When we take the time to look, the more we see

First the crocuses peeked through the bare earth, then the daffodils began to toss their yellow manes joyfully in the warm breezes. Spring has been arriving in these last weeks at Villa St. Joseph with a determined yet gentle presence telling the good news of the resurrection upon all the earth. Last week we had Dana, a freelance journalist from NCR’s Global Sisters Report, come to visit. She was eager to hear how this integrated vision of ecology and spirituality had come to be one of the key and vital ministries of a Sister of St. Joseph in the world today. After chatting with her for a time we led her on a tour of our land, first through St. Joseph’s Community Gardens where she chatted with and videoed some of the gardeners. Although the gardens were just coming to life, she was surprised to find how much was already beginning to flourish, little onions, tiny lettuce, and early peas poking their way through the crusts of earth.

As often happens when you are touring someone around on our land here, an unexpected lesson presented itself to me. As we walked over the front lawn leading down to the lake, I spied a few of the tiny wild violets that were blooming in their small but largely unnoticed way. I had missed seeing them this spring, had been too busy. As I crouched down Dana followed with her camera. When I was kneeling admiring the few wonderful, intricate wild violets I had chanced to notice, my gaze looked up a touch and there I saw more and more of the precious violets revealing their tiny but wondrous unfolding of God’s beauty. I said to Dana, “When we take the time to look, the more we see.”

As we had shared with her our project to grow milkweed for the Monarchs, she mentioned to me again how she’d like to see a milkweed growing, she’d never seen one before. Well, really it was too early. But as we walked through the east field, sure enough there were a few milkweed seedlings just coming up. She crouched down in wonder with her camera, then I could see the camera lifting up a little across the field. I followed her gaze and then she turned to me smiling and said, “the more you look the more you see- amazing to see how many more little milkweeds there are!”

That simple lesson has stayed with me all week, there is so much beauty and hope just nearby, if only we look and see.

Linda Gregg, CSJ

A Failed Promise and God’s Promise

In the world of vegetable production, purveyors of GM seeds promised great things for the global community, trumpeting there would be greater food production and reduced pesticide use in a relatively short time. GM seeds were the answer for a starving world. This was in the late 80’s -90’s. Canada and United States bought into that message. Western Europe did not.

The twofold promise of genetically modified seeds was first, to make crops immune to the effects of weed killers and inherently resistant to many pests, and  second, because the plants form these seeds would grow so robustly that GMO seeds would be heralded as indispensable in feeding the population of a growing world. This would also require less spraying of crops with pesticides.

It is a failed promise.

In the past twenty years the analysis of yields from both the U.S. and Western Europe reveals little difference between crops of non-GMO seeds in Western Europe and crops using GMO seeds in the U.S. and Canada. Overall pesticide use has increased in the U.S. while in France there have been major reductions in overall pesticide use. The vaunted abundance of crop yields has failed to materialize. One would assume similar statistics in Canada. This increase occurs despite GMO being the seed of choice planted for the major crops of corn and soybeans in North America. The reality is that herbicide use on corn & soybeans has soared. Making more profits for Monsanto. Farmers cannot save their own seed and are tied contractually to purchase GMO seeds. Although Western Europe is closed to GMO, Monsanto boasts of surging markets in other places of the globe.

One is reminded of the story of David & Goliath. Yet, resistance to corporate greed is not without effect. Although some markets are certainly soaring for Monsanto, there is resistance, notably in Africa, India and South America. And they are statistically significant. Just not reported as such. There are pieces of light in the darkness of corporate deceit.

One is also reminded of a vulnerable child born in a stable, in a time of deep darkness. A light that could not be quenched. A promise that was and is fulfilled. It is to believe in the light that is stronger than any darkness of heart. We are part of those pieces of light that pierce the darkness of corporate greed every time we pray for organic farmers, buy organic food and wherever we can plant heritage seeds, whether it be on a balcony or in a field. Sometimes these seeds will be planted in our home gardens, sometime they will be the seeds of hope planted in our prayers. We all are part of bringing to birth the promise of God’s kin-dom. All are needed to quench the darkness and bring the light of God’s love to birth in our world and in our time. One seed at a time.

Linda Gregg CSJ

Staning Up to Fossil Fuels

No doubt you’ve heard on the National News about the people of Clyde River in the high Arctic who have been working for several years to stop destructive oil exploration in their area.  With their efforts blocked at every turn, they’ve chosen an alternate route that will help to lessen their dependence on fossil fuels and welcome clean energy into their territory.

As outlined in the accompanying short video, they’ve chosen to install solar panels which will harness the sun’s rays.  Since the Arctic is unique in having sunshine 24 hours a day during the summer months, this installation will augment the amount of energy captured.  Hopefully, the solar initiative will grow and prosper, exemplifying the ingenuity and creativity of Canada’s Arctic people in finding a creative solution to combat oil exploration which threatens their livelihood and fragile ecosystems.

Jean Moylan, CSJ

Clyde River is starting a solar revolution.

Watch it now – and help spread the word.  

Sisters Commit to Earth-Centred Focus

Gathering at their recent Chapter meeting held in Toronto Sept 11-16, 2016, over one hundred Sisters of St Joseph in Canada recognized the need to prioritize care of the earth for the common good. At this meeting they committed to using “integral ecology” as the lens for focusing their way of life believing that this reality recognizes the interrelationship of all things, as with others they serve in our “common home”.  Integral Ecology links inseparably, care for the Earth and all peoples, especially the most vulnerable.  It embraces Gospel values, interreligious and intercultural dialogue and all the world’s most urgent needs today.

For many years, the Sisters of St Joseph have been taking seriously the call to listen and respond to the “cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor”, rooted in their founding charism in 1650 France of unity and reconciliation.

Today they embrace further the notion of an earth-centred spirituality and ecological education supported by transforming action to fuel the hearts of the Sisters in the years ahead.

During these days of Chapter, a new leadership circle of the congregation was elected.  The congregation now welcomes Sisters Margo Ritchie, Joyce Murray, Anne Karges, Sheila Fortune and Nancy Sullivan with all their gifts of mission and ministry as they lead the congregation into their future of prayer and service for today’s world.

For more information, please visit:  www.csjcanada.org
Media Contact:  Sister Margo Ritchie
519 675 0137  mritchie@csjcanada.org

The Return of the Stone Age?

Prior to a recent meeting, I was opening my note book and observed that the paper was made of stone. This aroused my curiosity.  On the back cover, it stated that stone paper is:  “recyclable, durable, grease resistant, tear/scuff resistant, water resistant and never turns yellow.” Some of the women attending this same meeting, tried writing on the paper to experience what it was like.  The pen seemed to glide along the page.  A certain ink took a few moments to dry.  The paper looked very white and felt smooth to the touch, strong and thick. I began to wonder if stone paper is a viable option when searching for school supplies or purchasing wrapping paper and wallpaper. Being a lover of nature, who is alarmed by the devastation of the forests, I was hopeful.  

Travelling the information highway, I discovered further enlightenment. The internet told me that this “flexible, mineral-based medium” is growing in popularity. It is argued that stone paper is a better alternative to the pulp-based standard since trees, water, chlorine acids and petroleum are not used in its production nor does its creation cause air or water pollution.  Only half the energy needed to produce normal paper is required for this process.  Stone paper is made primarily from calcium carbonate, a very common element which is the principle component in many types of stone, including limestone and marble. On mining and quarry sites, enormous amounts of calcium carbonate are scraped away in order to get at precious minerals. This excess material can be put to use in the paper industry.  Stone paper is made in Canada. 

Along with crushed stone powder, stone paper products are made with a non-toxic and recyclable binding agent called “High Density Polyethylene.”  Although logging would be reduced, an alarming fact I read stated that, “if all paper were replaced by stone paper, global plastic production would increase by up to two-thirds.”  Some environmentalists claim that the recycling potential of stone paper is a controversial topic. The producers say that stone paper “can be reused in many areas such as construction”, others note that the “plastic and stone components are leached out during recycling and end up in our wastewater” causing pollution.  In order to be decomposed, stone paper needs to be exposed to “direct sunlight.” It is suggested that “unbleached recycled waste paper” is a better alternative.  Stone Paper … hmmm … it is not a clear cut way to go! 

Kathy O’Keefe CSJ