For those who leave never to return.
For those who return but are never the same.
WE REMEMBER.
Remembrance Day 2023
As a child of the 50’s, preparation for and attendance at Remembrance Day ceremonies was exciting and significant. My Dad and two uncles had served in World War II so it was very exciting to watch them parade down our main street with their comrades proud with the thought there would be no more war. In school we prepared by memorizing and reciting “In Flanders Fields”. Though I am sure our teachers told us the story of the poem’s origin, now in my 70s, I have lost memory of those details and wonder if you may have too.
John McCrae, The author of “In Flanders Fields” was born in Guelph, Ontario to Scottish parents. John was described as warm and sensitive to people and animals. A bright student, he showed interest in the military and in writing poetry. He was the first student from Guelph to win a scholarship to the University of Toronto. There he completed his medical training while also publishing many poems and short stories. He joined the military and led a battery with the Canadian field artillery during the South African war. In 1914, when Britain declared war with Germany, John McRae enlisted - along with the 45,000 other Canadians stepping forward to serve. He was 42 at the time so was posted as a medical officer. In 1915 while in Ypres, Belgium, his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, was brutally killed in action. Lieutenant Helmer’s remains were buried in a makeshift grave in a field where many crosses marked the graves of so many unknown soldiers. The poppies were just beginning to bloom. The next day John, while sitting on the footboard of an ambulance reflecting on the tragedy of the day before, penned “In Flanders Fields” in 20 minutes. It is the most widely read poem in honour of those who have given their lives in the hope for peace.
I would invite you to read his beautiful poem with me every day we pray for peace.
-Maureen Condon, Associate, Sisters of St. Joseph
Weekly Pause and Ponder
An Inspiring Affordable Housing Initiative
AN INSPIRING Affordable Housing Initiative
On October 26, 2023, over 65 supporters of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, gathered at the Goodwill Centre in London, Ontario for the announcement of the Society’s affordable housing Initiative. Their presence in London for over 160 years serving people in need makes this society an ideal agency to respond to London’s high numbers of people searching for affordable housing. Their colorful brochure states: “In response to the affordable housing crisis in London, the SSVP has obtained a portion of land from the Roman Catholic Diocese of London adjacent to the St. Andrew the Apostle Church located in northeast London. The location is ideal with easy access to shopping, schools, transit, and a community center”.
During the evening’s agenda, London’s CTV personality and MC, Nick Paparella called upon several speakers to make presentations. Shelley Baker and Mary Michniewicz as co-chairs of this project, explained the background of the endeavor and commented on the many meetings held in the early stages of preparation for entering the affordable housing scene. Alison Hanney, chief architect of Cornerstone presented a design of the new building. She also answered questions about the 72-unit apartment containing one-and-two-bedroom units – with 17 accessible and all designated affordable.
Rev. Jim Mockler, former rector at St. Peter’s Basilica, was guest speaker and congratulated SSVP on their track record of always walking with the needy. He added, “Their quiet, tireless work shines as a beacon of hope in our society”.
Among the group gathered to support the SSVP affordable housing initiative were members of City Council, a local MPP, London Diocesan representatives of SSVP, and others from various parishes, as well as the Sisters of St. Joseph. The atmosphere in the room was upbeat. Speakers were received with enthusiasm and an eagerness to partner with SSVP’s Affordable Housing Initiative.
Now is the time to reach out to Londoners to join in the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul’s “Build Hope for Housing” campaign. Are you inspired by this story? You can become a Partner in the Building Hope for Housing Campaign - donate through their website.
-Sister Jean Moylan, CSJ
