Mary Rowell

A Man Who Wore Out Too Many Pairs of Boots

Jean-Pierre Médaille was born in Carcassonne, France on Oct. 6, 1610 and was educated at the Jesuit College there.

On October 6, each year the Sisters and wider community of St. Joseph honour Father Jean Pierre Médaille, S.J.

Father Médaille, was born in 1610 in the beautiful walled city of Carcassonne, France. But walls never kept him enclosed. He was, in so many ways, a man who broke boundaries. As a young man he embraced his vocation as a Jesuit priest. After his time of formation and first ministries he was assigned to offering missions in the region of Le Puy en-Velay. His ministry required walking many miles across lovely, volcanic, hilly landscape. The story goes, and is recorded in the Jesuit archives in Rome, that he was reprimanded for “wearing out too many pairs of boots” in his endeavours!

During his travels Father Médaille met groups of women who wished to become nuns but were not eligible to due to Church discipline at the time that only permitted women religious to be in cloisters. In these women, Médaille recognized, however, an authentic vocation to religious life to be lived out in the world around them responding to the unmet needs of their time in places of squalor, violence, environmental destruction and profound disparities in wealth and poverty; a time not unlike our own.

Image: Oziel Gómez @ozgomz/Unsplash

Together, the women and Médaille encountered a mutuality of spirit – the realization of God in all things, a commitment to unity at the heart of Trinity, passionate service of the neighbour, a seeking of God’s call to “the more” rooted in the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola yet original and feminine in its expression. In his helping the women to form the Congregation, which became a reality in 1650, Médaille once again broke boundaries. So too did the first Sisters as they realized a whole new way of living religious life. One might almost say, they were born in dissent! Sister Mary Cresp, RSJ writes, “they demonstrated the characteristic of breaking boundaries into a new way of being”. That way continues to evolve for new times. The entire community of St. Joseph, sisters, associates, partners in mission and friends express gratitude to Father Médaille on this day.

In Médaille’s own words, “love Love and let Love love through you”, and maybe we too will wear out our boots, metaphorically, on that journey into God and to the dear neighbour together. 💞

-Sister Mary Rowell, csj

International Literacy Day

“A Boy on Horseback” Photo credit: I-Stock with permission

I first saw him, a young boy on horseback, dressed in national costume, riding the grassy slopes of the steppe lands of Outer Mongolia, where my work, at that time, took me. The boy set out, early in the morning, on horseback. I was told by the Mongolian host that he was headed for school some 30 miles distant. It was through this encounter that I learned that, despite the hardships that the country was enduring at the time, a commitment to free compulsory schooling remained a pervasive cultural value with an emphasis on reading and writing.

One of the results of such nationwide policy, arising during the 20th century socialist period and continuing, is the astounding level of adult literacy in the country. Even today, Outer Mongolia is a leader in global literacy tables. Between 98-99% of the population read and write. Even given such success, further moves are now being taken to strengthen the reading skills of children under 5. What a tremendous example of global possibility as on September 8, each year, International Literacy Day (ILD) is celebrated.

First declared by UNESCO in 1996, this year International Literacy Day is celebrating a 60-year anniversary with a gathering in Mexico entitled, “Literacy for the People, Planet and Prosperity”. The celebration of ILD serves as a reminder that reading and writing are basic human rights opening the door to other rights. Having literacy skills helps to significantly reduce poverty, enhance health, create equality and social growth–offering possibility across the globe. As former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, has said: “Literacy is a bridge between misery and hope.”
As well as traditional “book-skills”, ILD has also encouraged effective and responsible engagement with digital media. Of note, however, this year are recent initiatives, led by the Scandinavian countries, to move away from digital-first classrooms to reverse a decline in reading comprehension and dropping literacy skills. A return to the use of physical books and handwriting, while not discounting gifts of the digital age, are being shown by scientists and educators to improve focus, comprehension and memory retention.

So, how might we celebrate International Literacy Day this year and contribute to the gift of literacy? Ideas may include making financial contributions to global and national projects that encourage reading and writing given that millions still lack these skills. More locally, reading with our children, inviting inclusive story gatherings, gifting books for our family and friends, hosting book drives to match teacher’s wish lists, volunteering to tutor children or adults, exchanging books with others, holding book clubs, promoting the use of libraries near us all help to raise awareness, enjoyment and social possibilities.

Next time we are nestled down with a good book or journalling the gift of our life’s journey, let’s also celebrate, with gratitude, these gifts. In the words of Pam Allyn, American literacy expert, “Reading is like breathing in and writing is like breathing out”- an essential then for a life well lived!

 -Sister Mary Rowell, CSJ

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Rest, Reflect, Refresh: The Gift Of Retreat

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In the middle of your busy day, imagine for a moment a time of quiet on the banks of the beautiful Madawaska River not far from Ottawa or on the lovely shores of Lake Ontario in Cobourg just a short distance from Toronto. The Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada operate two beautiful retreat centres in these locations.

A retreat offers an opportunity to step away for a short time from the “humdrum” pace of everyday life and constant distractions – not as a “running away” but as a time of rest, inner reflection, care and renewal. Retreats provide silence, solitude, clarity in life and spiritual accompaniment. A welcoming space allows us to listen – to listen to God and/or the sacred in life, to our own hearts in joy and in struggle, to the pulse of nature and the world and to ask, “What really matters?”

Corrien Coker, Administrator of Stillpoint House of Prayer says, “For thirty-seven, years, Stillpoint has welcomed retreatants of all faiths. Stillpoint is located along the picturesque shores of the Madawaska River in Burnstown, Ontario. Here retreatants can embrace the silence designed for spiritual renewal and reflection, receive spiritual direction while nourishing the body with simple, meals and refreshment. Stillpoint has five comfortable rooms with private ensuites, along with two apartments situated in an ancient barn equipped with mini kitchens for additional privacy. The main house has a beautiful river view chapel, restful grounds and a well-stocked library for spiritual minds.” Stillpoint House of Prayer, pictured below.

Set on 10 beautiful acres along the shores of Lake Ontario, Villa St. Joseph Ecology and Spirituality Centre in Cobourg (pictured below) , similarly offers a welcome, inclusive of all faith traditions and those too who are more generally spiritual seekers. Retreat opportunities are varied, some completely silent and others with input to help deepen faith and/or life experience. In addition to retreats, the Villa provides workshops in ecological awareness and practice, evening prayers for special feast days of the church, and spiritual and ecological reading groups among other diverse events. Compassionate, non-judgmental spiritual accompaniment is offered. Rooms are comfortable, there is a peaceful chapel and library, and home-cooked meals have been described by retreatants as “love on a plate”.

We invite you to consider a retreat in one of these lovely centres. Come and know deep hospitality, belonging, peace, rest and renewal in these turbulent times. To view or register for our retreats and/or events visit:

- Sister Mary Rowell, CSJ and Corrien Coker, Stillpoint Administrator

March Winds and April Showers

“MARCH WINDS AND APRIL SHOWERS” - A REFLECTION FOR EASTER MONDAY

A few mornings ago, as I was walking the grounds of Villa St. Joseph, our Ecology and Spirituality Centre on the shores of Lake Ontario in Cobourg, I realized that despite the persistent cold there was a hint of Spring in the air and in my footsteps too! Suddenly, I was reminded of the predictable words of my mother as Spring approached, “March winds and April showers bring forth sweet May flowers”; a traditional English proverb dating back centuries. The literal sense of the proverb refers to the necessity of the cold winds of March and the rains of April (typical early Spring weather in the U.K. and in Western Canada especially) for the moist conditions in the soil necessary for the growth of the fresh flowers of May.

The phrase is often used to encourage those experiencing temporary hardship of the possibility of better times ahead. It has been expressed in various ways, including music. An example is the song, composed in 1935, by Walter G. Samuels and performed, in typical music hall fashion, by American singer, Ruth Ettings. The song and the various articulations of the proverb imply that growth and transformation can result from a certain dying, struggle and rising cycle – a cycle that points to hope and new life. The whole process as we experience seasonal change and as we celebrate the beautiful hope of Easter reminds us that the Paschal Mystery is writ large in the natural world and has been from the very beginning of God’s creation.

The Paschal Mystery encompasses the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, just celebrated with gratitude and joy in our churches. That mystery is revealed and echoed in nature as a cosmic pattern of life, death and renewal. We are aware of it as we plant Spring seeds with hope for a flowering yet to come. In nature and in faith we can begin to grasp the life and promise that arises in patient waiting for “the gifts of God for the people of God” as the Anglican a book of Alternative Services reminds us. In both faith and in nature we see a revelation of divinity - the divinity of the risen Christ and of the emergent pattern of hope in the natural world. In both we discover an invitation to touch God – to enter fully into the sufferings, joys and beauty of the world. In it all we are called to lifelong transformation.  

The Jesuit priest and paleontologist, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) put this beautifully when he wrote in his great Hymn of the Universe: “Bathe yourself in the ocean of matter; plunge into it where it is deepest; struggle in its currents and drink of its waters. For it cradled you long ago in your pre-conscious existence, and it is that ocean that will raise you up to God.”

May we be raised up to God and encounter joy, hope and rejoicing in the emerging world of Spring as we continue to celebrate together the great season of promise beginning this Easter Monday!

-Sister Mary Rowell, CSJ

Images: Sabbra Cadabra/Photogitthi/RODOLFO BARRETTO | Unsplash

Do This In Remembrance of Me

A REFLECTION FOR HOLY THURSDAY

Since childhood, I’ve loved and looked forward to the diversity of narrative and liturgical richness of Holy Thursday.  It is at once a celebration of the institution and gift of the Eucharist and of the priesthood of all believers, it calls us to action in God’s world, and then presents us with the vulnerability, desolation and pain of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Holy Thursday which marks the beginning of the great Paschal Triduum seems to hold within it the very essence of a vibrant life of faith. There is so much on which to reflect. It’s hard to find just one focus!

The words of Jesus that remain with me consistently as this day comes around each year and at every celebration of the Eucharist are recorded in Luke’s Gospel and echoed in St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians (11: 23-26): “Do this in remembrance of me”. Immediately the question arises, “do what in remembrance of me?”

As we gather at the table of the Eucharist where Jesus offers himself totally - to what are we called in remembrance of him? The answer is found in this year’s reading from St. John’s Gospel “wash one another’s feet” and in the symbolic practice of foot-washing during the ritual of Holy Thursday. What might this look like? Jesus shows us by his witness to ultimate love in the giving of his body, and in calling all to the table where everyone is to be welcomed– no exclusions! His presence for all time promised here is a presence of mercy and justice. His is the love that feeds us in sacrifice and service and calls us to an oftentimes costly discipleship.

Psalm 11 poses the question “when the world falls apart what can the good do?” Today, we so often experience helplessness in the context of all that is happening in our world – a world that sometimes feels as if it is, indeed, falling apart. So, what can we do? We can wash one another’s feet, one small yet significant act of respect and kindness at a time. Having been nourished at the Eucharistic table we can create tables at which all are to be welcomed and nourished materially and spiritually.  We wash other’s feet by listening to the inseparable cry of the Earth and of the poor, by the “realization” of inclusion of all peoples, by  accompanying the abandoned, lonely, desolate like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane; by ‘staying awake’ and confronting the cruelty, violence and systems of injustice often so evident at this time in the world.

Kimberly Lymore, who will speak on the inspiring series, “Catholic Women Preach” on this Holy Thursday (video below) says as she links the themes of Holy Thursday: “We cannot receive the Body of Christ (in the Eucharist) while degrading the bodies crushed by poverty, violence and neglect. We cannot proclaim, ‘Amen’ at the table and then remain silent when dignity is denied.”

On this Holy Thursday may we be drawn into the depths of Eucharistic love that through the cross leads ultimately to resurrection in the world.

“Do this in remembrance of me.”

-Sister Mary Rowell, csj

Image: James Coleman/Rey Proenza | Unsplash