illustrated how COVID-19, in a way, brought people together. There were new, challenging experiences, so people thought of creative ways to support each other, and their efforts resulted in solidarity and the growth of their faith.
FAITH IN THE FUTURE
I asked Min Myers, another teacher at Damascus College, how Catholicism helps her to have faith in our future.
‘My beliefs help me to be confident in the future because I know that there is a God who cares for the world and that there will always be some people who will be inspired to live as Jesus did and to follow the greatest commandment “to love one another”.’
Sister Marie also said that the goodness of others gives her faith in our future, however she said being part of the Sisters of Mercy contributed to her confidence.
‘I belong to the Sisters of Mercy, which is an international group of Sisters. We regularly have updates of what is happening in various places the sisters are working. This gives a sense that we are in it, working together, and it is an enlivening experience to realise that we are not isolated in our own little bubble.’
I asked Audrey what it means to her knowing that she has a global family and her response reflected on the importance of feeling part of a community.
‘It means that I will never be alone in a way. I guess knowing there is a community across the world makes me feel good and safe.’
When I asked John the same question, he spoke about how it gives him hope.
‘It is a great support at a time when anxiety world-wide is acute. It makes me feel hopeful and calm in the knowledge that we are all in this small world together.’
Catholicism creates a global family and network. I believe that the power of faith is a unique thing that illustrates everyone’s similarities no matter their background, and this is demonstrated through people’s values and traditions all around the globe.
After all, it is a small world.
Sara Abu Asbeh is a Year 10 student at Damascus College, Ballarat, Vic and is one of the guest editors of the Spring 2021 edition.
Image: Sister of Mercy Marie Davey (top) and Min Myers, Damascus College