Is the World only Two Colours?

None of us would likely name ourselves a racist.  And in fact, no one is born a racist.  Racism is something we learn.  We may learn this in our families, our schools, our churches, or in the broader society.  From our earliest days we learn and are influenced by our experiences in life, by the people with whom we interact, and by the society where we grow up.

Many of the ways I look at people who are different than I am may be because I learned to make assumptions about that difference I see.  We may feel uncomfortable, confused, uncertain or any other number of feelings.  The feelings are within me.  However, if I can learn to pay attention to what is going on within me and not assume that my feelings convey the truth, then I can begin to examine the mental models of my thought processes and begin to explore the assumptions from which my thinking and conclusions emerge.  Just a simple example:  Let’s take colour.  Why is white seem as preferable to black?  Or is it? It is only a colour or non-colour, but we have learned to attach value to colour.  It may as simple as “I like _____ or I do not like ______.  But when this kind of thinking is attached to a human person, then I can make any number of harmful and wrong conclusions.

The point of this short blog is not to suggest that I understand or recognize the many nuances of racism but rather to invite us all to pay attention to our thoughts, feelings, and to be curious about what we discover within us to assume that we are right.  If the world we live in is to become less divided, less racist, it can only start with each one of us.  We are never too old or too young to try. 

Addressing racism is “soul work”.  For me it is summed up in the thoughts of Michael Leunig, an Australian journalist and cartoonist.  He counsels us “Love one another and you will be happy. It’s as simple and as difficult as that. There is no other way.” 

And so the soul within us has some wisdom to teach us. Let’s slow down to listen.

-Sister Joan Atkinson, CSJ | Office for Systemic Justice  

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Image: Unsplash/Ed Robertson

What a Great Opportunity to Connect with Indigenous Peoples

Recently a few of us Sisters were blessed to get together over dinner. In conversation we spoke of ways we could be more involved with Indigenous people. Sister Jude & Sister Susan recalled when they were first at our mission in Pic Mobert First Nation (Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg) just north of Lake Superior. We went to Thunder Bay & looked for Wolf Tracks Gallery, a store recommended by a band-member for its creative & colourful jackets with native designs, wall hanging murals, & original art prints.

We easily became engaged in conversation with owner Maxine Wesley whose band was in the Longlac area. She had been a Chief for one term & spoke of that experience, both positive & negative. We learned a lot of the life of Anishinaabe on a reserve.

We asked how her business in Thunder Bay was going. We learned of her struggles as a small business owner. We stepped aside & the two of us discussed how we might help. Putting together our personal budgets, gas & grocery money we were each able to walk out with one of her fleece jackets as pictured. She was touched that we would support her in this way, and commented that we should be prepared to be stopped on the street by people admiring the jackets and asking where we got them. We asked for some of her business cards so we could hand them out on such occasions. We have worn them regularly since 2003 & still receive comments! Sister Susan's, pictured below, displays the 4 colours (red, yellow, black, white) of the world's people, as well as the turtle which symbolizes Turtle Island. Sister Jude's displays a female dancer at a sundance. What beauty each jacket displays! (Visit the online store here)

Beautiful things happen when we take an opportunity to step outside our own culture and spontaneously dialogue with an Indigenous person. Respect & sharing help us tangibly in our desire for Truth & Reconciliation.

Sister Jude Stradiotto & Sister Susan Kerrigan, csj

Moving with Love

Every day brings a bit of revelation. What might that be today?

Nature itself reveals a daily love offered by our ever- creating God. Earth is awakened by the warmth of the morning sun. Even in winter the sun’s rays periodically break through the cloud. Snow sparkles with the light of the moon. Nature has a way of reminding us that Divine Love accompanies struggle.

Some fragments of a hymn text by Brian Wren come to mind: “This is a story full of love, a song to set us free . . for Wisdom guides the flow of life.”

We mark this day, remembering the life and death of Mother St. John (1759 – 1843). Jeanne was indeed a woman full of love, whose life story was a song of struggle and fortitude during the French revolution, a story of generous courage after the terror as she gathered women religious into the Congregation of St. Joseph. Gifted with wisdom she heard the call to send Sisters to the new world, and from there this little Congregation of St. Joseph in Canada gradually was birthed.

History of Mother St. John Fontbonne Part 1

History of Mother St. John Fontbonne Part 2

What might the revelation be for us today? Perhaps to see with new eyes, our own invitation to live out God’s call to fortitude, courage, mission. As our little community here in Canada accepts its call to age gracefully, we lean with fortitude into deep trust. Although our human resources are few, our relationships, and partnerships are many. We encourage one another to see the possibilities for service that abound (making sandwiches for the soup kitchen, being present to our neighbours, praying for others, seeking justice). The mission by which we once were recognized (hospitals, schools) is giving way to working with others at the Mount Community Centre in Peterborough, the Hub in London, our Associates and Companions across Canada.  All these present energies are like rays of sun breaking through the limitations.

With courage and conviction Mother St. John led this “Congregation of the Great Love of God” through the devastation of war, and the stripping of its identity. Through this day of remembrance may we be evermore fully women of courage, of fortitude and of heart.

Together let us watch for the graced surprise that comes our way this day!

-Sister Loretta Manzara, csj

Image: Unsplash | Emmanuel Phaeton

The Ties That Bind

Every year in early November we Moylan women arrive from various points in southwestern Ontario to cottage together, celebrate and keep our family connections close and loving.

The Moylan women are not a large group and the number who attend each year varies. Except for 2020 when COVID-19 cancelled our gathering, 2021 marked our 14th annual get-together. This year, seven of us weary Friday night travelers arrived with the usual anticipation of fun and strengthening the family ties. Following a tasty dinner and staking out our bedrooms, connections were renewed, and laughter shared until sleep and cozy beds beckoned.

How wonderful to wake up Saturday morning, knowing that the weekend was ours to linger over breakfast and catch up on family happenings until lunch miraculously appeared on the table. Meanwhile, after lunch we were fortunate to bask in autumn’s finest weather. Walks in the sunshine, contemplating sparkling Lake Huron, quiet reading by the fireplace and exploring every nook and cranny filled the afternoon. Niece Marianne spied a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle and her work began in earnest. It was a welcomed change from her usual busy RN days.

Following evening Mass in Bright’s Grove and a delicious candlelight dinner, we settled into an evening of relaxing activities. Emma 16, sat down to play cards with her three great-aunts. We oldsters enjoyed her youth and enthusiasm and her willingness to keep score.

All too soon, it was time to prepare for home. Marianne announced that she wouldn’t leave until the puzzle was completed so her cousin Janet stepped in to assist. We appreciated that throughout the weekend, there had been plenty of connecting with our nearest and dearest and embracing the ties that bind us together as family.

As we packed up our belongings, settled next year’s date and waved our good- byes, the beautiful Old Mill puzzle on the sturdy, hardwood table left a reminder of the blessing of family time awaiting the next group to arrive on the doorstep.

-Sister Jean Moylan, csj