‘Hopes and prayers’
Good morning,
We have crossed a milestone over the past 24 hours. It has been reported that over a million people have now died from the Coronavirus around the world. The USA, Brazil, India and Mexico are the four worst-hit countries, but every continent has seen significant losses.
And so today’s Hearts of Light will reflect on Covid-19 around the world, in meditations from different places. You are welcome to attend, at 5.15 pm this evening. No booking is necessary. Simply come to St Salvator’s Quad, via the archway on North Street, and an usher will show you to a heart on the lawn. Following government guidelines, we will stand safely in solidarity with all affected by the virus. The event will be finished by about 5.30 pm. All are welcome, regardless of faith or philosophy of life.
You may have seen the message from the Principal which came a few minutes ago. She wrote of the Can Do initiative, which includes activities in person which students can do, partly in a new marquee which will be going up soon. The Chaplaincy continues to offer activities which students, staff and others can do at this time. Indeed our Chapel services on Sundays and at Compline continue to draw people who want to worship in a beautiful church building and in the company of others. You are welcome to reserve spaces via the Events page of the University website: https://events.st-andrews.ac.uk/ Unless you hear otherwise, please assume that these services, weekday or weekend, will go ahead.
Prof Mapstone also told us that in St Andrews there have been 25 recorded cases of the coronavirus this month. If you are self-isolating in St Andrews or elsewhere, and would like a chat about things, feel free to get in touch. Other chaplains and I would be glad to hear from you, listen to how things are going for you, and support you. We can meet via Teams or a phone-call. You are also welcome to forward this email to anyone whom you may be thinking of at this time, who may appreciate a conversation.
Finally a prayer from Revd Dr Aruna Gnanadason, of the Church of South India, which explores self-isolation from the perspective of faith, a single candle flame offering strength and hope:
Yours,
Donald.