The Peak, a Reflection on the Coronavirus crisis.

Over 105,500 is the number of people who were infected with Sars-Cov2 in Italy as of today, 12,428 is the number of people who died because of complications caused by this type of Coronavirus, 969 is the highest number of people who died in a single day due to complications caused by Sars-Covid19, four days ago. But there is one gleam of hope. Today our country, where the outbreak first spread without control in the West, has reached the peak. This means that we have slowly reached the worst moment of this crisis. We have seen many deaths, we have been bombarded by terrible news on television, as well as the sight of tragic and heartbreaking scenes all over the media. 

We have been worrying about our loved ones, about ourselves, but also about the economy. Especially, some of us worried about the effects on mental health provoked by such a lengthy quarantine. We will see the results of all those as well. This crisis will affect all of us in one way or another. I myself have been angry and frustrated at this situation. We are not even halfway through the end of the crisis but we know that we are half-way through the outbreak, this should be sign of humble and discreet comfort, discreet because of the many who lost the fight to this virus. Italy flew its banners at half-mast today in honor of its fallen. 

Once this is over we will not be able to go back to normal for a while, there are lots of questions. Experts think that until a vaccine is found, there will be an inevitable return of the virus, despite the lockdowns and quarantines being reinforced at this time - for a while our lives will be strange and we will feel insecure. We won’t be able to give that hug or eat at that ristorante for a while. Normality is far beyond the horizon. Nonetheless, today, after almost a month, we’re seeing some life. Between two weeks and a month from now we might be free, or at least freer than we are now. Let us find comfort in this gleam of bright hope, let us wait patiently and let us be safe - I felt and feel frustrated like many, but there is no point in breaking the rules, not now, not after the crisis will be over - everyone can feel weak over the stress of isolation, let us find comfort in those who love us at this time. Let anger not prevail. 

This is a message for us here in Italy, but also for all of my friends a few days or weeks behind us. Follow the rules and never let your guard down, when you think the race is over. Only by doing so we shall win that good fight. Saint Peter the Apostle, patron and martyr in this city said: be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 

Let us pray for all those who are ill, for the victims and their families - but also for those providing comfort and care to the sick; doctors, nurses. We also pray for all researches and those fighting behind the lines to find a cure. We also remember clergy, therapists, friends, and all those who provide support at this difficult time. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. Fear not, there shall be light at the end and we shall all think of the words of Saint Paul the Apostle, patron and martyr in this city: the night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

The days are getting longer, the beautiful Roman sun, and the warmth of this Italian spring give us hope.