As the COVID-19 crisis limits funerals and memorials to small, private affairs with only close family in attendance, Providence Health Care is offering a way for family members and friends grieving the death of a loved one to mourn together – virtually.

A team of Providence spiritual care practitioners and music therapists have made a solemn 22-minute memorial service and shared it online for anyone to use. The service includes music, poetry, prayer, moments of silence, and a blessing from Father Victor Fernandes, chaplain at St. Paul’s Hospital.

Providence Health Care invites anyone grieving a loss, particularly if they cannot get to a memorial or funeral service, to watch the video with candles lit, photos on display, and family members in the same room, or perhaps across the world.

Gardens of Gethsemani, a Catholic cemetery in Surrey, remains open during the pandemic, but is operating under restrictions, limiting numbers to 20 people including funeral director, guests, and pallbearers who must stand two metres apart.

Meanwhile, faithful who have been separated from Mass and the sacraments are finding comfort in other creative means, like adoration at a distance.

Drive-in adoration in All Saints Church parking lot. (Father Francesco Voltaggio photos)

All Saints Parish in Coquitlam was recently featured on CityNews for hosting drive-in adoration in its parking lot. Cars aplenty showed up as pastor Father Don Larson, Father Francesco Voltaggio, Deacon Greg Barcelon, and a seminarian led solemn prayer on the pavement May 13.

At St. Patrick’s Church in Vancouver, a monstrance remains in the window, visible from the street and venerated by passersby who know it’s there make a visit to pray.

Although some churches are preparing to reopen for public Masses as early as May 23-24, limits on gatherings of more than 50 people mean not everyone will get a chance to participate right away. 

It seems outdoor adoration may be around for a while yet.

A person participates in adoration before a second-storey window at St. Patrick’s Church in Vancouver. (Sheena Devota photo)

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