Pandemics and Spiritual Seekers: Locating Our Invisible Wounds

The churches have not been exempt from the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic. Churches have closed, liturgies cancelled, 'virtual' participation almost normal in many countries. In this context, is there an appropriate Christian response? What can we learn from the responses of religious people to previous pandemics? Is there any model of response that can help Christians when, inevitably, there will be further pandemics in our lives? Pandemics and Spiritual Seekers - a collection of essays, poems, prayers and reflections - records various responses, ancient and contemporary. It includes the insights of saints, mystics and celebrated writers who have left us their thoughts of how to make sense of it all; it includes the responses of contemporary faithful people, sharing their experiences of anxiety, distress, fear, uncertainty and hope. All of them offer opportunities to reflect deeply on the theology and spirituality of the pandemic. The theological response includes those who see the pandemic as an opportunity to consider the nature and function of the church itself in such troubled times. Pope Francis has proposed that the church should be a 'field hospital', implying a moving away from traditional boundaries to exercise the healing ministry of Jesus to people affected by the pandemic - those afflicted spiritually as well as physically and mentally. The subtitle of the book 'Locating our invisible wounds' suggests that the pandemic may be a kairos moment for the church, an opportunity to consider what the community called church offers to wounded humanity - what needs to change within itself as it seeks and offers faithful responses to the challenging, pandemic events in our lives.

About the Author :
Paul Kraus was born in Austria and migrated with his family to Australia in late 1949. He studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and graduated BA from Macquarie University before completing postgraduate degrees in Modern History, English Language and Literature and the Philosophy of Education at the University of Sydney. He taught in Catholic schools and has written educational textbooks. In recent years, he has written a number of books and poetry. Paul now lives in Queensland and leads a meditation group at St Benedict's Parish in Mango Hill, Brisbane.

Review :
Many of us are somewhat paralysed by confusion, sadness and anxiety due to the uncertainty and devastating effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Paul Kraus, from the depth of his spirituality, has gathered a rich collection of spiritual writings from various 'saints and sinners' for this book. This volume unequivocally assists us in finding true freedom during this time of crisis and in the way it has affected our lifestyle. I thank Paul for this book and strongly recommend it to anyone yearning for peace at this tumultuous time. Father Bryan Roe Parish Priest of St Benedict's Parish Archdiocese of Brisbane.