FOX CHASE MANOR, Pa. – The Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great might be handling the COVID-19 quarantine better than most – they are monastics after all. Yet even their timeless regime of prayer and ministry was altered by the pandemic. Most of the Motherhouse at Fox Chase is much quieter than usual, save for one room full of activity. There, the sisters engage in what has quickly become an essential craft: producing masks for health-care workers.
Sister Teodora sits at a sewing machine, where she turns rolls of fabric and lace into today’s hottest commodity. Beautiful abstract and floral prints take shape and, in turn, are neatly ironed and stacked by Sister Olha. Now they are ready to ship: these masks will be received by nearby Holy Redeemer Hospital.