Finding God During a Pandemic (Video Presentations)
Insights on Grief and Loss (April 30, 2020)
While life has always been marked by change and loss, nothing could have prepared us for the sudden loss of “life as we know it” and the suffering that we have witnessed as a result of the ongoing global pandemic.
In this program, Nicholas Collura, M.Div. will consider experiences of grief in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so, he will help participants to recognize and name grief in its many different forms, including anticipatory grief rooted in uncertainty, fear, and ambiguous loss, as well as collective "civic" grief for the suffering of our vulnerable world. Drawing on psychological, spiritual, and artistic resources, Nicholas will share insights regarding various means of coping with such grief and loss and will conclude by inviting participants into a practice of self-compassion.
About the Presenter:
In addition to his work as a spiritual director and retreat director at St. Raphaela Center outside of Philadelphia, Nicholas Collura is a member of the Association of Professional Chaplains and works as a palliative care chaplain. He studied film and literature at Yale University and the University of Paris before earning an MDiv from the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, where he also trained as a spiritual director. Beyond his work in health care, Nicholas spent three years of his life as a Jesuit on the West Coast, where he ministered on college campuses, in juvenile halls and state prisons, and at a L'Arche community in the Pacific Northwest.
Insights on Self Care (April 16, 2020)
As the global health crisis grinds on, the demands of managing life in a new reality are taking a toll. Known routines of prayer and self-care have fallen away leaving many feeling unmoored. We invite you to take the opportunity to re-center, however briefly, in the positive connection between well-being and spirituality.
In this program, Dr. Karen Shields Wright will reflect on the commandment “Love thy Neighbor as Thyself” and what that looks like in the midst of a pandemic. What is the spiritual call to care for self and how does honoring that call, in momentary and intentional ways, naturally support flourishing and balance in body and soul? What are the ways to access the peace that surpasses understanding and, in doing so, maintain balance in this time of collective uncertainty?
About the Presenter:
Dr. Karen Shields Wright is an Ignatian Spiritual Director, Wellness Expert, Patient Advocate, Chaplain, Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine, and Health Consultant. Dr. Shields Wright received her advanced certificate training in spiritual direction (’03) at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Religion, after receiving her MS in Christian Spirituality (’98). Previously she received her undergraduate in Life Science at NYIT, and a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine from New York Chiropractic College. In addition to her health practice, she ministers as a spiritual director at the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Fairfield University. Dr. Shields Wright is married to Dmitri Wright, a fine artist, where she continues to take great delight in her children and grandson, in addition to their extended internationally based family, and friends.