COVID-19 is perhaps the topic everyone of our planet is currently aware of, and keeps informed on. No part of the world, and no group of persons—by nationality or race or religion or income or education— seems to be beyond its reach.
Unlike what some alarmist messages tell us, this is by no means the worst pandemic that the human race has faced—either in numbers or in destructive fury.
Nor has it caused the largest number of deaths in recent decades.
See our cover stories for more information.
Cover Story 1 is an informed and honest look at COVID-19.
Cover Story 2 is about the inspiring outpouring of generosity that caring human beings are showing. Tragedies, whether natural (like illness or earthquakes or floods) or human-caused (like wars, slavery or persecution) bring out the best and the worst in human beings. This is happening today as well.
Something worse hit the world almost exactly one hundred years ago—the so-called “Spanish Flu” of 1918-1919. It killed more people than COVID-19 is doing. In the midst of that, a group of women did exceptional service. See: “Heroic Sisters of 1918.”
I am delighted that an acknowledged expert had agreed to write the new Finance Column—Father Trevor D’Souza OFM, well-known in Church circles for his competence in administration. We can all learn much from his expertise and experience. Thank you, Fr Trevor, for offering your service so generously.
The April issue focussed on “Aging Gracefully.” In reading the wise contributions of four older persons, we thought we can learn precious lessons from others as well. After all, aging is something that happens to everyone. No one grows younger! The only choice each of us has—if we are blessed with old age—is about how to traverse this passage wisely. So, we are making it a regular feature. If any of you—or wise and happy older persons you know—like to share how you are going through the latter half of life, what helps you, and what lessons you have been learning, do send us your story.
We are starting a new column—Ways of Praying. This will not give exhortations on prayer, but present different ways of praying and meditating. We launch the column—since this is the May issue—by presenting Devotion to Mary.
To help us do all this with quality and excellence, we have managed to rope in a distinguished new Editorial Board. I have asked each of the new Board members to help us with wise and critical feedback, so that we can maintain and improve on the high standards we have set for ourselves, and which national and international experts have noted. What is worth doing, is worth doing well. We are not in competition with anyone. We simply want to publish a Catholic magazine as good as the best.
You can tell us whether we are hitting that target or not.
In the meantime, have a look at what is happening around us today, and what “loving warriors” are doing to defeat the common enemy.
Fr Joe Mannath SDB
To subscribe to the magazine, click Subscribe
