Blog
On this day of National Day of Remembrance and Action against Islamophobia we denounce all forms of racism, hate, and discrimination.
Encouraging everyone to show respect and openness for a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
The green lights on our building are lit at this time in remembrance of all who have lost their lives or been harmed in anyway by such hatred.
2023 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - January 18 – 25
Theme: Do good; seek justice
A sudden reversal - a young mother, a PSW in Toronto, was nearly separated from her child, until she went public about her possible deportation and garnered a multitude of supporters. Today, January 7, Faftumah Najjuma has won her right for permanent residency in Canada. Such good news not only for this little family but for the energy rallying for systemic change.
Do good; seek justice - These basic values and actions are essential in all human relationships.
Christians who may have signed Faftumah’s petition or stood strong with her cause can’t be identified in the crowd or on the petition. But standing with and seeking justice are essential to the gospel of Jesus.
“standing with and seeking justice are essential to the gospel of Jesus. ”
From January 18 – 25 we will be praying for Christian unity and reflecting on the theme: Do good; seek justice. We may routinely align with a specific faith community, sometimes follow different liturgical calendars, or find our preference in different styles of Christian music, but our common call is the gospel. May the intention of this week of focused prayer move us locally to seek together the ways of justice.
“God is leading us in the path of unity through our acts of justice”
A perusal of websites of our denominational churches shows how God is leading us in the path of unity through our acts of justice. Let’s celebrate this spark of light, knowing that the long haul of unity is graced with the many steps of collaboration.
Sister Loretta Manzara, CSJ
Coming to the end of 2022 and preparing to enter a new year of 2023, I was struck by a recent quote from the Daily Reflections of Richard Rohr. He wrote, what is, is the great teacher. A few wonderings came to mind around my responsibility and how I am being called to respond to what it is that is my great teacher today. What is it that I am to learn from these wonderings?
Image: Unsplash/Max Kukurudziak
On the global stage there has been a deepening awareness of oneness with our Ukrainian neighbors. Many of the world powers are sending food and necessities of life as well as the needed armaments to repel the daily attacks on innocent people. In Canada, our country is welcoming Ukrainian women and children and providing safe accommodations, education and emotional support. These expressions of kindness call me to also look at other folks, such as refugees and immigrants from Afghanistan, Somalia, Haiti, Syria, who are also called neighbor. I hope that my small effort in welcoming a single mother and her young son to our transition home will lead to a lasting and long- term friendship.
Image: Unsplash/Matt Collamer
There is the growing concern for safety and well-being of the unhoused. These homeless people live rough in our city parks and on vacant public land. The homeless phenomena are visible in every city in our province and even in small towns. Contrary to what is often spoken or printed in our newspapers, homelessness is not a personal choice. Even I know someone who is one paycheck away from living on the street or in a shelter where she does not feel safe. I realize that solving this crisis will take time and energy on the part of committed citizens in many cities. However, I believe I am being called to see without judgment the person standing in front of me. Stopping for a small encounter or a chat might be welcomed and allow that person to feel connected with another human being even if only for a moment.
“I believe I am being called to see without judgment the person standing in front of me.”
Oftentimes, many of us say or have heard others use the phrase, it is what it is, trying to put into words a response to situations that are happening personally or globally. Entering into the new year of 2023, could we attend to the question what is this event or situation trying to teach me?
Sister Ann MacDonald, CSJ
