Mourning a Beloved Monarch

Thanks to the excellent reporting of the CBC, I spent the last ten days taking in the events of the death and days of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.  From the announcement of her death in Balmoral, through the days of visitation in Scotland and four days in Westminster Hall, to the funeral at Westminster Abbey and final farewell ceremony in St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, I was glued to the tv.  I sat mesmerized as millions of adoring people spent hours being present on the city streets and as millions more watched through media coverage.

Just as the public mourned, I also mourned the passing of an exemplary sovereign from the little sofa in my room.  My earliest memory of Her Majesty occurred when I was nine-year old.  I watched with eager interest as my older sister created a beautiful scrapbook of the 1953 coronation of a young Queen Elizabeth II.  Who was this beautiful woman?  From that moment onward, I followed her interesting life in the media, read books about her and the royal family and dabbled in the history of former kings and queens.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip traveled throughout the world, strengthening the Commonwealth, which included at least 40 trips to Canada.  Wherever she and the prince spent time, they created a positive impact for good. I always admired the Queen’s easy smile, calm manner, sense of humor, love of animals, and knowledge of the people where she visited.

Being a woman with historical knowledge, Queen Elizabeth was well versed in Britain’s grasp for power. In former times, the country was known for its strong navy and as the old saying states, “Britain ruled the waves”. Thus, they inserted themselves into many lands, including Canada where land was taken, treaties were entered into with native peoples, and treasures were traded for trinkets.

Today, after witnessing the pomp and circumstance of the past week and knowing that England is admired for its great displays of wealth and grandeur, I think of the grievances of past behavior. In contrast to former exploitation, our recent monarchs have been exemplary in their peace making and execution of duty.  Past exploits leave today’s people carrying inherited grief and shame for what was done throughout conquering centuries. Much truth and reconciliation needs to happen.  In Canada, this initiative is beginning to occur.  King Charles III will no doubt embrace the call to truth and reconciliation just as our beloved Queen Elizabeth II executed her duty sowing seeds of peace and harmony.

-Sister Jean Moylan, csj

Lingering Summer Days

Linger in the Leisure of these fading summer days…

Image: Unsplash/Jake Givens

We have reached the mid part of the month of August.  And if you have watched the TV ads or been in the mall shopping all the messaging seems to be saying Summer is over and we should be preparing for the Fall.  There is some truth to this sentiment, but I would rather pull myself back from those messages and live these last weeks of summer as fully as I can.

Image: Unsplash/Marten Bjork

Often our conversation about weather, from September through to May, seems to focus on our longing for summer.  Now that we here, I am going to declare that the work of fall can wait, and I am going to linger in the leisure of these last weeks of August.  When I turn the calendar page to September, I will then turn my thoughts to more serious matters, but for now, it is still officially summer.  Let’s enjoy these sunny days, and evenings and give thanks for the wonderful creativity of God who extends the hours of daylight to help us enjoy longer days and evenings, on our back porch, or walking down a wooded lane, by the lake, or over a cup a tea with a good friend.  Stay in the present moment as much and you can.

-Sister Joan Atkinson, CSJ 

Title Image: Unsplash/Etienne Girardet

Called to Life for Life

CELEBRATING THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS 2022

Have you ever noticed that at times of the most profound trouble in the world, gifts of creativity, generosity and courage emerge as light in the darkness? During these, our troubled times, the Catholic Church has called for a synodal process, that is walking together to build up the whole. The call is urgent. Gifts abound! But before we can learn to walk together each of us must recognize the unique gifts we are given and that we bring.

Before immigrating to Canada I often participated in retreats at an ancient Carmelite Friary in England. One of the most vivid memories of those days is of the beautiful mosaics created by artist, Adam Kossowski. I recall sitting in awe gazing at the small pieces of the mosaic that together formed a complete design.

Understanding vocation is like gazing at such a beautiful mosaic. Each small part contributes to the fullness of the whole. This Sunday, May 8, we celebrate the annual Day of Prayer for Vocations. Note the “s” at the end of that word! Vocations! For too long, in the Catholic Church, we have limited our concept of “vocation” to priesthood and consecrated life. Rather each person, is called to a vocation; through which we are invited to bring life to the world alongside others who embrace meaning and give service in their lives from various faith perspectives and/or values. As Pope Francis points out in his 2022 Message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, each person, “receives with the gift of life, a fundamental calling: each of us is a creature willed and loved by God; each of us has a unique and special place in the mind of God. At every moment in our lives, we are called to foster this divine spark … and thus to contribute to the growth of a humanity inspired by love and mutual acceptance. We are called to be guardians of one another, to strengthen the bonds of harmony and sharing, and to heal the wounds of creation.”

“We are called to be guardians of one another, to strengthen the bonds of harmony and sharing, and to heal the wounds of creation.””

In the Christian perspective, each manifestation of vocation is rooted in Baptism. How often we say, “I was baptized”. But in Baptism there is no past tense! Rather,  I’m called to remember always, that “I am baptized”, that is, actively loved, graced and called in every moment of life; called to mission, to love, to justice, to service. As Pope Francis remarks in his Message for May 8th, living vocation is “about making God’s dream come true, the great vision of community, that Jesus cherished when he prayed, ‘that all may be one’ (Jn. 17:21). Each vocation in the Church, and in a broader sense in society, contributes to the common objective: to celebrate among men and women that harmony of manifold gifts that can only be brought about by the Holy Spirit.” Whatever our vocation, laity, priesthood or consecrated life, “let us journey together in bearing witness to the truth that one great family united in love is no utopian vision, but the very purpose for which God created us.” We walk together!

This Sunday, we pray to know, to claim and to live out our particular call to give our lives fully to the realization of that dream of God.

-Sister Mary Rowell, csj

Sheep, Really!

Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

- John 10:27

During my twenty-two years (1981-2003) in Yellowknife I had the opportunity to engage in prison ministry at the Yellowknife Correctional Facility. As part of the Catholic parish’s outreach, I partnered with fellow parishioners to conduct weekly worship services in the local men’s unit.

My ministry among these small groups of inmates began when invited by one of the parishioners engaged in this ministry to accompany her to share the “Readers Digest version” of the reflection I had given at the weekend masses. At that time, I was one of the parishioners mandated by Bishop Croteau to break Open the Word for the congregation, since as is frequently the case in the North, we were for a period without a parish priest. My yes to this woman’s invitation began a whole new fulfilling ministry for me.

The reading above sparks my memory of my efforts to connect the words of scripture passages to the life experience of the northern men I was among.

On one particular occasion in thinking ahead to my next visit to the jail where the reading would focus on Jesus as shepherd, I questioned myself on what approach to take. Even though, Professor Google informs me that sheep are a traditional image mentioned in the Bible more than 500 times. I knew sheep and their habits were unfamiliar to Northerners.

Image: Unsplash/Simon Smith

It struck me that it would be more meaningful to the men to link Jesus’ message as Shepherd to an invite to share their knowledge and experience on the relationship between a musher and his sled dogs. Skis, snowshoes, and sleds dogs were the modes of transportation in the North for centuries before the invention of snowmobiles in the 20th century.

During our reflection time the message of the scripture came alive.

The men easily shared about the bond which develops between a musher and his dogs. They mentioned how the musher names, knows, and understands each of his individual dogs. The dogs are attuned to his voice and take his lead. The dogs are responsive to the guidance of his calls of “mush” “gee” or “haw”. That is: Let’s go! Turn right. Turn left.

Though we are neither sheep nor sleds dogs however we too are called upon to hear God’s voice and follow where we are led.

-Sister Nancy Wales, csj

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Header Image: Unsplash/Tanner Yould

Good People Make Good Things Happen

While I enjoy discussing such topics as sports and politics, I would not be a reliable source regarding true facts related to these two subjects. Teaching school has always been most fulfilling for me, but I would never claim to be an authority in Education.  And while secretly, and mostly for fun, I like to read articles and watch documentaries surrounding the mysteries of “The Paranormal”, I have yet to discover any astounding insights into this “realm of the unknown”.

However, there is a topic in which I do proclaim to be an EXPERT!  Yes, it is right here in our own home. We refer to it as our CARE CENTRE. Now while I am far from being a hypochondriac, the frequency of my “stays” in the Care Centre (a “break” here and a fall there) qualifies me to express my observations and feelings. So pleasant is the atmosphere and so complete is the care I receive, that I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

When first built, I believe this Care Centre was primarily designed for Retired Sisters requiring nursing care, but today any of us can approach a nurse, twenty-four hours a day or seven days a week.  A Sister’s problem could be as small as a toothache or as serious as chest pain and still she would receive full attention.  I have yet to meet a staff member in the Care Centre who indicates to me that I am inconveniencing her. Whatever your request may be, the common response is always -“Not a Problem”.

Image: unsplash/Nick Fewings

Teamwork is at the heart of the Care Centre staff. They know each other’s job(s) and can move in and out of all tasks with great ease and proficiency. And all of this is done amid life changing to death, cords being pulled, and phones ringing to assist in another location. The dedication and kindness of the staff, who treat everyone as family, reminds us all how hurts and pains can be absorbed by efficient and loving people who create a positive environment.

It is for this reason that I wanted to recognize the present and past staff of our Care Centre and to express our gratitude to the many good people - who make good things happen.

Thank you.💗.

-Sister Paulette Mellon