In a devastating incident at a Michigan convent, 13 sisters lost their lives to COVID-19, marking one of the worst pandemics in modern history. Aged between 69 to 99 years, the nuns were part of the Sisters of St Felix of Cantalice in Livonia. The virus spread rapidly, claiming most lives within a month of infection, leaving the congregation and convent in profound grief.

The sisters, known for their unity, faced increased vulnerability due to their age. Families emphasized their close bond, as they prayed, worked, and lived together. This tragedy, comparable to the 1918 influenza crisis, highlights the rarity of such events in women’s religious communities. Questions arose about how the virus entered the isolated convent, later revealed to be through two aides.

A crucial lapse in checking the aides’ temperatures upon entry led to the rapid spread. The heartbreaking ordeal unfolded between April 10 and May 10, claiming 12 lives, with the last nun passing away on June 27. The director of clinical health services, Noel Marie Gabriel, addressed the emotional toll, emphasizing the importance of preventing such incidents in the future.