Connection Between Leisure Time and Contemplative Spirituality

As I took up my pen to write a few thoughts on the connection between leisure time and  contemplative spirituality, I decided that a little music would set the tone for such musings.  The first tape that I picked up was entitled “A Passion for Melody” and it struck me that this spoke aptly to the subject at hand.  For what is at the heart of contemplative spirituality if not a passion for the melody of creation woven by God into every aspect of our lives. 

Image: Unsplash/Ruslan Sikunov

In contemplative spirituality we begin to see creation with new eyes - its beauty, its grandeur, its power – like the phrases of a melody flowing from the mind and heart of a great composer.  This melody has many tempos and many cadences.  It is found in the slow, soft tones of imageless prayer; it is found in the measured beat of meaningful work; it is found in the ecstasy of love and in the playful intervals of leisure time.   

Contemplative spiritualty opens the door to this melody, allows us to see the unity, the oneness of all creation in God.  And thus seeing, we begin to understand that leisure time spent in activities which promote connectedness and “in-tune-ness” with ourselves and others, are as much a part of this grand composition as are the quiet intervals of meditation or the quickened tempo of ministerial labors. 

Leisure is one of the things that helps us to stay focused on God’s melody. Because we are more relaxed, to binds us more closely to the present moment where God, the great composer is always at work.  Conversely, if we do not engage in healthy leisure, we risk the danger of being “out of tune” with the melody of creation in our everyday life. We succumb to the worry, anxiety and busyness and gradually lose the passion for God’s melody. 

IMAGE: Unsplash/Ira Selendripity

Contemplative spirituality which touches all areas of our life (including leisure), keeps us attuned to the unifying quality of the melody of God.  In time we begin to hum that melody in our heart as we go about our daily tasks.  And if we should falter, we always have the presence of our Master Conductor, Jesus Christ, to call us back to what we already know in our heart – that any moment can be a contemplative moment, a moment of deep connectedness with God and all of God’s creation.  May the melody play on. 

Written by Sister Margaret Ferris , d. Nov.12, 2017.

IMAGE: UNSPLASH/Jigar Panchal

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

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