Speaking Out

Over the last four months, the world has become reacquainted with what’s important in life. For everything we’ve lost, COVID-19 has compelled us to take an introspective look at our priorities and what jobs and provided necessities society on the whole now regard as essential.

Daily life has been defined by change and adaptability since COVID-19 shut down life as we know it back in March. I used to be able to attend school at St. Joseph’s Morrow Park Secondary School in North York, go shopping, attend Mass and, most importantly, I could not only see, but could hug my friends and family.

Capes and feats of strength, or perhaps great speeches and political influence — these are images associated with the heroes we envision changing the world around us. 

With so much going on around the world, I am feeling pretty overwhelmed.

During this time, people are rightly concerned with the dangers of COVID-19. However, there is another problem that has arisen during this confusing time.

On May 14, Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled the first phase of the province’s cautious re-opening strategy. Approved businesses received the green light to resume operations if in compliance with the safety protocols advised by public health. 

Spring in northwestern Ontario arrived late this year, with new leaves not even open at the Victoria Day long weekend. Despite this, there are many signs that spring is persevering. I began a small garden plot in a tree-sheltered nook in our yard, and I’m planning to plant wildflowers and other floral specimens later.

It has been over two months since the enacting of shelter-in-place and social distancing orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus has forced us into new circumstances, going forward in an uncharted “new normal.”

Doubt in your religious beliefs is that uncomfortable topic no one wants to broach. So … let’s talk about it!

“In difficult situations, we are called to be holy,” said Cardinal Thomas Collins, the Archbishop of Toronto, during his homily on April 28.