We hope that you and your family are well during this trying time of the COVID-19 virus. On March 22nd the decision was made to close the residence to visitors and any residents that could were asked to return home. Ten residents were able to move out, leaving seven international students and 12 permanent residents at Ernescliff.
The men that remain are actively living out the spirit of fraternity. Everyone is currently healthy. In addition to completing their coursework online, residents are enjoying activities such as watching the extended version of The Lord of the Rings and having video game nights. There has been an increase in the number of residents participating in prayer such as visits to the Blessed Sacrament and the examination of conscience in the evenings.
The residents feel privileged to live at one of the few places in Toronto with daily Holy Mass and confessions. These sacraments can continue at Ernescliff as the residents are basically locked down as a “family”. They’re also pleased that other spiritual activities are continuing online where they are joined by others outside of Ernescliff.
Ernescliff’s Speakers Series for Young Professionals has also now switched to online presentations from in-person meetings. The schedule will remain the same.
The Wellspring board would to thank you also for your continuing financial support. This allows us to continue providing a home to residents during this difficult time.
Prayer should be one of our main focuses during Lent, uniting ourselves to Our Lord in His journey to the cross. Remember that three days after the cross came the Resurrection. The COVID-19 crisis will pass, and we ask you to maintain your supernatural outlook during this time. Thank you for your continuing prayers in this time of uncertainty.
To help you with this, two livestream Holy Week recollections will be offered via the website of Cedarcrest Conference Centre. The recollections will be held on Tuesday April 7th and Wednesday April 8th from 7:30-8:30 p.m. They can be accessed at this link. The recollections are open to all who wish to attend, so please share the link with your friends and family.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone and their families a happy and joyous Easter.