We have faced a series of unprecedented situations in recent months. It was unthinkable a few weeks ago that temples and churches would be closed and entry to these buildings prevented. The community celebration of the Eucharist was suspended and we had to fast from communion with the Bread of Life. In any case, what could not be imagined, has become a reality. Literary critics say that reality is stranger than fiction.

Many questions arose for the communities of the Catholic faithful: How to live the Eucharistic dimension at the time of Covid 19? How to maintain communion with our brothers and sisters in Christ? Is virtual communication a new form of participation? And there are many other questions. Much has been written about it by theologians, pastors, sociologists, etc.

It is a time of signs and there are many signs of the times.

While it is true that we do not celebrate Mass in community, online networks are flooded with religious offerings. Many ways have been found to congregate without being present. We devised ways of creating proximity from a distance. There is a presence in the midst of absence. We invented ways and means of not being disconnected. We have been participating in numerous meetings via networking platforms. In other words, we put communication technology at the service of the community, the gathering and the celebration.

It is true we need Eucharistic communion. But we have strengthened the table of the Word. It is our permanent food. Prayer has acquired new channels and forms. Religious, spiritual and formative offerings have multiplied. The buildings are empty, but the hearts are full of new things.

In the midst of concern about the disaster caused by the virus, is the Lord not inviting us to look at the signs of the times? Is it not an opportunity to listen to Pope Francis, who insists that we must lose our self-referentiality? Is it not a new call to give greater meaning to dialogue in communities, so that we allow discernment and truth to emerge with greater force?

It is good that we can learn new paths or ways of evangelization from what we have experienced. May we strengthen the common priesthood of the baptized and become sacraments of new life, realities that were once hidden.

If the Eucharist is about surrender and detachment, if it is about breaking and giving, then surely the Lord calls us to make it about life beyond the rite and the ceremony.

In just a short time, Coronavirus has fundamentally changed many aspects of our life. Activities that we thought were ordinary and routine in the past, have now become difficult or sometimes impossible. We yearn for a time when we can meet with our own Team members again in their home, share a meal, and feel their embrace.

However, there are still many things we can do, and there are even some activities that we can now do better than before. It is a time to be innovative and to have the courage to try new ideas. Our own journey in recent months has been one of discovery, and we have been amazed by the ingenuity of some teams during a time of adversity.

Our first experience of the Coronavirus outbreak happened while we were on our way to an ERI meeting in Togo, followed by a large gathering with the Teams of French-speaking Africa. After the meetings in Togo, we planned to spend the next week in Ghana, part of the Eurasia Zone, visiting the Teams in Techiman. We were excited at the prospect of meeting them for the first time. So much work had gone into preparation for the meetings in both countries, and we were very disappointed when they both had to be cancelled.

As we returned to Australia and into mandatory isolation, we hoped that one day we might finally meet the Teams in Ghana. We were delighted to receive an invitation to join a WhatsApp group called “Teams of Our Lady in Techiman”. This is a very active group and includes daily scripture readings and reflections, as well as the prayers and hymns for Sunday Mass. It is also an important link between team members and local clergy, as well as contacts in Great Britain. It is wonderful to see how the couple who brought Teams to Ghana, (Mary and Robert Jones from England), continue to remain in close contact. In a country where internet access is slow, they already had a well-functioning online community where distance was irrelevant. The online aspects of their Teams life prepared the Teams in Techiman well for the Coronavirus challenges that lay ahead. We are touched to have been invited into this community and inspired by their faith.

Encouraged by these simple, practical initiatives, we began to look for other opportunities where technology could improve contact with Teams members, rather than just be a poor substitute during difficult times.

We started with our own Zone meetings with SR/RR couples. These meetings are typically held once a year at the International College. Using Zoom, we are now holding frequent Zone meetings (currently monthly), and this has deepened our relationship as a team. Through more frequent contact, we have been able to share ideas and develop joint initiatives, so that duplicated effort is reduced across the Zone.

For the next Eurasia Zone initiative, we worked with the SR/RR couples to hold regular online English-language Masses during May and June. These Masses are open to all Teams members around the world and have been much appreciated. The Masses are being celebrated by Spiritual Counsellors from different countries in Eurasia, so that each country can bring a little of its own culture to the celebration of Mass. Already we have celebrated Masses from New Zealand, Great Britain and India, with future Masses scheduled from Australia and Ireland.

We were delighted that Bishop Steve Lowe, from New Zealand, agreed to celebrate the first of these Masses. In 2018, Bishop Steve invited Teams into his Diocese and agreed to be the Spiritual Counsellor for one of the newly formed Teams of young couples. We piloted this Team in 2019 from Australia using Skype, and the experience was very successful. We learned many valuable lessons about the challenges of holding Team meetings over the internet, and we drew heavily on this practical experience during the Coronavirus lockdowns.

It is clear to us, that WhatsApp, Zoom and Skype have created new opportunities for us to provide better liaison. However, we also clearly understand that these online tools are not a replacement for personal interaction. There can be no better way to understand the realities of life for couples in any country, than to meet with them in their home, to embrace them, to walk in their footsteps, and to feel their joy and their pain. Online encounters can never deliver the deep insights gained through close and personal interaction, but they can create new and innovative ways of communicating with each other.

During the lockdowns in March, for example, we were invited to join an online meeting of the Oceania Super Regional Team for a short time using Zoom. In the past, this would have been a major logistical challenge, requiring travel for more than 1000 kilometres. Reflecting on the success of this meeting, we can now see there is an opportunity for us to work more closely with Regional and Super Regional teams in other countries through simple online visits. Sometimes the best ideas are just simple ideas that are easy to implement!

Of course, END does not operate separately from other parts of the Catholic Church, and the Church is also changing in its use of online technologies. For example, our own parish has been sustained and enlivened by online technology during the Coronavirus period, and the transition has been surprisingly easy. Each week, we now have a full schedule of online activities, including online Mass, scripture study, and a bible discussion, and we also mentor a young married couple. All this is accomplished without leaving our home!

Coronavirus will have an enduring impact on the world, and we can only hope the enduring message will be for the good of humanity. Our own experience of Teams during this crisis has been one of concern and mutual support for the welfare of others, together with a deep faith in the guiding hand of God in times of adversity. We hope the innovative ideas developed by Teams to communicate through necessity during the Coronavirus pandemic, will continue to be developed and nurtured long after the virus has gone.

The essential mission of the zone liaison couple consists in maintaining and revitalizing the links of the Super Regions (SR) and Attached Regions (RR) for which it is responsible with the Teams of Our Lady movement, represented by the International Leading Team (ERI), with its responsible couple and its Spiritual Counsellor (CS).

During our meetings within the ERI, we report on this mission, and when we initiate meetings with the responsible couples of the SR and RR, it is often to listen to them and to encourage the dynamism of the movement in the different regions of the world. It is also an opportunity for us to transmit the orientations and recommendations of the ERI, and to gather in return the requests or questions that each responsible couple faces in their country.

The visit of the zone liaison couple in the different countries of their zone allows them to touch the reality of the movement and to go and meet the base team members and the hierarchy of the local churches.

At the last international College in July 2019 in Valencia, Spain, we drew up a calendar of meetings including meetings at the international Colleges and visits to each SR.

The first meeting scheduled for the year 2020 was the Lomé zone meeting, from 27 February to 1 March 2020.

We thank God that we were able to hold it, because that was the deadline before the restrictions of the coronavirus. The following week, Italy isolated the region of Milan, the region of origin of the couple responsible for SR Italy.

Only SR Portugal was unable to make the trip to Lomé, but we listened to them together by videoconference.

It was a very enriching meeting during which we were able to see the progress and difficulties of the Teams of our Lady in our zone.

The zone is growing well overall, especially in French-speaking Africa and in SR Portugal. In the Spanish and Italian SRs, growth is less sustained, but a work of diffusion is being done to compensate for the decrease in marriages and the number of potential team members that this may entail.

Specific formation is given in all the SRs in the area, and permanent formation is already provided (SR Portugal and SR Spain), envisaged in the future (SR Italy), or scheduled (SR AF).

Solidarity is effective in the area and less well-off SRs are supported.

The leaders of SR AF and SR Portugal for Lusophone Africa are called upon to encourage their team members to donate to the movement.

After the Lomé meeting, we continued our exchanges by e-mail, relaying news from the ERI and receiving feedback from the SRs.

Informed of the cancellation of the Warsaw college, we initiated a zone meeting by videoconference on May 16, 2020, in order to get news from each other, as families and couples working as a team, but also to examine the functioning of our movement, in this unexpected context of the coronavirus pandemic.

The presence of all the couples comforted us and the spiritual counsellors supported us by alternately leading the prayer.

We were then able to exchange news about each of our families, which was generally good. We prayed together when we heard the news about the death on 28 March of Michela Valsecchi, mother of Clelia, wife of Gianni (responsible for SR Italy).

We joyfully welcomed Father Nuno Rocha, SC of SR Portugal.

As we shared the news, we noticed that the confinement had brought families closer together, and had given the opportunity to pray much more regularly in the family, making it a true domestic church.

The enriching exchanges on the teams focused on how we keep the links between us as base and service teams during this period of the coronavirus pandemic.

We were pleasantly encouraged by the dynamism and creativity of the team members in our zone. As soon as the restrictions imposing confinement and making meetings difficult or even impossible were confirmed, many base teams began to use internet communication technologies to communicate (WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom, Meet, etc.). The most technological teams had interactive video conferences instead of face-to-face meetings. Even in Africa, where there is a lack of telecom infrastructure, mobile internet has made it possible to hold virtual meetings.

Regarding service teams, we found that overall, the implementation of restrictions led responsible couples to use technology to circumvent these difficulties, to ensure the programs initially established were maintained.

SR Italy held its national session on 1, 2 and 3 May 2020 by videoconference, with more than six hundred couples. It holds a prayer vigil on the 15th and 30th of each month from 7:00pm to 7:00am, with prayers offered by the Spiritual Counsellor.

On 30 May 2020, SR Portugal will hold formation for Sector Couples by videoconference. It is also considering holding the November national meeting by videoconference in case there are problems in holding it in Fatima. It also relayed to the team members all the proposals for spiritual activities of the church in Portugal.

SR Spain has replaced all face-to-face sessions with virtual sessions using internet tools.

Francophone Africa is beginning to practice the use of technology at the SR team level, but some of its core teams are well ahead in its use.

Overall, all the SRs in the Eurafrique zone are trying to maintain their programs of activities, replacing face-to-face sessions with virtual sessions. However, the coronavirus restrictions have had a negative impact on the income of the team members, which could be felt in contributions and solidarity.

Containment constraints have therefore been a source of creativity to continue to keep the liaison between team members on the one hand, and between team members and the movement on the other hand.

This is the place to confirm this shared presentiment that after this coronavirus pandemic, nothing will be the same as before.

We will certainly review our way of living and thinking, to devote a little more time to what is essential: to walk in humility by listening to the Holy Spirit and henceforth free of all our fears; to go towards our brothers and sisters in respect and trust; to propose Jesus Christ to them, he who is "the way, the truth and the life".

The pandemic spread so rapidly throughout the world, imposing a confinement on us at great speed, taking us all by surprise. It shook up all the programs and activities we had planned. We felt a little bit knocked out and stunned. We had to take the blow, get over it with reason and wisdom, and manage the stress it caused. Somehow the momentum was lost, and the horizon had narrowed.

This was also an opportunity to take a step back, to take some time to discern what is essential at the heart of this crisis. When we are caught up in a whirlwind of activities, meetings, and gatherings to organize, there is always the risk of paying insufficient attention to the animation from a group, a zone, an RR or SR, reducing it to a set of activities. The essential thing is not just in doing it, but in the animation - that is to say, to give it a soul - we can say allowing the Holy Spirit to breathe. In fact, it is He who acts in each one of us; we are only instruments to allow Him to act.

Many activities were no longer possible and had to be cancelled; but of course, this does not mean that the Holy Spirit is no longer present at our side. We were therefore invited, and we are always invited to reflect on what form and through what realities God is present. The first consequence of this confinement and of these new conditions was a strengthening of prayer: to listen to God, to listen to others too, to be attentive to what the teams live.

What are their difficulties, their needs, their distress in this period of confinement? What new needs are emerging?

For some countries, the pandemic had already aggravated a very precarious situation. Let us think of Syria, which is in a state of war. Let's think of Lebanon which is going through a very serious economic and political crisis. With Covid 19, nearly half of the population is now living below the poverty line.

Below are some examples of what has been implemented in the SR and RR, we are far from being exhaustive. These examples are intended to show the creativity of the team members. We find the "Let us seek together", dear to Father Caffarel.

• The SR France-Luxembourg-Switzerland has proposed a Sit-down to reflect on the consequences of confinement on the life of a couple. And another has been proposed to reflect on life as a family.

• Syria organized financial solidarity to help families weakened by the loss of their jobs.

• Belgium proposed celebrations to experience as a family during Holy Week when Masses with the faithful were suppressed.

• Lebanon organized an online retreat for team members with a record participation, because God is always present, and everyone needs to meet Him.

• In France, the Massabielle house, the house of the Teams where many formations, retreats and Teams sessions are organized, had to close its doors to respect the rules of confinement. It has been reopened and made available to house caregivers who have come as reinforcements in overcrowded hospitals in the Paris region.

In this particular context, what has been the animation of the Central-European Zone?

First of all, listening to what is happening here and there; through emails, phone calls, WhatsApp discussions; being attentive to the difficulties and situations of each RR or SR. Then allow the responsible couples responsible for RR and SR to share what they are experiencing, their difficulties, and also their initiatives.

And we had an incredibly beautiful Video Conference where we were able to tell each other that God was present in all this, that He was at our side. Each responsible couple was able to say how they personally lived this time of confinement, as a couple and as a family, and then in a second round what consequences this had on the animation of the Teams.

We are always reminded that our Movement was born from a search that Father Caffarel made together with some couples to meet their aspirations. We add to this the observation made, also by Father Caffarel, that the Movement would need to be always attentive and adjust to the changes in the world.

We never imagined that one day we would have to search together for new, creative and original ways to stay close while having to stay physically apart.

We see that this challenge has become lighter and more fruitful by the strength, above all, of love. We are able to overcome so many difficulties and some sadness, through the love for God, for Teams, for our brothers and sisters, and for service.

The America Zone remains active and enthusiastic, carrying out as many activities as possible. This is due to its many cultural and religious characteristics, its love for Teams of Our Lady, and thanks to the tireless and fruitful dedication of the SR and RR Responsible Couples and their Spiritual Counsellors.

We see in SR Hispano America North ( Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic) a Mass being celebrated every week by a different Region, as well as the one celebrated by the SR. Virtual meetings are held by both the responsible teams and the base teams. A Vigil was divided between countries, with excellent attendance. There are several testimonies of the importance for team members to continue to feel united and close to all their brothers and sisters.

We follow the richness of gestures in SR Colombia, from the creation of masks with the logo of the Teams of Our Lady, to the gathering of teams to offer donations to priests and families in need. They organized vigils and Adoration that brought together many team members. In the same way, the meetings did not fail to take place, either in the base teams or in the service teams.

As we look at SR Hispano América South ( Ecuador, Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay), in addition to numerous meetings of the service and base teams, we have already seen Formation being held with virtual resources and moments of prayer, like the rosary, uniting everyone.

The Collége of SR United States has not stopped holding its meetings, just as the base teams continue to meet virtually. In order to continue the formation processes, videos are being prepared. Every week there is a Mass celebrated for the Teams of Our Lady, and those who have difficulties with technology are constantly contacted by telephone.

SR Brazil, always very active, was already developing a project with a rich program of Lives and videos that, especially at this time, promote strong union in the SR. Several activities are carried out through the YouTube channel, highlighting the commemorative activities of the 70 years of Teams of Our Lady in Brazil. The report of the countless activities were included in the previous newsletter.

In the same way, in RR Canada, the meetings of the base teams have not stopped happening, nor have the service teams stopped meeting. Toronto held an Information meeting virtually, to keep the process of diffusion and expansion active. Training for couples is scheduled using virtual resources that provide parallel activities for children, with material that will be sent in advance to the younger ones. Even the teams that are still being piloted have continued their process by holding their meetings with the same frequency as before.

The activities are being announced and open to all members of the Zone.

The Liaison Couple of the Zone and the Super Region and Region Responsible Couples are also connected through interaction and integration of each other's activities and events. Virtual meetings and WhatsApp, in particular, greatly assist in more immediate, close and warm communication. For the next meeting, the future Super Regional Couple for the United States is invited to meet the other couples and be welcomed by all.

We were thrilled by the testimony of the Responsible Couple for SR Hispano America South, which described the suffering they both went through as a result of having Covid19. To see them well and keeping the SR lively is for all a grace and immense joy.

We therefore accompany the America Zone growing in a spirituality with open eyes, which perceives in the new situations that the world presents, ways to be together, to share and to deepen. We feel the lifeblood, the energy of the Movement flowing, nourishing and comforting all the couples and priests who belong to it.

We are aware that the spirit that generates so much creativity in us is the spirit of love and of openness of heart, and we believe in it there is no risk of dispersion or discouragement!

The Lord continues to work wonders in us!