The coronavirus invaded a convent in upstate New York in December, with dozens of positive tests and at least nine nuns dying from Covid-19.
The outbreak occurred at the Provincial House of San José – a convent for retired and sick nuns administered by the Sisters of San José de Carondelet – in Latham, New York, just outside Albany.
A spokesman for the order confirmed that 47 sisters tested positive and at least nine died from Covid-19 in the last month of 2020, saying the convent was largely spared throughout the year.
“At the moment, three of our sisters who live in the Provincial House are receiving treatment for the virus and are under the care of their personal doctors,” wrote Sr. Mary Rose Noonan in an email to NBC News, adding that most of nuns with a positive test recovered. Twenty-one convent officials have had positive results and have recovered, while five remain isolated, Noonan said.
“Like all members of our global community, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet have struggled with the tragic consequences of COVID-19,” wrote Noonan, saying they have followed all CDC and New York state security guidelines.
“We pray that the growing number of cases in our country is temporary and we regret the loss not only of our sisters who succumbed to this terrible disease, but also the loss of all lives during this pandemic worldwide. The vaccine and the end of this global health crisis ”.
Throughout the Christmas season, the Facebook page of the chapter of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in Albany was filled with news of death.
Outbreaks of covid hit nursing homes and facilities like the Provincial House, where many older Catholic nuns spend their last years.
Eight Catholic nuns died at a Wisconsin convent last month, NBC News reported, with four dying on the same day.
“All of us … are praying for the Sisters during this challenging time,” said Mary DeTurris Poust, director of communications for the Diocese of Albany.
“In addition to the loss of so many beloved sisters who have served others so selflessly for decades, there is the added difficulty of not being able to celebrate their lives as a community due to the restrictions of COVID. As for so many people who have lost loved ones in recent months, the already difficult task of grieving has become even more difficult due to isolation and a lack of closure. “
