Winter Solstice

Image: unsplash/Elisa Coluccia

The seasons turn and we notice the days shorten and shadows lengthen earlier. It is approaching the time of the Winter Solstice, a time of deepest darkness when we huddle around our families and warm fires. But it is also a special time when we see brightest stars and wonder is awakened again.

It is the time in its journey when the earth is tilted the furthest from the sun. The Solstice marks the shortest day of our year and is celebrated on December 21, the first day of winter. The days gradually lengthen after this moment in universe time. It is the seasonal rhythm of earth, seeking balance and harmony through the turn of seasons. There is its counterpart, the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. At the marks of the fall and spring we the season’s change once more, and it is the Autumn and Spring Equinox, equal time of day and night calling us to balance and re-centering in the energies of light and dark.

“It is precious time for being within and seeking the Creator of all being and life nestled in solstice time.”

These seasonal markers of earth have been celebrated by millennia of human ancestors. For the Celts, the calendar was marked by the solstices and equinoxes, marking the Quarter Days. Traditionally our pagan ancestors celebrated this time to pray for the sun with its life and light to return. We often associate “pagan” with a people without faith and the true light. Yet in the origin of word “pagan,” we find beneath its layers of history that it is derived from “people of the woods or people of the land.” Originally a term of disparagement from those who were “civilized.” Yet it is something to ponder in this wintertime, for we have lost our connection to nature. Although we might not follow the pagan traditions that evolved, there is something to recover in our relationship to nature. For we have largely lost our intimate connections with the natural world, for with our technologies and power we feel self-sufficient. Our ancient ancestors knew they needed the earth, to listen to is rhythms and to honour the ways of the universe.

Image: Unsplash/Aaron Burden

The word solstice itself is from the Latin sol “sun” and sistere “to stand still.” The sun seems to stand still, its movement invisible. It reminds us, though to take moments of “standing still,” contemplative space for pondering meaning and place in our hearts and lives. The season of winter calls us to a different way of being, apart from the busy rush of long days of light inviting glad work and happy projects. All now lies dormant as the fields rest and the forest quietens to usher in this sacred time of letting go and renewing of peace and inner life. Beneath the soils there is a waiting, a becoming unseen and yet present, awaiting its wakening when the time is right, and the seasons turn once more. It is precious time for being within and seeking the Creator of all being and life nestled in solstice time.

-Sister Linda Gregg, csj

The Federation shares a video series

The Federation Vocation Animation team heard the question, "where have all the Sisters gone?" and developed a series of short video vignettes to offer an answer!  Each month we will release a new video, each on a different theme, or featuring one of our Sisters. This month, we hope you enjoy, "The Call".

Click this link to view our video.

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Header image: Unsplash/Patrick Fore

The Fourth Week of Advent

During these past two years of Covid, planning a trip to see a loved one has been something longed for but unlikely. No doubt the trip Mary took to visit Elizabeth was also longed for but unlikely and then the opportunity presented itself, her great announcement. Angels messages must be shared!

Jewish tradition at the time had two distinct aspects to a marriage: the betrothal period followed typically within a year by a wedding ceremony. Once a couple were betrothed, they were considered to already be husband and wife. It was not uncommon for a child to be conceived in the interim. Thankfully, Mary’s conception would not have raised any judgmental attitudes.

I like to think Mary “went as fast as she could”, or “in haste” to see Elizabeth for three reasons:

1. to share her excitement about her betrothal and her pregnancy

2. to share with her cousin/mentor/dare I say spiritual companion the angel’s message, and

3. to help Elizabeth in her final trimester of her later-in-life pregnancy.

John the Baptist, then ending his second trimester in utero was no doubt leaping in Elizabeth’s womb. What a timely recognition of Mary’s blessed conception. New life, always a treasure.

Now, so close to Christmas, for what do you long? With whom will you visit and share your own blessed experiences in life? Who will you assist through a blessed time which for some is very difficult? With so many ways in which Christ is born daily in our lives how can we help but rejoice and share the good news?

Merry Christmas to all!

Maureen Condon

Image source: Unsplash: Greyson Joralemon

Original Space - A Poem

In the beginning was wholeness

and there was no beginning or end

only wholeness

and fullness of breath

which exceeded

the beginning of time.

Breath exceeded all measure

and was known

and was known and respected

as the one breath,

and was known

in the vast

expanse

and dark fullness

of original space.

This all took place

even before the formation of molecules

and in its own way

continues to this day

while holding us,

holding us at a distance

from fullest knowing

of that which is beyond time and space

the one breath

and sacredness

of original space.

 - Sister  Pat St. Louis, csj

 [Artwork and poem from Sister Pat St. Louis]