Reading time: 3 minutes (plus pictures)
COVID-19 has affected us more than we could have ever imagined. In the past, we’ve experienced similar outbreaks but none of these recent happenings has led to the world-wide closures of businesses, schools and has restricted us to the confines of our homes.
But whilst all this is happening, we are proud to see that the women and girls at Lowana are weathering this storm.
Thanks to the time, talent and treasures (e.g. tax-deductible donations 😉) that many of you reading this have generously shared, Lowana has helped create a solid foundation for women to overcome their own personal challenges, and also help those around them.
Club girls thanking our essential workers
We have so many women from so many different backgrounds doing so many great things.
- We have nurses, doctors and other medical staff on the frontlines helping those affected by COVID-19.
- We have teachers (which include parents that have taken on the added role of “teacher at home” too) learning new ways to engage their students. And have students adapting to these new methods of learning.
- We have many other essential workers doing what they can to keep serving the community.
- We have all had many opportunities to increase our tech-savviness.
- We have mothers, sisters, daughters and friends caring for their themselves, loved ones and the broader community.
We also have many gravely affected by this virus, be it physically, financially, emotionally, and even spiritually too. Regardless, we have persevered.
Major disruptions with creative solutions
Literally in the span of a week, when government officials started implementing regulations to keep us safe, we experienced immediate shifts to online alternatives. Here’s what our “normal” has been like:
Club Activities
Circles
Get-togethers
Meditations
Talks
Recollections
Recollections
We’ve also seen many of you taking on some other innovative approaches in this time. Here are a few fun ones:
Making Peg doll Stations of the Cross with the kids
Meeting with club girls from Kenya
Virtual Marian Pilgrimage – Zooming into Marian sites across the world.
Replacing the “Happy Birthday” song with the Memorare on the handwashing chart. Click or tap image to download your copy.
Organising Home visits to those in need.
At the end of the day, we just did what we had to do to make it work…
Spiritual books offering a new level of support for our live-streamed Recollections
While these online equivalents have their added benefits, we know that they will never completely take the place of face to face interactions. Once restrictions lift, we will start transitioning back to meeting in person. You can find updates about activities by visiting the COVID-19 Corner page.
Our Mission continues
Inspired by the teachings of St Josemaria Escriva, Lowana continues to spread the universal call to holiness – the idea that every person is called by God to become a saint.
We normally celebrate the life of this great saint on the 26th of June, but because of COVID-19 related restrictions, we’ll need to celebrate differently this year. You are most welcome to join us!
Although we’ve been adapting to a “different normal” our Mission and Vision has remained the same. If you’d like to help keep our mission and vision alive for generations to come, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today.
How can I help?
Lowana continues to be a source of solace and hope to many of us and the community, but we need your help.
We understand many people are struggling financially, and this would not usually be a time to ask for a gift.
However, if you are in a position to help, please consider a making a tax-deductible gift of $50. Your gift will go towards helping the community through building a bigger and better Lowana.
Tax time is just around the corner, so take the opportunity to donate today by clicking the button below: