The Diocese of Davenport, One Human Family, Quad City Interfaith and other organizations are asking people of faith and goodwill throughout Scott County to participate in a COVID-19 Victims Remembrance on May 8 at 3 p.m.
The collaborators call for church bells to be rung and for Scott County residents to step outside at 3 p.m. that day to make noise in support of the event, while observing social distance guidelines. People may ring a bell, blow their car horn, beat a drum, clang a pot or make other noise to signal
The original bell from 1856 sits idle in the bell tower of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport, in this file photo.
support and solidarity for those suffering from COVID-19.
A moment of noise, followed by a minute of prayer or silent reflection will follow. Residents are invited to ask, “How can I help?”
Organizers created this event because the coronavirus has caused “unrelenting grief among the families and friends of the estimated 200 Iowans who will have succumbed to the disease by May 8.” The coronavirus also will have inflicted pain and suffering on thousands of Iowans who continue to suffer or recover from the illness. The economic hardships created by the virus will cost Iowans hundreds of millions and require years to recover, the organizers said.
Isolation is among the more subtle adverse effects that the coronavirus has caused. All the grief, suffering and hardship plaguing Iowa at this time has been shouldered without the community support for which Iowans are known, organizers said. The isolation and social distancing has weakened a sense of community, making people feel less connected, if not alone, the organizers said.
