Catholics are familiar with the Corporal Works of Mercy. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shares examples with his disciples of how to serve and love one another. He challenges Christians to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the sick, shelter the homeless, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead. The Corporal Works of Mercy are visible and tangible acts of charity toward our brothers and sisters. During the Coronavirus outbreak, acts of charity have come to look radically different, although still deeply rooted in love.

COVID-19 has brought the once-bustling and fast-paced world to a drastic halt. In New Mexico and Arizona, where the Southwest Franciscans primarily minister, residents are encouraged to stay home, and all businesses deemed non-essential by state and local governments, including churches, are closed. In a time of quarantine and social distancing, how can we respond to Jesus' challenge to love one another? Unlike the Corporal Works of Mercy that are visible and tangible, the best way to show love during the pandemic is invisible. The Friars of Our Lady of Guadalupe have been following these COVID-19 Works of Mercy to help stop the spread of the virus.

Stay home as much as possible
Wash your hands frequently
Wear a face mask
Stay 6 feet apart from others
Limit contact to only people living in your household
Only buy items that you need

Because there are friars who are considered high risk due to age or underlying health conditions, the friars, although one brotherhood, are not visiting one another during the pandemic as an act of mercy. Provincial Minister, Jack Clark Robinson, OFM, stated, "We are one family, but we are not one household, and at this time we must remember that for the safety and health of the whole family." The Province is very thankful for M. Ortiz, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Health Care Coordinator, who has been a blessing and resource during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to Marta's efforts, the friars are kept updated with best practices, guidelines, and procedures to keep themselves and others safe. During this time, we pray for all to follow the COVID Works of Mercy