
St. Clare, COVID-19, and the Communion of Saints
“He died alone!” “We were not with her!” These lamentations are heard daily as people recount the most bitter experience of losing a loved one to COVID-19.
Find what you’re looking for

“He died alone!” “We were not with her!” These lamentations are heard daily as people recount the most bitter experience of losing a loved one to COVID-19.

Mary Magdalene is one of the main characters in the story of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection.

“No mother should bear the death of her son.” I heard that sentiment expressed in my family as a teenager, when my favorite uncle died of cancer in his forties.

Saint John Paul II in his life, his ministry as pope, and especially his dying, lived that mystery.

Isaiah 50:4–9a; Psalm 69:8–10, 21–22, 31, 33–34; Matthew 26:14–25

Isaiah 49:1–6; Psalm 71:1–2, 3–4a, 5–6ab, 15, 17; John 13:21–33, 36–38
Peter is a central character in the Passion narratives. On Palm Sunday each year, we hear the story of his denial of Jesus.

Isaiah 42:1–7; Psalm 27:1, 2, 3, 13–14; John 12:1–1
During Holy Week, the liturgy begins telling the story of the passion of Jesus. The four Gospels do not offer consistent versions of Jesus’ passion and death. They know nothing of the style of reporting found in the twenty-four–hour news cycle of today! Instead, the Gospels offer theological reflection, taking common details from the tradition and shaping them to each story’s purpose.

Clare’s vocation, nurtured in her family’s home with her mother and sisters, had grown into a longing to live the gospel life in simple service.

Catherine was a Third Order Dominican known for her prayer, her severe ascetical practices, and her learning.

In his life and death, Stephen claims identification with Jesus and his power and presence in the world.