Look in the mirror, folks. This is our feast day, as well as the feast of all those holy ones who have lived before us, those whose lives have inspired ours, including parents, siblings and the canonized.
WORDS FOR LIFE
A SPIRITUALITY STUDY INSPIRED BY
JEAN-PIERRE MÉDAILLE, S.J.
HIS WRITINGS AND EXPERIENCES
The journey from Writings of Jean-Pierre Médaille, S.J., 1610-1669 to Words for Life has been a wonderful exploration.
My story begins some four decades ago. On Holy Saturday 1981, I had an important discernment visit with Sister Cecilia, my General-Superior in Peterborough. That September I would be leaving my thirteen years of teaching ministry and entering the solitude of Lebh Shomea House of Prayer for a lengthy stay. During our visit, she gave me the newly published Writings of Jean-Pierre Médaille, S.J. book (Toronto) and encouraged me to take it with me. Today I realize how that graced action of one woman and one book may have changed the course of my life and my vocation.
The writings of Jean-Pierre Médaille have grounded me in a spirituality that steadied me in times of growth and challenge as the contemplative dimension of my life evolved into a permanent lifestyle at The Upper Room Home of Prayer in Ottawa. Over the past thirty five years, it has been my privilege and joy to study and share this spirituality series using the writings of Jean-Pierre Médaille. It began as a popular ten month Correspondence Course that soon evolved into a ten week teaching series at various local parishes and eventually climaxed in a fifty-two week Médaille Online Course (2008-2009). Now, ten years later, in this moment of grace, and with the assistance of a generous local publisher, I invite readers to embrace anew the inspiration and wisdom found in Father Médaille’s writings.
My present congregational leader, Margo Ritchie, CSJ, writes in her message of gratitude and hope for these Words for Life as they go forth now into the world:
Although the spirituality she writes about rose up in the 17th century, Rosemary has known over many years of research and reflection that this spirituality carries a wisdom and sustenance that cuts across centuries, across world crises and diverse cultures. There is a deepening hunger in our day which usually surfaces in the throes of chaos and disruption. She explores the energy of Love as what can carry us personally and collectively in this 21st century. She incorporates the insights of psychology to talk about the True Self as a continual releasing the grip of ego and a moving toward wholeness. Into the 400-year-old original writings, she lets the spirit of evolutionary consciousness shine new light. She has brought forth a gift which will sustain seekers and contribute to the unfolding wisdom of these inspired writings of the 17th century.
For over 360 years this Médaillan spirituality has nurtured the lives and ministries of countless Sisters of St. Joseph and lay associates around the world. My sincere hope is that these four volumes will become an integral part of our spiritual legacy benefitting many persons who long for “the more” in their lives. Médaille’s writings have proved to be timeless.
ROSEMARY O’TOOLE is a Sister of St. Joseph in Canada. For the past thirty-five years she has been co-director with Evelyn McGovern, CSJ at The Upper Room Home of Prayer in Ottawa, Canada, offering spiritual direction, contemplative retreats and programs in spirituality. She authored eight mini books on core spiritual themes in a Future Full of Hope series. The creation of Words for Life over the past year has been a labour of love, supported by poets and artists, researchers and reviewers. To place an order, please email upperroom@sympatico.ca
An Advent Invitation to Jesus
Jesus, Emmanuel, for our wholeness and well-being, you willingly emptied yourself and became one of us, one with us. During this season of anticipation, we, once again, eagerly await your coming anew!
Beloved God, our barren and sorrow-laden world hungers for the fullness of life and hope that you bring. We long for you to fill the void in our lives with your compassionate Presence. Gracious Spirit, BE with us in our waiting …
Within and about us a voice cries out to prepare a way in the wilderness for the coming of our God. Stay awake! Fully conscious! Focus! Mother Mary, help us to be attentive and open to warmly receive Jesus into our hearts, as you did.
Holy One, all of creation yearns for your healing touch. Desire of Nations, come, renew our courage in our efforts to work for peace and justice. May we reach out in your name, Christ Jesus, to support and assist people who are heavily burdened and soul-weary.
Gracious God, as we wait in joyful expectation for the coming of the Promised One, may we create a welcome home in our hearts. Come to us, Jesus! Beloved Jesus, Come!
Kathleen O’Keefe CSJ
Longing for a get-away place?
“God’s language is silence.” I learned that from the Sisters of St Joseph. There was a report on radio last week that a big part in marketing for hotels and resorts today is to guarantee “quiet” for a premium price.
Holy Family Oxley – a Retreat Centre since 1948 is not always silent. That is your choice. But it is a place of “quiet” in the sense of beauty, peacefulness and reflectiveness where you can come to get away from the noise and business of the day. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, approximately 30 kilometres from Windsor. It is a refuge from the pressures of the day and an opportunity to renew and refresh spirit and body. So often we hear “O I must do that.” “I need to get away.” The challenge is to do it. At least make the phone call, email or go onto our Web Site at www.holyfamilyrh.com
People come to the retreat house and lovely grounds for preached retreats, special group retreats, conferences, personally directed retreats, or private getaway time. We have 50 rooms, half a dozen “suites” of different types and a house with 4 bedrooms all available at reasonable rates. All accommodation includes meals for which we are renowned! We can accommodate approximately 78 people. Take 4 minutes to enjoy our new video.
The Spirit lives here and is always at work! Come and see! Just enter Oxley, 121 Victoria St. in your GPS.
For further information and reservations contact Mary Salmon msalmon@dol.ca 519 738-6136. Our mailing address is 121 Victoria St RR1, Harrow ON, N0R 1G0.
Guest Blogger Fr Michael O’Brien is priest in residence. He is responsible for Liturgy and spiritual guidance. mob@dol.ca 519 903-4901.