Novena for the U.S. Mid-term Elections

As we know, the mid term elections in the United States will be held on Nov 3 which is of great interest not only to Americans but to us in Canada and others around the world.

For my own information, I attended a virtual gathering offered by a group in the U.S. 'Catholics In Communion' entitled, “Preparing for Faithful Witness in a Consequential Election”.

In this session, they talked about issues related to people being prevented or discouraged from voting or threatened,fear of officials refusing to certify election results, and deployment of Federal Agents, to mention just a few concerns. They emphasized that people need to be faithful witnesses not just on Election Day but all the way up to the day those elected are sworn in on January 3.

Some actions this group is organizing can only be done by Americans.  However, one of their actions we can all participate in is a Virtual Election Novena from November 1st to 9th.  We are called to defend democracy, so let's register for this novena and continue to pray: https://www.catholicsincommunion.org/events        

-Sister Nancy Sullivan, csj

Image: Jon Sailer @jonmsailer/Unsplash

World Refugee Day - June 20, 2026

World Refugee Day is observed globally on June 20 to honour the strength, courage, and resilience of individuals who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.  It is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their situations.

Ensuring protection for refugees strengthens communities, promotes stability, and saves lives.  This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Convention which is the international agreement that protects the rights of refugees.  This year’s theme is: “Until Everyone is Safe,” which means:

·        Governments to uphold fair and accessible asylum systems,

·        Donors to sustain life-giving support.

·        Communities to welcome those forced to flee,

·        Each of us to defend the principle that safety must never depend on nationality, wealth, race, religion, gender, political opinion or migration status.

This World Refugee Day, do your part by supporting the We’re Better Together network’s open letter and advocacy campaigns to defend asylum rights and build community-led sponsorship programs across Canada:  Week of Action – We're Better Together.

“Becoming a refugee is never a choice. But how we respond is.”  -António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations

-Sister Nancy Sullivan, CSJ

Image: Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash

The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times: A Book Review

Recently, I read the book Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times by Gregory Boyle, SJ. Father Greg works with gang members in Los Angeles through the organization Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation program in the world. This book builds upon, enhances, reiterates, and reaffirms the message he shared in his previous books—namely, that compassion is the answer to every question.

The principles at Homeboy that apply to all situations are: (1) everyone is unshakably good (no exceptions), and (2) we belong to each other (no exceptions). In these times of deadlock and impasse in so many areas of our personal lives, our society, our country, and our world, imagine if we could all embrace these principles and live them fully.

“Compassion is the answer to every question...”

— Father Greg

He speaks of committing to creating a culture and community of cherished belonging, which is God’s dream come true. He says, “When we embrace relational wholeness, our divisions tremble.”

This is a big message to ponder and an even bigger one to live, but it is what we must do, day after day, to dissolve what divides us.

-Sister Nancy Sullivan, csj

Image: Martin Martz/Unsplash

Moral Ambition: A Book Review

Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference by Rutger Bregman (2025)

I was surprised—and grateful—when the public library notified me that Moral Ambition was ready for pickup. I had no memory of placing it on hold, but I’m very glad I did. Rutger Bregman’s book is compelling, thought-provoking, and one I highly recommend.

Drawing inspiration from the quote, “People may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall” (Allen Raine, 1836–1908), Bregman explores what it means to use one’s talent in service of the greater good.

This isn’t just a book about inspiring individuals—it’s a call to action. Bregman introduces readers to people who are directing their considerable skills and energy toward solving the world’s toughest challenges. Along the way, he challenges us to do the same. Chapter titles alone give a taste of the book’s tone and urgency:

• No, You’re Not Fine Just the Way You Are

• Lower Your Threshold for Taking Action

• See Winning as Your Moral Duty

• Find Out What the World Needs and Make It Happen

• Expand Your Moral Circle

• Make Future Historians Proud

Bregman doesn’t merely celebrate moral ambition—he insists it’s within reach for each of us. As he writes, “If you choose to go the moral ambition route, the ripple effect can be enormous. Your behaviour is contagious, so a better world does indeed begin with you. Moral ambition isn’t a trait; it’s a mindset.”

This book will challenge your assumptions, spark ideas, and leave you rethinking how you spend your time and talent. It’s an invitation to live more boldly—and more purposefully.

-Sister Nancy Sullivan, CSJ

Image: Martin Adams/Unsplash; Book: https://rutgerbregman.com/books/moral-ambition

The Gift of Music

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a Herman’s Hermits concert in Niagara Falls with three others. One of them had won the tickets, which made the experience even more exciting! A Herman’s Hermits album was one of the very first I ever owned, and I have always loved their sound.

For days after the concert, I found myself listening to their songs on repeat—singing along, of course! This experience reminded me of what a gift music is to all of us and what a true blessing it can be. No matter what genre one enjoys, music has the power to uplift, reflect our moods, or even shape how we feel. The melodies can touch our hearts, and the lyrics can speak to our minds.

Someone with a deeper appreciation of music could likely describe this phenomenon better, but all I know is that music has a way of reaching our souls like few other things can.

Thank you, God, for the gift of music and for all those who bring it into our lives.

-Sister Nancy Sullivan, CSJ

Image: Kari Shea/Unsplash