5413(II)_A Catacombs experience

July 02, 2020

ByBr. Sylvester Kuli, SDB
PGS student in Jerusalem

'Ratisbonne', Jeruslaem, 2 July 2020 -- How was your Easter there? We are sure the whole world was struck by the pandemic which would hardly allow the faithful to celebrate the resurrection of our Risen Lord in churches. Like you we too here in the Salesian Monastery-Ratisbonne in Jerusalem, had the same experience. Like the first Christians who were afraid of persecution had to celebrate the Eucharist in the catacombs. We too felt that history had repeated itself by the fact that we had to celebrate Easter in the basement of the Monastery. Fearing the big number celebration with others from outside joining, our big church was locked and we had to do all our celebrations in the basement of the monastery building. Despite the restrictions we all felt the joy of being together. It was a real time of learning and unlearning.

The Lenten season was indeed a penance itself due to lockdown which meant we could not have classes and move around. Though cases have reached near us we thank God none of us was affected and besides if one is affected everyone would be likely to be affected so everyone is concerned for everyone’s health. The situation seems bleak yet it was a good time to connect with friends and families at the same time to read more about what’s going around in the world and to develop other talents, reading writing reflections, longer hours of visiting the Blessed Sacrament and meditation.

It is a real time of sorrow for us especially to see our brothers from places badly affected by the pandemic. What touches me most was their tears while praying for their country asking the Lord stop this pandemic. “Lord if it is your will grant that this pandemic may end but may your holy will be done come to an end.” This prayers during intercession either from the mass or morning and evening prayers were often repeated. It was a time to be empathic with the brothers for their countries and for their people yet I thank God PNG was spared from this pandemic.

Yet their resilience in such situations gives an impression that God is in control. Every time they ask, are there any case in your country? I would say only seven and no deaths. As most of your reflections written on behalf of our country about a grace of being saved from this disease. I felt our country was like a beloved youngest fragile siblings. As we know the youngest sibling needs time of maturity. To grow deep in our Christian faith and to be convinced of what we believe in. this hope gives meaning to our Easter was a celebration because we are hopeful that the risen Lord is the answer to all the difficulties the world is going through.

The fear of the situation made us pray more and to be in the state of grace. And to discipline ourselves to sleep 7 hours, to drink more water and to eat well so that our immune system will not be weak. Besides the posting on whatsap page from our confreres from Italy Fr. Alfred and Fr. Robinson and other Salesian become for Br. Benard and myself a wealth of insights from St. John Bosco in the Cholera pandamic promising his boys that none of them will contract the disease as long as he is in the state of grace. Well for me is a greatest treasure to be in the state of grace not in that situation only but in almost in my entire life and this really made the Easter celebration so meaningful. Though we had fears about what’s going to happen after Easter we were still very hopeful that soon the situation will be alright thinking that everything will be fine. And it was a really beautiful year as said by one of our holy spiritual directors Fr. Joan Maria Vernet, SDB. That it was a year of self-formation, everything planned from the studies to formation was accomplished, the school year ended well the outgoing deacons defended their thesis papers, and diaconate ordinations pushed through as planned. It’s a great learning experience on how God works in ways we least expect.