February 23, 2021
Dear Notre Dame,
One death is one too many. Yesterday, we took time to mourn the loss of 500,000 people from the coronavirus. Each human life is precious. We need to continue to pray for those we have lost in our country, in the world, and in our Notre Dame community. I thank the families at Notre Dame who have let us share their sorrow when they lost a loved one and given us an opportunity to support them at this time of mourning. Please know that we continue to remember you, and those you have recommended to our prayer.
At times like these, the words of Psalm 23, The Lord is My Shepherd, can be especially comforting. “God guides me in right paths for God’s name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil: for you are at my side, and your rod and your staff give me courage.”
Anne de Xainctonge always desired to educate girls in the faith. This year, we have continued to educate our students and followed a rigorous academic program, whether the schedule is hybrid or fully remote. The pandemic offers us an opportunity to remember that an essential part of our educational mission is to anchor our students’ lives in faith and in trust that God’s love never fails, even in the midst of a global pandemic.
The words of the theologian Elizabeth A. Johnson, CSJ in her book Friends of God and Prophets seems to resonate well these days. “…trust in the Creator Spirit who keeps faith with the creature gives rise to the hope that the dead, whether famous or unknown, whether distant in time or our own beloved ones, are enfolded into the absolute mystery of the gracious, compassionate being of God which to us is darkness but which to them is the fulfillment of their lives in the sphere of the Spirit. Their destiny signals the future toward which we the living are headed.”
We continue on our journey together, encouraged by signs that social distancing, wearing masks, and the vaccines are all helping to reduce the spread of the virus. Our mission to educate girls in the faith remains vibrant. Thank you for your support as we continue “anchoring lives for generations.”
Warms regards,
