Pope Francis kisses Peter Lombardi, 12, of Columbus, Ohio, who has Down syndrome, after the boy rode in the popemobile during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican March 28, 2018. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY
“Frailty is part of everyone’s life … Vulnerability is intrinsic to the essential nature of humanity.” (Pope Francis, International Day for Persons with Disabilities, December 2020)
While we cope with the global pandemic, Pope Francis reminds us that some struggle more than others — including persons with serious disabilities. In his recent message for the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, our Holy Father commended those who “silently devote themselves to helping others in situations of fragility and disability” and encouraged all of us to affirm the dignity of each person, while defending those with special needs and gifts, regardless of age or social status.
He said “inclusion and active participation” are the foundations to “building back a better society” in, during and after this pandemic. The pope emphasized that all persons should be offered the same opportunity to participate fully in the life of parishes. “Together with their brothers and sisters, each of them can deepen, celebrate and live their faith. … Indeed, the active participation of people with disabilities in the work of catechesis can greatly enrich the life of the whole parish.”
Here in Hawaii, a network of Ohana Mass families who have persons with disabilities and special gifts are sharing their faith by talking story through monthly family catechetical internet Zoom sessions. Using lessons developed by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, they focus on four keys to practicing faith: 1) Caring conversations, 2) Family devotions and prayer, 3) Family rituals and traditions, and 4) Family service.
The Zoom sessions always include prayer and a moment to “show and share” their thoughts on each theme. They began in the fall focusing on the rosary and the feasts of All Souls and All Saints. Participants talked about their family rosary experiences. They remembered deceased family members who still inspire their ohana. During the holidays, the Zoom gatherings included connecting with family on the Mainland, composing and singing songs, dancing hula and sharing pictures of their Christmas trees and manger scenes on their mobile devices. In January they focused on the Baptism of Jesus, with a discussion about their baptisms and how their godparents were chosen.
For Lent, they will share Catholic Relief Service’s Rice Bowl Stories of Hope, practice the Lenten spirituality of praying, fasting and giving alms, and exchange recipes and cooking demos of meatless meals. Indeed, these Ohana Mass family catechetical celebrations enrich parish communities. As Pope Francis says: “Creating a fully accessible parish requires helping parishioners to develop attitudes and acts of solidarity and service toward persons with disabilities and their families. Our concern should be not only to care for them, but also to ensure their ‘active participation’ in the ecclesial community. Our aim should be to speak no longer about ‘them,’ but rather about ‘us.’”
Recently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported for the first time that persons with disabilities — particularly persons with Down syndrome — are at a higher risk for illness or death from COVID-19. Some factors that increase the risk of infection for persons with disabilities include limited mobility preventing them from avoiding close contact with others who may be infected; trouble understanding information or practicing safety measures; and inability to communicate symptoms of illness.
Families with members with special needs are advised to prepare an action plan as suggested on the CDC website, cdc.gov, and to contact their health care provider regarding risks and eligibility for vaccines. May we all continue to work together to “build back better” a society built upon the rock of “inclusion and active participation” by all with special disabilities and gifts.
For more information on how to involve Ohana Mass families in your parish, please visit our website at officeforsocialministry.org.
Mahalo,
Your friends at the Office for Social Ministry
