A Christmas Message
Merry Christmas from the Sisters
What a memorable year this has been! One thing the pandemic cannot change though is the anticipation and the joy that is Christmas. While all our celebrations will be more low key this year, we still rejoice in the goodness found in people around the world which has perhaps never been so evident as than during this world crisis. People putting their health on the line every day to provide care to those suffering from the virus or some area of life with ramifications of the virus. Individuals and organizations and congregations continue to reach out to the dear neighbour in whatever ways they can.
Jesus came to earth those many years ago as a vulnerable child: let us risk being vulnerable too in solidarity with others.
On behalf of all the Sisters of St Joseph in Canada,
we wish all of you a joyous Christmas and a New Year filled with hope.
Going Electric
Our Sisters of St. Joseph’s London, Ontario LEED building with its emphasis on everything sustainable, recyclable, and reusable is now over thirteen-years-old. We compost and shun plastic bottles. Recently, we became a Blue Community, espousing water as a human right and all that such an endeavor requires. Since the 2007 opening of our residence, our staff has embraced these climate-friendly efforts and often practice them at home.
Victoria, RPN
Last week, as I sat comforting a dear friend in our care centre, Victoria, one of our RPNs, announced that she and her husband Josh are awaiting the arrival of their newly purchased electric car. Her excitement was palpable as she thought about the amount of time and effort that they put into making this decision. After explaining that the 2021 Ford Escape electric SUV is somewhat more expensive than a fuel-driven vehicle, she stated how important it is for them to invest in this electric model due to ever-increasing climate change.
Victoria eagerly outlined the unique features of the couple’s new purchase. As is no surprise, the vehicle needs to be plugged into an electric outlet every night. A full, all-night charge provides 380 kilometers of carefree travel. Of course, the battery is recharging during driving, braking and coasting. Not only is the Escape pollution-free but it’s gas-free as well.
Victoria’s new vehicle has another neat, new technological feature. The SUV is so quiet, that it has a beeping reversing signal system especially for pedestrian awareness. In addition, if the electric vehicle driver follows too closely to the vehicle ahead of it, an automatic braking system will be activated. For yet another perk, this SUV can parallel park by itself! I have no doubt that when the happy couple finally receives the much in demand electric Ford Escape in February, even more exciting features will be revealed.
Well before Victoria and Josh considered purchasing an electric vehicle, they were already eco-friendly and reducing their carbon footprint. They use reusable grocery shopping bags plus reusable mesh bags for produce. A Culligan water filtration system eliminates plastic bottles. Stainless steel straws are a must and conscientious recycling, has reduced weekly garbage from three bags to one. A composting initiative is on the horizon.
Victoria reflected that over the past five years, gradual adjustments to daily living have benefitted the couple’s lifestyle. They know that they are working to reduce climate change and create a healthier environment for their future children and the earth. Happy motoring Victoria and Josh!
-Sister Jean Moylan, csj
Winter Solstice 2020
IN THE DARKNESS, BE THE LIGHT!
The cycle of the seasons includes times of darkness and times of light. Winter Solstice is associated with renewal, a time of rebirth of the Sun and Light. The first day of winter, December 21st marks the time of the year when the darkness will give way to the light. Together with all creation in our Northern Hemisphere, we remember that the longest night of the year is a sign and a promise that the sun will lengthen our days once more. In this Advent season, we anticipate the celebration of the birth of Christ who is “the true Light, the Light of the World.”
In the beautiful prologue to John’s Gospel we read: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” The theme of darkness is a common thread running throughout the course of our lives. Even our body was formed in the darkness of our mother’s womb. When we were born, we passed from darkness into light. In fact, I was born on the Winter Solstice and light and darkness are part of who I am. Since birth, I have had an inoperable cataract on my right eye. While I have vision in my left eye, I do not have sight in my right eye. I was given the precious gifts of sight and light and not total blindness and darkness.
Some of my most treasured memories of growing up near Lake Huron include the awesome sunrises and sunsets which continue to speak to me of God’s faithfulness. When a thunderstorm was brewing, my Dad, siblings and I gathered the animals into the barn. In the safety of our cozy farmhouse, we watched fascinating lightning streak across the tumultuous sky. Even today I feel deeply safe and secure amidst the storms of life. God’s embrace shelters me in the depths of my being. When I witness a rainbow arc across the dark sky, I am filled with delight remembering God’s covenant with us.
In the cool of the evening, after the work was done, my family would often relax in the backyard gazing at diamond-like stars in the summer night sky. Sometimes we would catch a glimpse of fireflies flitting around us. During an annual retreat, fireflies became symbols of faith and hope flickering in the darkness.
People too can be tiny sparks of light bringing hope to others in their stormy night skies. I remember light-filled people who have made a difference in my times of darkness. We carry our greatest treasure within us. It is the Christ-light which will forever shine. It is an inner radiance which lights our way home to God. Let us trust the Christ-light; it will never fade. This 2021 let us be light in the darkness!
-Sister Kathy O’Keefe, csj
