Moving with Love

Every day brings a bit of revelation. What might that be today?

Nature itself reveals a daily love offered by our ever- creating God. Earth is awakened by the warmth of the morning sun. Even in winter the sun’s rays periodically break through the cloud. Snow sparkles with the light of the moon. Nature has a way of reminding us that Divine Love accompanies struggle.

Some fragments of a hymn text by Brian Wren come to mind: “This is a story full of love, a song to set us free . . for Wisdom guides the flow of life.”

We mark this day, remembering the life and death of Mother St. John (1759 – 1843). Jeanne was indeed a woman full of love, whose life story was a song of struggle and fortitude during the French revolution, a story of generous courage after the terror as she gathered women religious into the Congregation of St. Joseph. Gifted with wisdom she heard the call to send Sisters to the new world, and from there this little Congregation of St. Joseph in Canada gradually was birthed.

History of Mother St. John Fontbonne Part 1

History of Mother St. John Fontbonne Part 2

What might the revelation be for us today? Perhaps to see with new eyes, our own invitation to live out God’s call to fortitude, courage, mission. As our little community here in Canada accepts its call to age gracefully, we lean with fortitude into deep trust. Although our human resources are few, our relationships, and partnerships are many. We encourage one another to see the possibilities for service that abound (making sandwiches for the soup kitchen, being present to our neighbours, praying for others, seeking justice). The mission by which we once were recognized (hospitals, schools) is giving way to working with others at the Mount Community Centre in Peterborough, the Hub in London, our Associates and Companions across Canada.  All these present energies are like rays of sun breaking through the limitations.

With courage and conviction Mother St. John led this “Congregation of the Great Love of God” through the devastation of war, and the stripping of its identity. Through this day of remembrance may we be evermore fully women of courage, of fortitude and of heart.

Together let us watch for the graced surprise that comes our way this day!

-Sister Loretta Manzara, csj

Image: Unsplash | Emmanuel Phaeton

The Ties That Bind

Every year in early November we Moylan women arrive from various points in southwestern Ontario to cottage together, celebrate and keep our family connections close and loving.

The Moylan women are not a large group and the number who attend each year varies. Except for 2020 when COVID-19 cancelled our gathering, 2021 marked our 14th annual get-together. This year, seven of us weary Friday night travelers arrived with the usual anticipation of fun and strengthening the family ties. Following a tasty dinner and staking out our bedrooms, connections were renewed, and laughter shared until sleep and cozy beds beckoned.

How wonderful to wake up Saturday morning, knowing that the weekend was ours to linger over breakfast and catch up on family happenings until lunch miraculously appeared on the table. Meanwhile, after lunch we were fortunate to bask in autumn’s finest weather. Walks in the sunshine, contemplating sparkling Lake Huron, quiet reading by the fireplace and exploring every nook and cranny filled the afternoon. Niece Marianne spied a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle and her work began in earnest. It was a welcomed change from her usual busy RN days.

Following evening Mass in Bright’s Grove and a delicious candlelight dinner, we settled into an evening of relaxing activities. Emma 16, sat down to play cards with her three great-aunts. We oldsters enjoyed her youth and enthusiasm and her willingness to keep score.

All too soon, it was time to prepare for home. Marianne announced that she wouldn’t leave until the puzzle was completed so her cousin Janet stepped in to assist. We appreciated that throughout the weekend, there had been plenty of connecting with our nearest and dearest and embracing the ties that bind us together as family.

As we packed up our belongings, settled next year’s date and waved our good- byes, the beautiful Old Mill puzzle on the sturdy, hardwood table left a reminder of the blessing of family time awaiting the next group to arrive on the doorstep.

-Sister Jean Moylan, csj

Epitaph

Remembrance Day arrives tomorrow and with it many thoughts of lives lived, and lives lost. This poem is so lovely, it simply had to be shared. Perhaps you already know it - if not, I think you will find it resonates so deeply - as within it contains such beauty.

Poem shared by Sister Ann Marshall, csj

Epitaph - By Merrit Malloy

When I die
Give what’s left of me away
To children
And old men that wait to die.

And if you need to cry,
Cry for your brother
Walking the street beside you.
And when you need me,
Put your arms
Around anyone
And give them
What you need to give to me.

I want to leave you something,
Something better
Than words
Or sounds.

Look for me
In the people I’ve known
Or loved,
And if you cannot give me away,
At least let me live on in your eyes
And not your mind.

You can love me most
By letting
Hands touch hands,
By letting bodies touch bodies,
And by letting go
Of children
That need to be free.

Love doesn’t die,
People do.
So, when all that’s left of me
Is love,
Give me away.

---

Header photo: UNSPLASH Luigi Boccardo

ALL SOULS DAY

Why We Remember…

Photo: Mercedes Bosquet

Today within the Catholic tradition and many other Christian traditions we remember those we have known who are not longer with us as we continue this journey.  In the Catholic Tradition we call this All Souls Day. And we often speak of them as being in the Communion of Saints.  The reflection below is adapted from Doris Klein, an artist and member of the Sisters of St. Agnes.  She writes:

“As we stand on the edge of this sacred journey, the layers of memories and stories [of those we have known and loved] become our teachers.  We wear a coat of many colours, woven of our days and nights of living and loving.” 

Those who are no longer with us have taught us in so many ways how to live and love and have added to the colours of our coat.  They offered us gifts of faith, trust, and courage, which are intertwined with our doubts and fears as we stand between what we have known and what is yet to be.  Today we remember each of them. Their faith gives us courage to continue.  They are our guides and mentors as we breathe into the centre of our being and touch the Wisdom of God offered us though their example and reaching our hearts.  For each of them, we give thanks.

-Sister Joan Atkinson, CSJ