National Love a Tree Day

National Love a Tree Day serves as a call to action. It nudges us to plant new trees, care for the existing ones, and spread awareness about their importance. This special day is a reminder to appreciate trees and all they do for us. They protect our soil from erosion and help maintain the balance of our ecosystems.

They also play a significant role in battling climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. The day aims to encourage everyone to see trees as an essential part of healthy environment and our everyday lives.

Immerse yourself in a forest walk, breath deeply they will rejuvenate both mind and spirit,  let the trees love and uplift you.

For many years I have been part of a team dedicated to one of the most valued components to the City of London, our Trees,  if you are looking for examples of resiliency – let the trees lead the way. Drought, insect infestation, human encroachment, and many other factors have made survival a challenge.

And yet, they do!  The emerald Ash borer has decimated millions of Ash trees, Urban Forestry London working with partners (such as myself), keep on planting - and it works. Trees show us, how to adapt and build resiliency when given the chance for regrowth.

So, keep on planting, celebrate Love a Tree Day, May 16th, 2024

By Mary Hooydonk

Image: Jeroen den Otter@jeroendenotter/Unsplash

May 16 - International Day of Living Together in Peace

The International Day of Living Together in Peace (May 16th) captured my interest.  Thinking about our world at this time – where scenes of violence are regularly shown on our TV screen or are the headlines in our newspapers. Reports bring many emotions forward but are not on the side of peace. News of ongoing atrocities in Sudan; gang violence in Haiti; starvation and destruction of villages in Gaza; devastation of the people, land and structures in Ukraine. Unbearable news that breaks one’s heart and leaves one feeling helpless.

Most recently is the unrest seen at many University campuses both in the U.S. and in parts of our own country.  Young students standing on behalf of those who have literally lost their voice. Students ‘wanting a peaceful world’ risk being jailed on behalf of their Palestinian brothers and sisters.

How are each one of us being called at this moment to respond?  Knowing that we are not called ‘to the front lines’ in any of the above situations, what is ours to do?

I recently came across the following quote adapted by Mirabai Starr which has become a daily invitation as I go about the work of the day.

Joshua Sukoff/Unsplash

“Our task is to mend the broken world.  We do this through every act of loving kindness we offer others in a spirit of generosity, and hospitality.  It is an offering of each of us as we are…with no strings attached. ”

As I said earlier ‘we will not be asked to go to the front lines to serve the dear neighbor’ yet, who is the neighbour nearby to whom I can offer kind words or gestures of generous hospitality? On this International Day of Living in Peace, how can I live peace that will make a difference? Our actions, large or small, and our thoughts make a difference, and they can help mend this broken world. 

-Sister Ann MacDonald, CSJ

Happy Mother's Day

A Salute to Mothers

This year, Mother's Day in North America is Sunday, May 12th. It’s a day set aside to honor our mothers, living and deceased.  If you had a loving mother and an attentive, supportive father, you won the lottery!

Daiga Ellaby/Unsplash

When we hear the word “mother”, the words loving, caring, consoling, and self-sacrificing come to mind.  Although much has been written by experts on the art of mothering, there is no perfect textbook on the subject.  Usually, basic mothering techniques have been handed down from mothers to daughters throughout the generations but sometimes it is a trial-and-error process.

From the outset, mothering is challenging work.  Recently, there has been a barrage of articles from mothers who seldom speak about the challenges of pregnancy. They refer to the nine months of gestation that often entails constant fatigue, sore feet, nausea and even anxiety. However, these symptoms are sprinkled with strands of hope and love. Indeed, childbirth itself is a searing experience as women bring new life into the world.

As each infant grows, he/she has a unique experience of mother as she nurses and nurtures her little one through childhood, adolescence, post- secondary education, entrance into the workforce, and eventually marriage. Throughout all these stages, mother has worried about her children, endured sleepless nights, and early mornings while always being attentive to the joys and sorrows of young people growing up in an increasingly complex world.

Along with raising children, many mothers work outside the home to help make a living and provide children with life’s necessities, including food, shelter, clothing, and school activities. After a long day at work, there are meals to prepare, homework to supervise and ensure that all is well with each little person.

Mothers are the enduring thread that runs through each person’s life and memories.  Although often taken for granted during childhood - adults, especially when they have their own children, look back and realize the self-sacrifice, generosity, and love that a mother lavishes on her children.  She is a constant reference throughout life, generously available for assistance, advice, love, and friendship.

Mother, on your special day, put your feet up and let your loved ones pamper you!

-Sister Jean Moylan, csj

Images: Diana Polekhina/Unsplash;

World Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day

The thirty-first annual World Press Freedom Day will be held on May 3.  It is a time to reflect on the quality and adequacy of information about events and situations that impact our lives in Canada.  Consider the role of journalists and news organizations in obtaining information, obstacles that impede the publication of information that impacts the well-being and freedom of people, the health of our environment, and the administration of justice. World Press Freedom Day is also a time to consider the responsibility of each of us in advocating and protecting freedom of the press.

In south-western Ontario communities our news reporters, radio and television stations generally, in my opinion, function quite well.  For example, in London, Mayor Josh Morgan is available weekly on the radio to provide information about local government and respond to citizens who phone in with questions.  Newspapers report information about the administration of justice, safety, environmental, and social issues,  Local radio explores current problems such as public transportation or traffic safety.  Citizens have opportunities to raise concerns through letters to the editor or phone calls to a radio station.

Provincially, information about the public good is less available.  Questions arise about private healthcare facilities unjustly charging patients for services, the sale of public land reserved for green spaces, particular developers being favoured, or the construction of highways that many consider unnecessary.  At the federal level, news organizations and journalists protected by legislation continue to demand answers about matters pertinent to the public good.  Yet the government often fails to respond in a timely or adequate manner.  Long-promised revisions of the Access to Information Act languish.  We are fortunate to have journalists who will investigate questionable situations, and report possible abuses. Public pressure and the persistence of journalists uncover actions that the government attempts to keep secret, such as the interference of foreign governments in elections, and the sale of scientific information and products to China.

Attempts to prevent or block disclosure of information occur for various reasons. Information about safety concerns may result in fines, lawsuits, loss of reputation, votes, business, or jobs.  Competent women are sometimes targeted because they are successful in roles traditionally filled by men such as politicians, police,  airplane pilots, or CEOs. In Ontario, there have been several incidents of local female members of city or town councils being targeted by verbal or physical harm. This discourages women from participating in politics.  Corruption in political leaders may lead to scandal, theft of public funds, or defeat in elections. 

Each of us can help to preserve freedom of information.  One way to do this may be by writing a letter to your local city council or member of parliament about a public concern.  Respectful complaints or inquiries about concerns encourage the provision of civil answers.  Prompt and truthful responses would facilitate trust.  Acknowledging errors, failures, and wrongdoing along with what corrective action is being taken is far more acceptable than denial and procrastination.

Democracy cannot survive without freedom of the Press and protecting this freedom is the responsibility of each one of us. On this World Press Freedom Day, may all of us consider ways in which we can support freedom of the press.

-Sister Patricia McKeon

Images: Patrick Fore, Thomas Charters/Unsplash