Greetings Christian Brothers Community,

During this challenging and unprecedented time, many of us are feeling lost, scared, and maybe even angry. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers every single day. As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is starting to set in, many of us are feeling overwhelmed. Please know that you are not alone. Take a moment to read the below post from a Division 1 athlete who is losing her senior year...

To My fellow athletes,

“Jesus, I’m a bit overwhelmed” Jesus has heard this from me and many others these past few days. Many of our lives have been flipped upside down as we cope with the sudden loss of a season. Seeing dear friends lose the opportunity to showcase the talent they have worked so hard to gain isn’t easy. Many of us on teams destined for a national championship. Many of us seniors, experiencing an abrupt end to four years of blood, sweat, and tears. But most of all we grieve the sudden realization that these teammates we love so dearly are headed home. Many of us are seniors who lose the chance to experience senior nights, end of the year goodbyes, and two more months of cherished time with teammates we have grown with over the years. I know for myself, after my last meeting with my coach, there I was with linked arms around my fellow seniors that have been by my side through tough races, sweet victories, and everything in between. I couldn’t help but remember all the beautiful times we had together and how much it hurt that it was over just like that. It was also a reminder that I couldn’t possibly grieve the loss of something that wasn’t such an incredible gift. It’s a surreal moment to think that each and every athlete in the NCAA and beyond is going through the same hardship at the same time.
As athletes, it’s not normal to have a clear schedule. Let’s use this time to remember our beloved friends and be truly present to them. Ask the hard questions, cry together, and laugh together. Let us go to Jesus with our misunderstandings, our sadness, and whatever it is we are feeling in this unprecedented time. Be real with Him, be raw with Him. He wants the hard questions and He wants your honesty. It’s easy to ask why us? Why my senior year? Why when we are number one? But let us then ask Jesus, how can I use this time of uncertainty to bring about the most good? As an athlete, our identity often lies in our sport. I invite us to take this time to place our whole self in Him. We are all so much more than the sports we play. Let us use this time to get to know our own hearts and the most sacred heart of Jesus on a deeper level. The same heart that suffered for us, the same heart that loves us recklessly. God can work through anything to draw us closer to Him. We just have to leave the door open. Now more than ever with Masses across the world experiencing cancellations, we must keep the faith alive for ourselves and each other. We are not abandoned, for Christ dwells within each of us. Saints are made in times like these! Be radical. Be humbled. Don't lose hope. Be not afraid! Let us remember to pray for those affected by this virus and offer up the great sacrifices we have made for those most vulnerable in our community.

He Is My Reason,
Annie
LSU track