April 29, 2020

Local priest suggests ways to find peace during time of pandemic

REGIONAL
By Sharon Roulier

In this file photo, Father Warren Savage delivers the homily during the “Chalice of Salvation” TV Mass. (Photo from Catholic Communications video)

WESTFIELD — With many people finding themselves feeling anxious and stressed during this time of quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one local Catholic chaplain offers some tips for dealing with these troubled feelings and finding peace.

Father Warren Savage, director and Catholic chaplain at the Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center at Westfield State University, said it is during these times of uncertainty that folks can turn to prayer.

He reflected on the Gospel reading from last Sunday during which two disciples of Jesus were walking along the road to Emmaus when they were distracted by a stranger’s presence and “halted in distress” (Luke 24:17).

“Jesus came and walked with the two disciples while they were having a very painful conversation about all the things that happened in Jerusalem,” said Father Savage, noting that the two disciples were trying to figure out how they would go on following the death of their teacher and friend.

“We may not always be able to recognize Jesus’ presence among us. We may not be able to resolve everything from the past and find the closure we are looking for, but whatever we say and do, we need to say and do it with the utmost of love. When we dare to love, we will begin to feel the eyes of our hearts open to recognize God’s presence arise in our frail human condition,” he said.

These times challenge Catholic Christians to “open our eyes and look beyond the virus, to recognize God’s presence in creation, in the people we sit with and talk to at table, in the nurses, healthcare professionals, grocery store clerks, the postal workers, and the many others who are providing essential services for the common good,” said Father Savage.

This time of uncertainty can also produce a range of feelings, acknowledged Father Savage. He offered some practices to reduce anxiety and stress:

Father Warren Savage celebrates Mass in the chapel at Westfield State University (iObserve photo/courtesy of Father Warren Savage)

• Spend time in prayer. “This is a healing remedy in times of crisis,” he said. “God is always present to us and staying in touch with God is a source of consolation. Speaking to God as a loving friend and companion can help a person overcome a sense of loneliness.”
• Limit reading and watching the news. “Our lives are flooded with too much information,” said Father Savage. He suggested reading and reflecting on the Word of God. “The practice of lectio divina, the prayerful reading of the Scriptures, can keep us balanced and grounded in the ‘God Zone.’”
• Write a letter to a friend. The exercise of writing shifts the attention from feeling isolated to being connected with someone who might need a word of hope.
• Pick up the phone. “Call a friend to share your thoughts and feelings when you are going through a difficult moment. There are situations in which we need to unburden ourselves of useless worries,” he said.
• Make a list of 10 things you are grateful for. “Cultivating a sense of gratitude brings a sense of inner peace,” said Father Savage.