Is Democracy dying?

When I was an undergraduate student of history, I studied the bedrock institutions of our democratic governments in Canada, Europe, the United States and elsewhere.  I had great hope in the creation of the United Nations and was young enough and untested enough to believe that they would last and although not perfect, they were strong enough to meet the challenges of days ahead. 

Many years later, we are living through a seismic shift of populist nationalism – in the United States and in many European countries.  Even here in Canada, we are not immune to the anti-immigrant rage.  The conversations are changing and not in a way that is good. It may be the result that we think we are affluent enough that we can put up walls of protectionism closing doors, building walls and turning us against each other.  This is disturbing because that is not the bedrock of our democratic countries.  The challenges of our global world touch every country.  We need leaders to take us into global co-operation.  After all, the future of our one home (our planet) is at stake.

Probably rooted in fear, we may want to turn away because we do not know how to address any perceived ensuring threat.  However, I want to say that we should host more conversations that inspire each other to be inclusive, and practice our active citizenship and celebrate our collective diverse cultures.   Our very lives and our future depends on it.  None of us should opt out!

Sister Joan Atkinson, CSJ

Office for Systemic Justice

A Vacation that Nurtures Spirit

As autumn weather cooled the environment and sunlight turned maple leaves into a glowing splendor of colour, I embarked on several days of silent reflection at Stillpoint House of Prayer.  This small facility on the Madawaska River serves people living in the Ottawa area and beyond who value taking time away from the busyness of daily life to restore energy and to “listen” to the wisdom within the core of their being, that is their “spirit”,  touched by the Spirit of the Creator.

Walking along quiet country roads, sitting on the banks of the Madawaska, and watching storms from within a cozy dwelling were contemplative experiences. It is in such conditions that I gain perspective about what is essential in life, encounter my own limitations, the immensity of God’s love, and learn to live more reflectively. I left Stillpoint with renewed energy, greater perspective of what gives meaning to my life, and awareness of how necessary it is to periodically take time away for renewing spiritual energy.

We all need time and space to care for ourselves. Sometimes turning off the television and walking in a park or one of the many trails alongside rivers and creeks is enough to restore balance in our lives. Perhaps a vacation, designed to nurture your spirit as well as your body and mind, may yield far more benefits than a luxury cruise or expensive stay in a resort.  - Sr. Patricia McKeon, csj

Celebrating an Impossible Dream

On Friday, September 28^th, about 100 gathered at Austin Doran Hall in the Mount Community Centre in Peterborough, Ontario for the annual special evening that highlights poverty and the need for food security in our area.  The dinner, determined by lot, was either Oven Roasted Chicken Supreme with Decadent New York Style Cheesecake for dessert or a typical food bank meal of penne noodles with canned tomato sauce and cookies.  This menu spoke loudly of the disparity that exists in opportunities for food choices, and called us to be more aware of the struggles some face in providing good food for their families.

The focus of the evening was on the newly-completed Food Centre which is a significant component of this evolving dream. A name was given to the café, announced by John Good, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, through whom an anonymous donation of $300,000 made this beautiful kitchen area possible. The name chosen is the Fulcrum Café, signifying the point on which this project turns or is supported.  The café is already being used by the apartment residents, staff, volunteers, and friends and supporters of The Mount Community Centre. 

Madelaine Currelly, CEO of the Community Training and Development Centre explained a very successful educational program in which unemployed applicants develop skills in cooking as they supply meals for Meals on Wheels, a day care centre and other groups.  This kitchen also provides catering   to groups within and beyond The Mount Community Centre, and the facility is available for rent at mutually designated times to budding entrepreneurs.

Guests at this annual event were brought up to date on further developments in this impossible dream. Board member, Bill Graham, outlined the progress and future plans for Phase 2 of the project.  Christine Cannon, President of Shared Dreams for Independent Living, spoke of their position and excitement around this joint venture.  Murray Rodd, Cabinet Member of the present fundraising campaign, shared that a dinner held in his honour as retiring police chief raised over $23,000 for the Mount Community Centre.  In his closing remarks, Steve Kylie, Chair of the Board, mentioned that a Day Care Centre had just been relocated to this amazing place that continues to meet a multitude of needs in the Peterborough area.  All were invited to view the Food Centre, and many took the opportunity.  Once again those who attended were deeply touched by the evolving story of this impossible dream.

- Joan Driscoll, CSJ

FINDING GOD IN ALL THINGS

Recently, I’ve reached the ten-year milestone of ministering to the sick and dying in one of Canada’s largest hospitals, and I might be tempted to say, ‘I have seen it all.’  On many a day, that includes the good, the bad and the ugly.  At times, sadly, it is more of the bad than the good. Thankfully, on the many days when the good by far outweighs the bad and the ugly, it is easy to find God present amid the suffering and pain.  On the fewer more difficult days, it is much harder. 

Today was one of those days of mixed blessings.  A bit of everything made up the fabric of my day.  Homeward bound, my mind dwelling on nothing other than answering the call of nature before leaving the hospital, I pushed open the door to a washroom.  Much to my surprise, with arms outstretched, there sat a Cabbage Patch doll, sans clothes, on the window ledge. Despite its blue eyes, it looked more like a troll than a doll.  Don’t ask me why, but this forlorn looking imp inspired me to recall what Jesuits encourage us to do, “find God in all things.”  Why, I wondered.  Why, here of all places, in a public washroom, did a Cabbage Patch doll prompt me to think of this Jesuit maxim?   Jesuits teach that God can be found in everyone, in every place and in every-thing. Even in a child’s doll left behind in a washroom?  How could I possibly find God in this wee troll-like creature?  If God gives life and being and existence to everything, finding God in all things is just a matter of opening our eyes.  In this case, it may seem a bit of a stretch. Since subtlety tends to be God’s métier, I took a picture of the lonesome looking doll, wondering how God might be present in this odd encounter. 

As I drove home, I reflected on my encounter with this butt-naked Cabbage Patch doll, surely much loved by the little girl here at the hospital, who found comfort in cuddling her doll.  We all know about the pain of loss, of being lost ourselves. I could well imagine the mother comforting her child upset about losing her cuddly friend. I said a little prayer for this unknown child, and for all who are dealing with the loss of someone precious.  Grateful to God for using this doll to remind me of God’s presence everywhere, in everything, I prayed for the grace to remember that though lost we are never alone. We are always in God’s presence, for wherever we are, there is God.

- Sr. Magdalena Vogt, cps

A gift to the people of God

"I do not believe in death without Resurrection.  If they kill me, I will rise again in the people of El Salvador."  - Saint Oscar Romero

St. Oscar Romero - What a gift to the people of God!!

Ever since I heard of the canonization of Archbishop Oscar Romero of EL Salvador, I knew that I wanted to write a blog about him.  And, as I puzzled over what aspect I would choose, I was fortunate enough to meet a man from El Salvador, now living in Canada, who had worked along with “Monsenor Romero,” and was in his presence the day before he died and attended his funeral.  This man, let me call him Pedro, is very familiar with the economic and political struggles of his country, with the constant tensions between left and right wing politics not only in the government, but also powerfully dividing the Catholic Church.  Moreover, my embryonic friendship with Pedro afforded me a glimpse into his eye witness accounts of the life of Oscar Romero.      

Initially, Pedro’s sharing focused on the continuous, intense struggles of the Salvadoran people of God against the powerful forces of oppression in the government, in the armed forces and in the media which resulted in appalling fear, increasing poverty and escalating targeted deaths.  Pedro was associated with the church groups that formed under Romero’s courageous leadership and contributed to the possibility of hope and positive change.   Eventually, in our short conversation, Pedro moved from the big picture to the presence of Romero amidst his country’s suffering yet hope filled people.  He focused on Romero’s courageous Gospel based words spoken and broadcasted throughout the country, which brought hope and courage to thousands, as well as on the simplicity of his life style and his humility. 

I was particularly touched when Pedro recounted the attentiveness Romero showed towards others. He gave the example of being at a meeting where an older woman arrived, and the only empty chair was designated for the mayor of the town who had not yet arrived. Pedro described how Romero encouraged this woman to sit in the chair while another one was brought for the mayor.  This is one small example of why Romero was revered not only for his courage and deep faith, but especially for his constant love of the poor.

At his last retreat, St. Oscar Romero made this note in his journal: “it is not easy to accept a violent death, which is very possible in these circumstances, and the Apostolic Nuncio to Costa Rica warned me of imminent danger just this past week ... my attitude should be to hand my life over to God regardless of the end to which that life might come … I shall feel God very close as I draw my last breath; but that more valiant than surrender in death is the surrender of one’s whole life – a life lived for God.” 

St. Oscar Romero Presente!!

 - Mabel St. Louis, csj

Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador will be proclaimed Saint this Sunday, October 14, 2018.