Constance and the other martyrs of Memphis are remembered as part of a larger window in All Saints’ Chapel at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Sister Hughetta, the only nun to survive the yellow fever epidemic, moved to Sewanee, and in 1888, she and other sisters started what is now the Southern Province of the Sisters of St. Mary. Photo: University of the South
Each Thursday we will share something that looks back at our past, as Christians, as Bostonians, as St. John’s Jamaica Plain, as Episcopalians, to help, in the words of the old hymn, “grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days…” Today learn about courageous women who faced infectious disease in their day:
‘Martyrs of Memphis’ have lessons to teach those battling COVID-19
The martyrdom of Constance and her five companions, who died within a month of each other while ministering to residents of Memphis, Tennessee, amid the 1878 yellow fever epidemic, has always inspired the ministry of St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral.
The Rev. Laura Gettys, the Memphis cathedral’s interim dean, told Episcopal News Service that the question is how to continue to live out the story and not leave it on the shelf as a legend from the past. She said that is especially true now as the COVID-19 pandemic inspires members of the cathedral but restrictions on movement challenge their ministries.
“On the days when I particularly feel overwhelmed, I’m mindful of what they did. They showed up and were faithful and were present to those who needed them the most. They were there for prayer, for love, for compassion, and many times for medical care,” Gettys said.