Impact of COVID-19 on women, mothers, and families

Last Fall the Alberta Bishops issued a Pastoral Statement on the Impact of COVID-19 and the Call to Christian Renewal.  At that time, the pandemic was beginning to alert us to a number of important human and social issues: isolation and depression in our homes and communities, the prevalence and stigma of mental illness, substance abuse, suicide, and other social ills, in addition to increased rates of domestic violence, elder abuse, and other forms of interpersonal violence.
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In Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis also acknowledged that although it is “true, a worldwide tragedy like the COVID-19 pandemic momentarily revived the sense that we are global community, all in the same boat, where one person’s problem are the problems of others. Yet, the storm has exposed our vulnerability and uncovered those false and superfluous certainties around which we construct our daily schedules, our projects, our habits and priorities …” (FT no. 32)  The Pope goes on to say, “the pain, uncertainty and fear, and the realization of our own limitations, brought on by the pandemic have only made it all the more urgent that we rethink our styles of life, our relationships, the organization of our societies and, above all, the meaning of our existence.” (FT no. 33)

Now in the month of May, we recall and celebrate the importance of those women who in being “mothers” give the world the gift of life, maternal care, love and guidance.  As Catholics, we also honour our spiritual mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary and during this pandemic, Pope Francis has invited the Marian shrines throughout the world to be united in prayer, like the early Church, in the recitation of the Holy Rosary for the end of the pandemic.  

As we approach Mother’s Day this year, it is important to also acknowledge the human and social issues that are impacting on women and girls in our society, mothers and families. A recent UN Report – How COVID-19 Impacts Women and Girls reported the following, “the COVID-19 pandemic underscores society’s reliance on women both on the front line and at home, while simultaneously exposing structural inequalities across every sphere, from health to the economy, security to social protection. In times of crisis, when resources are strained and institutional capacity is limited, women and girls face disproportionate impacts with far reaching consequences that are only further amplified in contexts of fragility, conflict and emergencies.”

In 2016, Pope Francis issued the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia concerning the experiences and challenges of families. He noted that “at times we have also proposed a far too abstract and almost artificial theological ideal of marriage, far removed from the concrete situations and practical possibilities of real families ...  especially when we have failed to inspire trust in God’s grace.” (AL no. 36) He also quoted the Bishops of Mexico in that “violence within families breeds new forms of aggression … This is often the case with families where communication is lacking, defensive attitudes predominate, the members are not supportive of one another, family activities that encourage participation are absent, the parental relationship is frequently conflictual and violent, and the relationship between the parents and the children are marked by hostility. Violence within the family is a breeding-ground of resentment and hatred in the most basic human relationship.” (AL no. 51)

It is true that during the pandemic we have come to recognize the increase of domestic violence and its impact upon mothers and indeed, the family. “A crisis in a couple’s relationship destabilizes the family and may lead, through separation and divorce, to serious consequences for adults, children and society as a whole, weakening its individual and social bonds” (AL no. 41).

This awareness should also lead us to respond in ways that support the family. Elizabeth House continues to receive women who are sometimes fleeing from such situations of violence and instability to find a home in which to support them in their pregnancy and parenting. Catholic Family Service offers counselling and programs to support families and parents. Our Catholic schools have been extremely proactive in supporting students who find themselves in such family situations of conflict. The Diocese promotes the offering of Retrouvaille, a program to assist married couples who seek ways to work through their marital difficulties relying on and recognizing the grace of God at work through the Sacrament of Marriage.

Such initiatives need to be expanded in the wake of the pandemic to address the internal family stresses or external pressures such as unemployment that have been caused by the pandemic and which have had a disproportionate effect on women. Other initiatives such as part-time education, adequate childcare, improved places of shelter and support for those fleeing domestic violence need to be part of our response.

May is the month in which we focus our attention on the importance of women in society, especially in the family as mothers. Perhaps the pandemic is also opening our eyes to the violence and conflict that is specifically experienced by and targeted against women, and that in justice and compassion, we must respond in true spirit of Christian renewal now and in the future. Let us continue to pray for the intercession of the Blessed Mary Virgin and offer the Rosary for the end of the pandemic and the injustices it has exposed. Mother Mary, pray for us!    

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Written by Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary
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May 7, 2021