It is with heavy hearts that we share a heart-wrenching tale that unfolded within the walls of a Roman Catholic convent in Michigan. Thirteen nuns, valiant women ranging in age from sixty-nine to ninety-nine, tragically lost their lives to the deadly grasp of COVID-19. The devastating reality of the virus’s relentless nature became all too clear within the Felician Sisters convent.
The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice, based in Livonia, Michigan, bore the brunt of this unimaginable loss. This heartbreaking tragedy claimed the lives of teachers, an author, and even a secretary for the Vatican Secretariat of State among the deceased. Their absence from our world will be deeply felt.
This unfortunate incident marks the greatest loss of life for a community of women religious since the devastating 1918 influenza pandemic. It has been over a hundred years since such a severe blow has struck a religious order, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those left behind.
Due to their advanced age and close-knit community, the nuns were particularly vulnerable to the virus. Living, praying, and working together daily, they unwittingly offered the virus an opportunity to enter their isolated convent. Two aides unknowingly carried the infection with them, and from there, it spread rapidly—similar to the tragic outbreaks witnessed in nursing homes where the elderly reside.
In the month that followed, a sister fell victim to COVID-19 every other day. Alongside the thirteen precious lives lost, another eighteen sisters contracted the virus but managed to survive. The pain of their losses was compounded by the fact that the surviving sisters were unable to attend the funerals of their fallen sisters due to health guidelines and the risk of transmission. This deprivation robbed them of the chance to bid a proper farewell and pay tribute to these remarkable women as they embarked on their eternal journey.
From April 10 to May 10, the majority of these untimely deaths occurred, with an additional sister passing away on June 27. The grief, sorrow, and emotional impact of these events were overwhelming for the surviving nuns. Noel Marie Gabriel, the director of clinical health services for the Felician Sisters of North America, reflects on that period as a time of unimaginable tragedy and mourning, forever altering their way of life.
Regrettably, this incident is not an isolated one. Many other nuns across the country have lost their lives to the coronavirus. Unfortunately, due to inadequate data tracking, the exact number remains unknown.
The painful story of these thirteen nuns serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating toll that COVID-19 can take, particularly on vulnerable populations. It compels us all to continue taking necessary precautions, such as wearing masks, to protect ourselves and those around us. Let us honor the memory of the Felician Sisters and countless others by staying vigilant and doing our part in defeating this deadly virus.
