Jean Moylan

Christian Meditation for Children

Several times a year, the Religion Consultant for the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) sends out an invitation to educators to attend an overnight silent retreat for twelve teachers to learn the art of Christian Meditation for children at the home of the Sisters of St. Joseph in London, Ontario. In early February, twelve eager participants arrive to learn and practice the simple steps of Christian Meditation as taught by the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM).

Following a delicious dinner, comradery, and basic instructions, the group enters a world of silence and stillness in preparation for meditation. Cellphones and outside distractions are set aside to fully enter the retreat experience. Three Sister facilitators and their consultant companion, amid candlelight and stillness in a prayerful atmosphere, explain the age-old practice of the desert fathers and mothers.  As early as the third century, these early meditators fled the noise, chaos, and commerce of their society to live a prayer-centered life. Similarly, teachers today know the noise, distraction, anxiety, and turmoil that surrounds our youth. Educators see that learning the art of Christian Meditation could be an antidote to present chaotic ills. Placing Christ at the centre of meditation raises simple meditation as a wellness to a spiritual encounter.

One by one, our retreatants shed their coat of fatigue and distraction to embrace an aura of silence. It is time to breathe deeply and experience the world of meditation. Step by step, a quiet, reverent voice leads the group in the rudiments of Christian Meditation. She instructs: “Sit still in your chair, your back straight; feet flat on the floor; place your hands quietly on your lap; gently close your eyes; notice your breath; slowly repeat the mantra, ‘ma-ra-na-tha’”. This word, in the language Jesus spoke, means, “Come Lord Jesus.”

A chime indicates that fifteen minutes of meditation have elapsed. The meditators quietly leave and peacefully proceed to their rooms for the night’s repose.

Throughout the following day, the participants begin with meditation and learn the background of World Community for Christian Meditation which Fr. John Main established in France in 1927. It is now a global movement with a centre in Montreal. Today, there are thousands of adults and children practicing Christian Meditation throughout the world.

At retreat’s end, the teachers leave looking forward to introducing Christian Meditation to their students. They know that pausing during the workday to embrace Centering Prayer is bound to bring personal and communal peace to the classroom and hope to our shaken world. As we wave goodbye to one group of educators, another one is waiting in the wings to join us in prayer and Christian Meditation.

-Sister Jean Moylan, CSJ

Celebrating 40 Years of Ark Aid's Dedicated Service to our Community

As November faded into December, a special gala evening of fun and fundraising was held at the Marconi Club on November 29th to mark the 40th anniversary of Ark Aid. As one of London, Ontario’s landmark shelters, Ark Aid serves as a crucial facility at 696 Dundas Street where people in need will receive a warm welcome, good food, and overnight accommodation in safe surroundings.

Honoring Ark Aid’s 40 years of compassionate service, party goers in festive dress were welcomed to the venue with singing and Christmas music. Red poinsettia dressed each white-clothed table in the cavernous dining room. Hundreds of volunteers, staff and supporters mingled and shared stories of the part they played in keeping Ark Aid the thriving outreach that it is for people in need.

In addition to sparkling drinks and a delicious dinner, several musical groups entertained the crowd.  Sarah Campbell, executive director of Ark Aid, presented a detailed account of what has been accomplished during the past year as well as Ark Aid’s hope for the future. It is interesting to note that the London Free Press, in a recent article, reported on Ark Aid’s request to extend funding for winter beds.  After some back-and-forth consultation and public outcry, the funding was granted.

Ark Aid Street Mission with its dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to recognizing the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual needs of each person they encounter.  Caring staff assist clients to move forward in life by helping them to make connections with other agencies.

As cold winds whip around our city streets and snow announces that winter is here, we are grateful to Ark Aid and the warm welcoming refuge they have been for 40 years!

-Sister Jean Moylan, CSJ

Image: Ev @evstyle | Unsplash

A New Canadian Saint for All Saints Day

Have you heard that on Oct. 20th, 2024, another Canadian was declared a saint? She is Mother Marie-Léonie Paradis from Quebec and is among the 14 new saints the Vatican recently canonized. Marie-Léonie was born in 1840 in L’ Acadia, a small town across the river from Saint John-sur-Richelieu. Throughout her life, she developed a deep spirituality, performed a mountain of good works, and exuded interior peace of heart. St. Paradis felt called to establish the order of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family with the intention of supporting the material needs of priests. In 1895, the motherhouse was transferred to Sherbrooke, Quebec, where their work continues to the present time.

Recently, in a homily to our Sisters, Bishop Greco referred to the virtues of saints. While he was in Rome with Bishop Sherlock they visited their friend Cardinal Shoka, who had been Archbishop of Detroit and now was living in Rome and working at the Dicastery for the Cause of Canonization of Saints. From his work studying the lives of saints, he realized that all of those who were deemed saints, regardless of their other virtues and good works, every one of them in their lives possessed interior peace of heart. In that moment, it was clear to me that the bedrock of good works itself does not lead to people becoming saintly. Indeed, the interior peace of heart for which we strive all our lives, saints have achieved.

Blessed Mother Marie-Léonie Paradis is the third Canadian-born saint. Sister Marguerite d’Youville was canonized by Pope John Paul II on Dec. 9, 1990, and St. Brother André Bessette was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2010. All three are Quebecers. In addition, Mother Marie-Rose Durocher of Montreal was declared Blessed by Pope John Paul II on May 23. 1982. We hope the day of her canonization is soon.

On November 1st let us hail the many people we call saints and emulate their lives of deep faith and feats of valor throughout many centuries. We can pray and strive to develop their interior peace of heart, a value so needed in our desperate world today.

-Sister Jean Moylan, csj

Image: Unsplash/Jon Tyson @jontyson

Join Hike for Hospice

A large sign on our front lawn announces in bold letters, “Hike for Hospice, St. Joseph’s Hospice of London, October 19th, 2024. Register today!

In line with this initiative, a few days ago Teresa, a bright, pleasant woman who had been in my grade 9 English class over 40 years ago, had just come from St. Joseph’s Hospice, our neighbours next door, after delivering part of a sizeable monetary donation to the upcoming hike.  She stopped and chatted with me. During our conversation, I learned that she has been an avid hospice canvasser for over 14 years during which time her family endured the death of their mother, father and sister due to cancer. Thanks to hospice care across Canada, people in the last stages of life can experience compassionate care mentally, physically and spiritually as did Teresa’s family members.

Throughout the dying process, with hospice care, families are a continuing present with their loved one at various stages of care, be it at home, in hospital, or hospice setting. They are deeply grateful for the many comfort measures bestowed on them and their loved one until death.  In fact, my friend was determined to show her appreciation for wonderful hospice care. Thus, she decided to become a fundraiser.

Teresa’s enthusiasm for hospice means that she never stops engaging possible donors until her goal has been realized.  She began her canvassing by gaining the eager support of her siblings, family and friends.  Word traveled by word of mouth, other donors enlisted and from there, the hospice donations continued to grow to the point where anonymous donors send money through her link to hospice.  The total amount Teresa submits to hospice yearly reaches approximately $3,000. WOW!  That’s the power of one.

On October 19th, Teresa, her family, friends and many others will lace up their running shoes, don this year’s pink tee shirt and run, walk or jog to Eco Park London in memory of their loved ones. Moreover, they will run in thanksgiving for and support of St. Joseph’s Hospice London.  Might you be among them?

-Sister Jean Moylan, CSJ

Changing Seasons

A few mornings ago, I gingerly opened the drapes to meet the new day only to be greeted by grey skies and unwanted rain.  My heart whispered what I had been thinking all week, “Autumn is on its way; the signs are appearing all around me”.

The stately maple tree viewed from my window is already wearing her fresh orange and golden leaves.  The flower beds are a riot of bright marigolds, tiny yellow mums, and purple chrysanthemums. Even the nearby brown cat tails are spreading taupe stuffing into the air.  It all looks like fall to me.

The calendar points to the beginning of another academic year.  It’s time to purchase new shoes and school wear, and backpacks.  Meanwhile, young adults are packing their belongings and heading off to institutions of higher learning at home and abroad.  Some parents will sigh in relief while others will be apprehensive about facing an empty nest.

Of course, unions know that as school reopens the country and harvesting is in full swing.  It’s the ideal time to strike and pressure government and big business to settle economic disputes and wage disparities.

As autumn 2024 begins on a serious note, we leave idyllic summer memories behind and embrace the unknown future that lies ahead.  As stalwart, concerned citizens, we will continue to work together to build a better world of justice and peace for all.

Autumn Blessings!

-Sister Jean Moylan, csj

Image: Samantha Hare @correliebre/Unsplash