A New Lens: A New Perspective

Recently on January 23rd I had cataract surgery and I was amazed with the new technology that allowed me to actually enjoy viewing images as the surgery was performed.  That evening with paint and brush in hand, I created a painting from this experience, titled, NEW LENS. (pictured left)

From my initial experience I saw a shining bright light with splashing water and various forms and colours merging into many-faceted images and energy extending, encircling, and blending harmoniously towards the integration of the whole.

I simply share my experience and created art which reveals parallels and invites a NEW LENS that hopes to see the connections and links in our day-to-day encounters and looks to being ONE in God's evolving design.

O GOD, OF ALL INCLUSIVE LOVE, OPEN OUR HEARTS TO THE CRY

THAT IS WELLING UP FROM OUR UNIVERSE.

"In every era, the divine imprint within life comes alive in a new way."

 - Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Alchemy of Light: Working with the Primal Energies of Life

-Sister Dorothy Ann Howley, csj

World Day for Consecrated Life

February 2, 2020 - World Day for Consecrated Life

There are many shapes, garbs and missions of persons committed to consecrated life, but each year on February 2 a day of prayer unfolds to celebrate this vowed way of life - a day to remember God’s continued outpouring of love. Pope Francis offers a message of inspiration, and women and men will gather in their respective chapels to give Eucharistic gratitude and to feast at the table of word and sacrament. We will sing hymns and songs about discipleship and we will remember the many varied ways we have had opportunity to work side-by-side with our sisters and brothers who profess other forms of commitment (married, single, activists, peacemakers). We are all one in the relationship of life, from the beginning of time. Together let us continue to build places of hope, compassion and mercy.

Enjoy this post from the Canadian Religious Conference

- Sister Loretta Manzara, csj

100 Years of Nursing Education in London

In 2020, Western University celebrates 100 years of nursing education. To mark this milestone, Museum London is presenting an exhibition that explores this in London.The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada Archives participated in this exhibit.

The St. Joseph’s Hospital Training School for Nursing, founded in 1899, formally opened in 1901, but prior to this, practical and theoretical training was given to qualified young ladies, enabling the first class to graduate in 1902. After this date, a systematic course of instruction was established. The Training School was registered with the Regents of the University of the State of New York in 1910, and followed its course of studies, which allowed nurses to be eligible for New York State Board examinations. Registration for graduate nurses in Ontario did not begin until 1923. In 1929, the Training School became affiliated with the University of Western Ontario which had established a nursing school in 1920.

From 1902 until 1973, all the Nursing Superintendents at the school were Sisters of St. Joseph. Nursing Sisters, who were fully qualified academically and by years of practical experience, oversaw the nursing departments. The Sisters did not receive salaries. The medical lecturers were chosen from the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Medicine.

In 1967, St. Joseph’s Regional School of Nursing admitted its first class of students, the beginning of phasing out the Training School. In 1973, the school was transferred to the provincial college system, and in 1970, it became a campus of the Fanshawe College Nursing Program, using the original school’s facilities. In 1977, the operation of St. Joseph’s campus ended.

- Mary Kosta, M.A., M.L.I.S., Congregational Archivist

Firefighters and Cookies

Occasionally, I just wish I could turn back the clock.  Such wishful thinking was particularly acute after I inadvertently made a blunder that resulted in totally unexpected consequences.  Yesterday, I was sent a list of blog ideas for 2020.  Nothing grabbed my blogging mind during a quick scan of the topics.  Not to worry, life happens, and in an instant, it provided a topic never dreamt of in my wildest dreams.  Let me explain. Imagine this scenario – a dreary Friday afternoon, just the perfect setting to enjoy a cup of tea and a homemade cookie while reading, “A Better Man”, by Louise Penny.  Homemade Christmas cookies always taste best when you eat them freshly baked.  The one I selected had become hard and was stuck to another cookie. To soften them, I popped them into the microwave for a couple of seconds.  First mistake.  Wouldn’t you know it, suddenly the microwave began to spew greyish smoke.  As it wasn’t a lot, I opened the door to the hallway to help dissipate it. Second mistake.  The smoke gently floated through the door, and yes, you guessed it – set off the fire alarm!  You know what I mean; it’s that horrible, shrill chirping that goes on and on and wouldn’t be stilled until those imposing men, dressed in firefighter garb, appeared to check out the situation, and me, the culprit. 

In hindsight, I was stunned at how two innocuous little cookies could set off such a dramatic incident. Thankfully, it was just a bit of smoke that brought three firefighters to the scene of the crime.  Just like the man in the novel I am reading, they were efficient, kind “better men” who commiserated with me, and were grateful that nothing terrible had happened.  Yes, they did what they had to do, in such a kindly manner which helped me feel less embarrassed about the whole sorry saga.  When I caught sight of the offending cookies sitting on the counter, I quickly fetched a bag of chocolate gingerbread hearts from the cupboard.  Well, wouldn’t you know it, these firefighters loved those cookies!  There were smiles all around as my unfortunate incident ended on a happy note. 

May God bless and protect all firefighters who have such tough jobs saving people, homes, and extinguishing devastating fires such as the ones that have recently ravaged Australia. Considering what it could have been, I am grateful that this unfortunate incident turned out to be merely a tempest in a tea pot.

- Sr. Magdalena Vogt, CPS