Our Lady of Lourdes in Daytona Beach shared an open letter from the pastor to his parents. 

“I have come to recognize that I have been experiencing the stages of grief: Denial: Church is open, everyone comes back; Bargaining: well, maybe if we keep distance and wear masks, we will be safe; Anger: I can’t believe this is happening! I am angry at those who allowed this virus to spread etc; Depression: the anger turned inward; Acceptance: moments of acceptance,” Fr. Philip Egitto said in the church's Oct. 25 bulletin. 

Amid this challenging time, however, we also have glimpses of hope and beauty, such as the new artwork in the church. 

There are two new pieces: a statue of Mary, pregnancy with the Lord Jesus Christ; and a mural showing the inclusivity of the kingdom of heaven, which shows children and disabled persons all at a feast with our Lord. 

Finally, the pastor addressed the issue of voting.

“I hope people remember that we are neither ‘Red nor Blue’ but we stand with Christ and building His kingdom,” Fr. Egitto said.