Transitions can only take place if we are willing to let go of what we have now, the worlds we have created, and our assumptions about “how things are.” To let go is the precursor to being reborn.
Barbara A. Holmes
With a book in hand...
"Said the river: imagine everything you can imagine, then keep on going...."
This quote by the poet Mary Oliver bookends this story which takes place in England during the years 1939 to 1962. The central date is March 1960.
In 1939 a mum sends her two daughters to the country for protection from the anticipated German bombers. The elder, Hazel (14) often cares for Flora (5). She weaves elaborate stories about an imaginary world that only the two share. One day Flora falls asleep on a blanket by the river; Hazel goes to a nearby tree to visit a friend. When she returns, Flora is gone. Despite a massive search, Flora is never found. For Hazel, how long can she hope? Now comes March, 1960...
An intriguing story with many unexpected twists and a satisfying ending.
- Jackie Potters, csj Associate
Header Image: Unsplash/Dan Dumitriu
Celebrating CANADA DAY - Together.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul
JUNE 29 - Feasts of Saints Peter and Paul
This official Colombian public holiday is a liturgical feast that honors the martyrdom of the Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Its origins stem from ancient Christianity, with the date being significant as it is the anniversary of either their death or the translation of their relics. Both St. Peter and St. Paul were a part of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ.
What more is to be said about Saint Peter and Saint Paul? They were two men who lived their lives in accord with the prompting of the Holy Spirit. When we read of the sufferings they endured while living in accord with the prompting of the Holy Spirit, it gives one pause to take them as models for our own life.
Peter with his brother Andrew were the first to leave everything and follow Jesus. Originally Peter was called Simon but Jesus changed his name to Peter, meaning Rock. He was to be the rock on which Jesus would build his church (Matthew 16:18-19). In the beginning, Peter, along with the other apostles, was told not to preach to the Samaritans or the Gentiles but to go to the lost members of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:5-7).
Paul on the other hand, was called Saul by Jesus and told to stop persecuting Him (Acts 9:4-5). Saul who was an educated pharisee was at first feared by the followers of Jesus. By chapter 13 in the Acts of the Apostles, Saul is being called Paul. The name Paul was more acceptable when he began teaching the Gentiles about Jesus, the unknown God who rose from the dead (Acts 17:18, 23).
In summary, Peter got his name from Jesus. However, it seems Paul got his name from the community of believers. Both men allowed themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit to create a lasting foundation upon which God’s Kingdom is to be built. Jesus is the cornerstone.
-Sister Elaine Cole, CSJ
Header Image: Unsplash/Ivan Zhuldybin
Charism Connection
Associate Pin-crafted by artist, Marg Maheu CSJ Associate from Sarnia
In the Associate pin, pictured left, the heart is surrounded by deep roots, representing being rooted in God’s love; the tree symbolizes all creation (including humankind); the bridge in the centre expresses the desire of Associates/Companions to connect neighbour with neighbour and neighbour with God.
Recently, on Saturday June 17, 2023 some of the Sisters and Associates of the London Community of the Sisters of St. Joseph (CSJ) gathered with family and friends to welcome four new Associate members.
Associates are lay women and men who form small communities to be contemplatives together and to share in a common mission, one of transformation in and through love.
In the morning, the candidates and team met to step back and prepare to take this final step towards full Associate membership.
The Charism Connection Ceremony, held in the afternoon, was a joyful celebration. This celebration is held as new candidates become ready to connect to journeying alongside the Sisters after a process of study and discernment.
The Sisters and the Associates are drawn together by God's call to live by a Charism of 'unity and reconciliation'. We recognize the oneness of ourselves, others, and all of creation with God. We live this out in our everyday lives and in our ministries. We are enriched by regularly coming together in sacred spaces to share our experiences of God working in our lives. Our practice of sharing the State of the Heart and the Order of the House keeps us on the path originally given to our CSJ ancestors.
We Associates are nourished by living life in communion with God and the Sisters who give us strength to live counter-culturally in the world. We are Eucharist for each other, and we are grateful.
-Jean Bowden, Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph
Interested in becoming an Associate or Companion? More info here.