In a heartbreaking and unprecedented tragedy, 13 sisters from the Felician congregation in Livonia, Michigan, lost their lives to COVID-19 between April and June 2020. The sisters, ranging in age from 69 to 99, were part of a close-knit community that was deeply affected by the loss.
The virus was unknowingly introduced into the convent by two aides, and it spread rapidly, catching the sisters off guard. In hindsight, experts criticized the lack of proper precautions taken to protect the vulnerable nuns. Despite the convent’s best efforts, the virus spread quickly, resulting in the devastating loss of life.
This tragic event was the worst to affect a religious community since the 1918 influenza pandemic. The loss not only had a profound impact on the sisters’ families and friends but also disrupted the daily operations of the convent. The surviving sisters were left to pick up the pieces and carry on the legacy of their departed sisters.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the surviving sisters emphasized the importance of taking precautions, such as wearing masks, to prevent the spread of the virus. They also stressed the need for unity and support during times of crisis. Their message serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of coming together to support one another in the face of adversity.
