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

Always Remember

Charlie Mackesy has just released his sequel to his inspirational offerings of wisdom in The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. His newest words of truth are to be found in The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm. An initial read highlights several well-to-be-remembered quotes.

One quite applicable quote to recall as we celebrate November 11th is:

“Whatever happens if I lose you?

We are forever even if I’m not here,”

said the Horse.

November 11th is rightfully called Remembrance Day, a day to give thanks for those who have given their lives or, in some ways, a portion of their quality of life to preserve our freedoms.

May we take time to remember these veterans  with gratitude, to honor their courage, and to carry forward their legacy of peace, hope, and love. The very qualities Mackesy so beautifully reminds us to cherish through his words and whimsical drawings.

-Sister Nancy Wales, csj

Image: Klemen Vrankar @klemenvrankar/Unsplash

,

We Can Do So Much Together

,

Helen Keller once reminded us, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Those words perfectly echo Fidelity Canada’s message: “Accelerate your Dreams.”

That connection came to mind after a wonderful experience I had recently. I learned about an ambitious dream taking shape right here in the Old East Village — a dream that is already inspiring so many. The amazing team at the Cross-Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC[1]) first imagined this project, and now it is becoming a reality on a newly purchased piece of land.

CTV’s Gerry Dewan shared a great story about it in his article, “An opportunity for London to lead with vision’: Doorways to Dreams capital campaign is launched,” [2]published online this past May.

In short, CCLC is tackling one of the biggest challenges newcomers face when they arrive: finding a home. As they explain on their website, “For newcomers, home is the first step toward building a new life. Doorways to Dreams isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about creating a safe place for newcomers and their families to settle and thrive.”[3]

To make this dream come true, CCLC is reaching out to partners and community members to help raise its $2-million share of the building costs. Each contribution counts, whether large or small, and together, we can make a lasting difference. The project goal is to open the new Doorways to Dreams building in 2028, providing a true home base for new beginnings.

Let’s work together to tackle the housing shortage and make this bold dream a reality. Together we can provide a safe haven for newcomers and many other Londoners who need safe and affordable housing.

What We’re Building, Together

Located at 763-773 Dundas Street, CCLC’s Doorways to Dreams development for newcomers and many other Londoners who need safe and affordable housing will feature:

  • 247 one, two and three-bedroom units  

  • A 6-storey building and 24-storey high-rise tower with an energy-efficient design

  • At least 30% (or approximately 75) affordable units

  • 22% (approximately 54) accessible units

  • Underground parking, on-site laundry, gym facilities, meeting rooms, space for community-based programs, commercial space, and a health and wellness centre.

 https://www.lcclc.org/doorways-to-dreams

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

All Saints Day

I’ve always loved Halloween and now enjoy seeing the excited children trick-or-treating for their candies.

Driving around these days I see so many houses decorated for All Hallow’s Eve and have to say there has been a significant shift in the choice of displays. I grew up with playful paper decorations of pumpkins, black cats, spiders and bats, if any decorations were present. Today most decorations, intended to scare the children, are inflatable devils, huge skeletons, flashing lights, smoke, ghosts, ghoulish clown, loud noises and tombstones. It’s making me think.

In Christianity, All Hallow’s Eve was originally the vigil of All Saint’s Day, a day to honour ALL saints, known & unknown. Traditionally, as Catholics, we honour them by attending Mass, reflecting on their lives and visiting the graves of our loved ones for All Souls Day.

Is the move to demonic decoration something I should attend to? Have I a responsibility to reconsider my own vigil preparation and witness to its original purpose? I think so.

Maybe in addition to giving out treats I will send each child/family away with a smile, a Happy All Saints Day greeting and a God Bless you. I look forward to the reactions!

And to you, Happy All Saints Day!

-Maureen Condon, CSJ Associate

Image: Neven Krcmarek/K. Mitch Hodge/Unsplash