Sisters of the Humility of Mary participate in a prayer service June 1 at the Humility of Mary Center in Davenport in memory of the 100,000 lives lost to COVID-19. Bishop Thomas Zinkula joined the sisters at the service.
By Barb Arland-Fye
The Catholic Messenger
The United States reached a grim milestone last week — 100,000 deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Sisters of the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in Davenport honored the memory of the victims at noon on June 1, ringing bells and saying prayers. They joined others nationwide in pausing that day to remember the dead and to pray for all who have been affected by COVID-19, especially those who struggled in life, even before the pandemic.
“We lament the truths we are learning in this pandemic,” the sisters said. “The disproportionate members of our elders, our black and brown neighbors, our homeless brothers and sisters, refugees and immigrants among the sick and the dead. We pray for healing for our country, for the ability to acknowledge the brokenness of our democracy and for the call to repair the injustices this pandemic has revealed.”
The CHMs also prayed for Sisters Marianne Nehus and Maribeth Takes, both of whom died during this time of pandemic. “We also remember in prayer our wonderful staff who provide all the essential services needed to keep operations going at the Humility of Mary Center. We pray for them and their families.”
Bishop Thomas Zinkula joined the CHM sisters, witnessing their prayer service. They read a passage from 1 John 3:14, 16, which concludes:
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