Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
Marcel Proust.
World Teachers' Day
GOD BLESS TEACHERS one and all!
Yes, those of the past, present, and future, in any and all parts of our world! Teachers are water to precious sprouting seeds, that parents have planted. Teachers to children, are sunshine affirming dreams, giving branch to new dreams of these fragile flowers. They are the leaders/builders and parents of the future.
Image: Unsplash/CDC
Teachers are not created equal, nor are parents, or any other group of skilled workers created equal. We are not robots, clones. Teachers come into the profession with the best of intentions, talents, just like the rest of us in whatever we do, and they have my admiration and respect.
Sr. Teresa Hayes with Renfrew girls at St. Joseph’s Academy | CSJ ARCHIVES
I hold strong admiration too, for the women who immigrated to Canada/US for the purpose of being teachers in the new world, among these women, were the Sisters of St Joseph (1851 Philadelphia). They accomplished much with sparse communal and academic resources, in a similar but lesser way than teachers in Third World countries must do today.
In Africa, as an example, the zeal to learn in children is very strong and the needs for bare basics in all areas of life are enormous. Out of this poverty, leaders will rise because the spirit of God prevails in and through all things, and even despite human errors and limitations.
However, today, in our time, it is fitting and imperative that first world countries continue to reach out to help. The need has never been greater, due to added stressors from climate change, for which we are all largely responsible. I suggest that in a collective healing and loving way, right now, we do more than just read this article, know facts, and feel helpless. We can also get involved as suggested below:
Image: Unsplash/Leonardo Toshiro Okubo
Today, now, as a small gesture of Solidarity and Thanksgiving, let us take a few moments to visualize and send a blessing out to all teachers past, present or future throughout out world but especially mindful of Third World population that hunger and thirst daily for education and basic needs.
As you begin…
Take two or three deep relaxing breaths, then close your eyes…sense the heart area in your body… notice your chest expanding and contracting during two or three slow deep breaths in and out.
Visualize before you, planet earth, suspended in quiet dark universe…see it surrounded by billions and billions of bright stars, as you take in this remarkable view, notice how peaceful and quiet it is around you.
Feel in your heart a stirring of energy. Visualize that energy moving outward towards earth radiating over earth and blessing all teachers, filling them with healing light and love, wisdom and gratitude.
Be with this sharing a few moments longer - then, when you are ready, let this visualization fade from your awareness and open your eyes.
-Sister Patricia St. Louis, csj
Saluting Hospice Volunteers
The days leading up to Thanksgiving formed an appropriate time for the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospice of London to pay tribute to their generous volunteers in a method that has become popular during the pandemic months. On a sunny Wednesday morning, staff invited volunteers to a drive-by in front of the hospice area.
As the volunteers approached the circular driveway, they were greeted by vivacious young staff members dressed as cheerleaders in bright green, waving green pom poms and displaying placards of praise and support. They surrounded the cars and delivered words of praise and appreciation to the volunteers. From their brightly colored stands, they offered special coffee and refreshments. The expressions of gratitude were graciously received by those who came to be acknowledged for their generous assistance.
The hospice organization and staff recognize that volunteers are crucial to the ongoing operation of underfunded hospices. They work at the reception desk and help in the kitchen area. They give direct support in the hospice wing and in the wider community. They also take part in fundraising initiatives. Even the enclosed garden and grounds are thriving under the capable hands of volunteers. In fact, some volunteers are giving back to hospice in appreciation for the care given to a family member who spent his/her final days in hospice.
Volunteer appreciation day was a beautiful occasion for staff to reach out and recognize people who see how they can make a difference. They put their plans into action. Volunteers make a city a strong, vibrant, caring place to live.
Thank you for bringing your generous spirit to St. Joseph’s Hospice of London!
-Sister Jean Moylan, csj
St. Joseph’s Hospice of London is our neighbour here in London, Ontario. To find out more about the incredible work they do, you can visit their website here.