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 28th, 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

 

 

 

 

Archie's Advice on How to Live on the Streets in Winter

These days, here in Chicago, I am involved in two social justice groups that work for the rights of the homeless.  Being invited to write this blog, may I share Archie 's advice for living on the streets in winter, copied down by a caring listener. Archie, our dear neighbour... our hearts go out to him and those like him. Christ, have mercy.

- Sister Wendy Cotter csj

 

“First, you have to find a lot of blankets; at least 5 or 6, but 10 or 12 would be better. Try to keep them dry. Put on all your clothes, one layer on top of another. Find a place where the wind isn’t blowing too much, like a spot against a wall. Look for a hospital with warm air vents. And if it’s raining or snowing put some cardboard under you and get some shelter over you, like an awning or overhanging. Find some more people trying to survive, because you’ll stay warmer together. Take off your wet socks and anything else that’s wet or else you’ll freeze or get frostbite. Wrap up in all your blankets and put some over your head. You don’t worry about breathing because you’re so cold. The trick is to keep the air out.

If you can get a transit pass, your best bet is to ride the train. Try to find someone else to ride with you so one of you can sleep and one of you can watch your stuff. Keep your stuff on the inside seat and sit next to it. Get off the train before the end of the line so they don’t know you’re homeless or they’ll kick you off the next time you get on. Try to go unnoticed and switch trains so you can ride all night. It sounds crazy, I know, but you can do it, even when it’s below zero outside. You can make it.” – Archie

Today, on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, let us keep Archie, and the many marginalized like him, our neighbours, in our prayers and in our actions.