World Oceans Day 2026

World Oceans Day is observed every year on June 8 to raise awareness about the importance of the ocean and the need to protect it. First proposed at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro by Canada’s International Centre for Ocean Development and the Ocean Institute of Canada, the day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008. It encourages people everywhere to support ocean health, sustainable resource use, and global efforts tied to the Sustainable Development Goals.

The 2026 theme is “Reimagine”, inviting us to rethink our relationship with the ocean. For too long, many of us have treated the ocean as something distant and separate from daily life, when in fact it shapes the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the climate that sustains us. The ocean covers more than 70% of Earth’s surface, produces at least half of the world’s oxygen, absorbs a significant share of carbon dioxide, feeds billions of people, and supports livelihoods around the globe. Reimagining our connection to the ocean means moving from appreciation to responsibility.

My mother was from Ireland and lived in three countries during her life. She was always drawn to holidays where she could stand at the water’s edge and put her feet in the ocean. She said it made her feel connected to her family in Ireland and Great Britain. That memory reminds me that the ocean is not only a natural resource; for many people, it is also a source of belonging, memory, and identity.

What kind of connection do you have to the ocean, and is it strong enough to inspire action in return for all that it gives us? Even if it is too late to plan a major event this year, it is never too late to learn more and make meaningful choices. You might support organizations that remove plastic from the water, protect marine life from abandoned fishing gear, or restore fragile habitats. You could host a sustainable seafood dinner, attend an educational event at a nature centre, reduce single-use plastics, or simply start conversations about why ocean protection matters. Every action, however small, helps bring us closer to a healthier future for our blue planet.

-Maureen Condon, csj Associate

Images: Andrzej Kryszpiniuk/ Shifaaz shamoon | Unsplash

St. Patrick’s Day

Family Roots and Irish Tradition

Patrick was my father’s name. He grew up in Douro, a small, distinctly Irish township situated just east of Peterborough, Ontario. My mother, Bridget, was born in Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland. When she married my father and met the people of Douro, she remarked that their accents were even more Irish than those in Ireland itself! This background meant that St. Patrick’s Day was always a special occasion for our family. Our celebrations included attending morning Mass, watching a parade, enjoying Irish music, and sharing a meal of Irish stew and soda bread. We continue to honor these traditions to this day.

The Legacy of St. Patrick

St. Patrick was never formally canonized by the church because he lived and died before the official process of canonization began in the 12th century. Instead, he was recognized as a saint by the people, admired for his remarkable achievements in spreading the Christian faith to nearly every part of Ireland.

Prayer and Pilgrimage

St. Patrick was renowned for his preaching and his deep devotion to prayer. Much like Jesus, he would retreat to quiet places for prayer and reflection. One such place is Croagh Patrick, a mountain in County Mayo, which remains a site of pilgrimage to this day. Perhaps this March 17th, you will join me in reciting this beautiful Prayer of St. Patrick or listen on to Rita Connolly singing “The Deer’s Cry”.

The Prayer of St. Patrick

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks for me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.

-Maureen Condon, csj associate

Images: Quentin Rey/Allec Gomes/K. Mitch Hodge | Unsplash

Embracing the Journey of Lent

First Week of Lent 2026

Embracing the Journey of Lent

A Scriptural Reminder

Matthew’s gospel sets the tone for the first week of Lent by recalling that “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness” (Mt 4:1). During this time, Jesus fasted, prayed, and faced numerous temptations over forty days. Through steadfast fidelity to the Father, He overcame each challenge. Maintaining such fidelity can be difficult, but it remains essential in our spiritual journey.

Patrick Fore @patrickian4/Unsplash

Invitation to Reflection and Growth

As Lent begins, we too are called to listen intently to the Spirit and allow ourselves to be guided to spaces of reflection and growth within our daily spiritual lives. The invitation extends to fasting, prayer, and performing acts of kindness. These practices are gifts—gentle reminders to focus on what matters most, even as daily life becomes hectic and crowded with news, routine tasks, work, studies, parenting, and the distractions of social media.

Responding with Enthusiasm

Let us respond wholeheartedly to God, who desires to draw us closer. Through this journey, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves and our relationships and recognize God’s presence both in our neighbors and in our own lives. The effort is always worthwhile.

Timo Volz @magict1911 / Unsplash

Scriptural Encouragement

“Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice” (Psalm 104:3)

-Maureen Condon, CSJ Associate

St. Valentine's Day

In late October 2025, 19 Buddhist Monks in saffron robes set out on a journey that would take them 108 days and 2300 miles from Texas to Washington D.C. Their missions was, and is, to shine a quiet light on the need for Peace. They did not ask for money or material goods but only for people to see their walk for peace as a meditation. They experienced many hardships along the way: harsh weather, a serious vehicle accident resulting in an amputation for one of the Monks and exhaustion, but they kept going. Thousands of people of all nationalities and creeds lined the roads greeting them with silent reverence, food, accommodation and flowers. In return, the Monks offered blessings and mindful presence.

As Valentine’s Day fast approaches, I am so grateful for their profound invitation to LOVE one another in Peace and Tranquility. Their gift of love is my valentine this year and I will pass it on.

-Maureen Condon, CSJ Associate

 Image: Tim Mossholder @timmossholder/Unsplash

Remembrance Day

It is a privilege to acknowledge and honour the bravery, commitment and life-giving sacrifices of Canadian Veterans each year but this year I would like to highlight two intertwined celebrations.

Starting in 1994 in Winnipeg, National Indigenous Veterans Day has been celebrated on Nov 8th. This day acknowledges the significant contribution of Metis, First nations and Inuit veterans in various conflicts who faced systemic inequality and denial of the same post war benefits as their non-indigenous counterparts. Always resilient, they worked diligently, especially in the light of reconciliation efforts, to develop this day of special recognition. The local celebrations include such cultural features as drumming, smudging, singing, dancing and a sacred fire. It is a time to spend with family and community in a less formal setting.

November 11th, the traditional Remembrance day continues in all municipalities in Canada, noted by the singing of our national anthem, prayers speeches in honour of our veterans and their sacrifices, children singing “In Flanders Fields” and more often now welcome and significant involvement of our First Nation, Metis and Inuit brother and sisters. May we continue to move toward oneness of celebration and reconciliation on all fronts.            

Thanks Dad and ALL VETERANS !        

-Maureen Condon, CSJ Associate

Image: Annie Spratt @anniespratt/ Glib Albovsky @albovsky | Unsplash