Challenge has Mass appeal for Nancy (107)
A DEFINING feature of the Covid-19 pandemic has been the limitations it has placed on us all.
Holidays and family gatherings have been put on hold due to imposed restrictions.
But for one devout 107-year-old Catholic woman, it has opened up a world of options.
Nancy Stewart, from Clonard, Co. Meath, has taken on the challenge of attending Mass virtually in all 32 counties. She has 84 grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
The closure of churches forced priests to adapt to provide an online offering and it has been welcomed by Nancy. Since March, her granddaughter Louise Coghlan has set her up with a church-going challenge.
Without leaving the kitchen, Nancy is going to attend a virtual Mass held by a church in every county in Ireland.
Louise said: ‘The Masses r eall y c ame about because Granny really was missing Mass an awful lot and she’s missing going out and seeing people.
‘So it was kind of one of those things. Obviously the whole idea of Mass going online came out in April or May when we had no choice, and we realised we were stuck in.
‘So it was something I know she loves, she loves praying – my God this woman prays from morning until night and when she’s asleep I nearly hear a Hail Mary come out of her as well.
The centenarian’s eyes light up when she watches Mass.
Nancy said: ‘North, south, east and west we’ve been to Mass and I enjoyed every bit of it.
‘It was lovely and I feel so happy and so refreshed sitting happily in my own kitchen, in my own armchair looking at Mass. I can’t believe it. I am trying to believe it’s true. We are very happy at it and I hope everybody keeps to the rules a bit better and we’ll be out of it now any time.’ Grandmother and granddaughter alike are hoping to be back in the pews as soon as possible. Nancy received encouragement from friends and strangers alike who said she reminded them of their own mothers, and some who said her story was up-lifting. One said: ‘This reminds me so much of my mother who loved watching Mass and Rosaries on YouTube when the lockdown came in initially. ‘I’d set autoplay mode and one Mass would roll into the next. It gave her great spiritual consolation, so I understand how much it must mean to Nancy. God bless her,’ said one well-wisher. Another said: ‘God Bless you and keep you safe Nancy and thanks for all the prayers.’