Sisters of the Presentation of Mary

I am a procrastinator. As such, I often think of TIME and ponder on its meaning ... all this while TIME is slipping by and the things I have to do don't get done! Do you know what I mean? However, I have come to realize that TIME is a purely human invention or concept, albeit a necessary one. In any society, there has to be a common understanding of the concept of TIME and an acceptance of the meaning that the particular society gives it. That does not mean that all societies (or individuals!) have to accept that particular definition of TIME. And that is what makes it so hard for a procrastinator to operate in a TIME-obsessed society!

I was pondering that these last few days, as I was trying hard to find a topic for this blog! Have you noticed that there is no TIME in Nature? We speak of an early Spring or a late Fall, but is there a clock somewhere in the bowels of the earth that decides that Spring has to be on March 22nd or Fall on September 21st? No, both come when Nature is ready for it, whether it is a month "later" or a week "sooner". Even the sun and the moon do not set or rise at a set time every day ... we are the ones who have set the hour and the minute of their rising and setting, but it's never the same!

I think that we, in the Western world have somehow become obsessed with TIME. Some people actually judge the quality of a person by their promptitude – or lack of! They will quite likely have a hard time getting used to Heaven, where there is no TIME. How blissful that will be for us poor procrastinators! What do you think? Will the world stop turning (and marking TIME!) if one is not on TIME for an appointment or a meeting? Well, there it is .... and now it's TIME for me to send this Blog ... but I would really love to hear what you think .... if you have TIME!

In a recent conversation, someone mentioned that she did not want to have dementia of any kind because she did not want to burden her loved ones and not be aware....

This remark led me to reflect. My brother-in-law was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's at the age of 59 –. This form of the disease can progress very quickly. And it has – he now requires institutionalization so as to receive proper treatment and care for his particular needs. Significant deterioration of the brain has been occurred within the past 2 ½ months.

This has been a very difficult time for the family. The two years leading up to the diagnosis were almost more difficult, since the symptoms made no sense and family knew not how to react. It was akin to travelling an unknown bumpy road in the dark. Although now there is still a lot of unpredictability, it is still possible to connect with the known – for example, he does seem to show recognition of people he has known. It's a small thing, but heartening all the same.

Dementia may even has its "up side": One of our sisters was a rather fearful person, often appearing to be unwelcoming and even suspicious of others. When she lost her memory, she was happy and welcoming, even wanting to be hugged. She loved reading, and could read the same article over and over again; it was always new! It was a delight to visit her!

Another Sister has severe short term memory loss. She often forgets the simplest things (e.g. where the cups or dessert are in the cafeteria lineup). She is very aware of her loss, but is generally cheerful, and does ask about where she should be and where things are. It is difficult to see such a capable person come to this. On the other hand, a sense of compassion and attentiveness is awakened in those around her.

So, although the person affected with dementia may not be fully aware, attentive care can reach through, and certainly allows the person giving the care to be more fully human and compassionate, and look upon little things in a very positive way. A smile or an unexpected word bears witness to this.

If we go beyond the visible, and try to see the person as she is, it is possible to discover a beauty not otherwise perceived. Physical or mental impairments often arouse a certain fear, and yet God has placed his beauty in each of us. We are challenged to discover this beauty in all we meet, imperfect as they may be.

DISCOVERY! DISCOVERY! DISCOVERY!

AWARENESS! AWARENESS! AWARENESS!

These 2 words have been in my consciousness lately! Listening to the news and documentaries, most of the time people, scientist, doctors, ...etc. talk about discovering. Can it be that we have now realized that everything we need is there? Is the cure for cancer not so much in finding something that is not there but in realizing that all the pollution, pesticides, insecticides, preservatives, fertilizers, nuclear spills, etc. is the cause of cancer? Could it be that we need to be aware that a healthy way of life is the cure for cancer and other diseases? Maybe our pursuit for money has blinded from the negative effects of what we perceive as development!

When I read the book: The Transformation of Desire by Diarmid O'Murchu I realized that the sensible way of life is just about considered a utopia because it makes so much sense. Yet it will require such a shift in our way of thinking.

So, as Anthony De Mello used to say to those who would ask him what was the most important attitude to have he would always answer: AWARENESS, AWARENESS, AWARENESS.

Could that attitude save our planet? I think so. What do you think?

Life is good, for the most part. There is much to be thankful for and little to complain about.

But then, things become a little too routine, boring. Maybe a dream for future plans and goals – which provided anticipation, hope and excitement – is thwarted or delayed. You had thought you could move forward, but realize you will have to wait. Life seems to be at a standstill.

It's at times like this when trusting in God is difficult. I often wonder if Jesus, before beginning his ministry, ever had a conversation with the Father like: "Don't you think it would better if...?" Or at least thought it. I'm sure he wrestled with many an "ideal" or "if only" fantasy!

Being grounded in reality and life – just as it is – is a demanding call. It's at times like this, I realize that my heart and sights have to be fixed on Christ, asking for the grace to live and love fully, waiting for what is not yet.

And, yes, it's still hard!

We do not only shape our environment. our environment shapes us.  

This was the topic of one of Ron Rolheiser’s articles a few years back.( I have not been able to find the article and I don’t remember the title.)

However, this article was truly enlightening for me.  It caused a shift in my thinking.  As I remember it, he demonstrated how our natural environment influences how we live, think and work, even how we pray.  Looking around me, I realized how true this is.

I have a cousin who was raised on the prairies in Southern Saskatchewan.  Her husband, was stationed   near Prince Albert.  As soon as their sons were finished high school, she then told her family that she could no longer live among the trees which were stifling her.  They moved back south…  And yet, northern Saskatchewan trees are not very tall!

I had a similar experience of my own.  I was at a Retreat House in Quebec.  The grounds were fairly extensive, beautiful and near a river.  But… the trees were very tall, and I could only see a small patch of sky, even near the river.  I was only there a week, but have never been so homesick for open spaces!  I could never live in the mountains!

One of our Sisters visiting from France observed how small the houses seemed to be.  Environment is part of the reason.  It is easier to heat a small house with lower ceilings.  I have also noticed that economics play a role in house sizes and architecture; the better the economy, the bigger the houses.  I have observed this in cities where houses built in different economic climates are built differently.

Climate also plays a role in how we build.  In Saskatchewan, we have screens on all our windows; in B.C., they are not needed:  no mosquitoes!  In Canada, we have our windows and homes winterized; in warmer climes, windows are simply openings and protection from the elements is likewise adapted..

Even dancing is affected by environment.  A professor had us notice that dances from mountainous countries tend to occur in a small space, with a lot of foot movement.  An example is Scottish highland dancing.  On the other hand, Jewish dancing which originated in flat open desert land tends to take up a lot of “floor space”, using a lot of body movement.

Our thinking and even our prayer is influenced by our environment, natural and manmade.  If we live in wide open spaces, our thinking tends to be more open; in more restricted environments, thought processes can be more introverted, less “liberal”.

I also believe that genetically some environmental factors and adaptations are passed on to successive generations.  My father was from northern Saskatchewan, and my grandfather spent a lot of time in the far north of the province.  My mother was from southern Saskatchewan and adapted well to this environment.  I am very comfortable in both environments, and I believe my thinking and praying have been influenced, both by my upbringing and the milieu in which I have lived.

I would love to rediscover Ron Rolheiser’s article.  He said it so much better!

Come! Come into the fallow ground of our being

Allure us from doing into non-doing.

Reveal to us the hidden wisdom in our souls.

Restore what is out of balance in our lives.

O Come!

Taken from THE CIRCLE OF LIFE by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr.

What are some of the "non-doings" in your winter days? Do you have those memories of childhood where you just slowed down during the winter months and just sat to talk and enjoy each other's company?

Winter, a time of longer nights and shorter days can call us to spend more time in quiet. When I was young, at home, we took time to visit especially between Christmas and New Year's. My brothers were living on their own farms: some were married and others were not. Every night we would go to one place for supper and card playing till 3 a.m. sometimes! It lasted for a week and we were tired but it has stayed as a beautiful memory for me. We also did some skating on the ponds and would meet friends there. Now, I like to slow down during winter following the rhythm of nature. I really believe in that 'hidden wisdom in our souls'.

And as Macrina writes:"Embrace the season of winter with hope. It is a good teacher. It will lead you to your inmost depths where God is contemplating you.'

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Today our local community spent the afternoon serving Christmas dinner to those less fortunate in the city. The great thing about it was that it brought people from all different backgrounds together. The volunteers took breaks to eat with the local people and their families. A youth band played carols and gospel songs for us, and children of all ages enjoyed creating crafts or running and playing with friends.

I enjoyed this chance to serve, to meet people outside of my usual circle. About 1300 people were served today, most of them poor and hungry. I couldn't help but think of how fortunate I have been in life, to have grown up in the circumstances which gave me all I needed.

Jesus was one of the poor, the homeless, born into poverty and very precarious circumstances.

He wasn't welcomed by his own people, nor the ones who were well established, rich, and powerful.

But the poor welcomed him, precisely because they weren't sated, they weren't full already. Their hands were empty, they were hungry, so their hearts had room for Christ. "Blessed are the poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs."

Lord, open my heart. Grant me a love that welcomes you, that goes out to meet you in the poor.

For some reason or other, I always find that Christmas Eve is more "Christmas" than Christmas day itself! Usually, by December 24th, the 'big' preparations for the feast are done... the house is decorated, the meal is planned and ready to pop in the oven, the presents are all placed under the tree, the cards have been sent, the guests invited and coming ... there is that wonderful feeling of waiting for something great! And that is as it should be. The 'something' is really a SOMEONE we are all yearning to welcome... the "reason for the Season" as the saying goes. Do you feel that way? Do you really yearn for the coming of Christ in the your heart, in your life, in the world?

May Christ be present in your heart; may He be the PRESENT we most desire; may He be for everyone the PRINCE OF PEACE! Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

The”Huron Carol” is known to us by the more familiar words: “Twas in the moon of wintertime when all the birds had fled…”  These are two English translations of the “Huron Carol” written in the Huron/Wendat language by St. Jean de Brébeuf.

This carol is one of the first that comes to my mind when I think of Christmas.  My first introduction to it occurred when I was thirteen and my aunt asked me to copy the music for her choir; I was proud to do it, and it took me a week! It had to be perfect!  I have always loved the tune and the words.

I recently discovered the above literal translation by John Steckley/Teondecheron on the internet.  Further on in this literal translation:  “Marie, she has just given birth. Rejoice! Jesus, he is born.”  The three elders having arrived and seen Jesus, “They praised (made a name) many times, saying ‘Hurray, he is good in nature.  They greeted him with reverence (greased his scalp many times), saying ‘Hurray’ Jesus, he is born”.

This translation, and another quite similar, are also beautiful and true to First Nations culture as I understand it.  And they are beautiful and inspiring to me…

If you Google “The Huron Carol”, you will find many further sites, among others one of Bruce Cockburn, which I found quite enlightening.

This is the title of a booklet published by: Canadian Catholic School Trustees' Association through the work of Tom Owens and Fr. Erik Riechers, SAC. Their philosophy of life has had me thinking for many years. Another author that challenges me is Diarmid O'Murchu. Lately I have been reading his latest book: Christianity's Dangerous Memory and the two are saying the same thing to me: Build Bethlehem Everywhere. And what does that mean for us? I get my clue from the crib scene. In a stable, all of creation is welcome: it is wide open! No locks, no reservations needed as in a hotel... Mary, Joseph and Jesus are there....the animals are there.... the shepherds are there with some of their flock, the wise men come bearing gifts from their culture, and who knows who else was there! There must have been some birds! All are welcome!

It reminds me of a cripple lady in The Pas, MB who lived on the street. She often visited with us and ate with us. One day, she was visiting a Sister at her office. The priest came to tell her that she had to leave. You see, she did take things from the Church! Later on, she came to visit us and drew a picture of Jesus with his arms wide open and she put as title: ALL ARE WELCOME. She was an artist and it was her way of expressing herself. Maybe, she had understood the meaning of the crib!

So, Build Bethlehem Everywhere is a reminder to me to live openness and caring for everyone including all of creation. The other day I was teaching guitar to children at the school and there were maple bugs. The children wanted to 'squish them' as they said. So, we talked further about respect for life and that they were our friends. So, we let them live. Later on during the lesson, one little guy looked again at the bugs and said: 'They are our friends, right!' to which I replied: 'They sure are!'. So, let's Build Bethlehem Everywhere!

Merry Christmas!

As Catholics, we often hear that "God is within us," or that we are members of the Body of Christ. But did you know we could say "the universe is within us"?

In her book Radical Amazement, Judy Cannato reminds us of this reality. In the beginning, with the "Big Bang," there was the miracle of the fiery birth of the world, and our birth as well. We can say it was our birth because "all matter was formed in that initial bursting forth...[and so] we must each be formed out of the primordial dust that became the stars." (Cannato, 43)

Incredible, isn't it? Realizing we come from stardust gives a whole new meaning to the passage from Jeremiah: "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you..." or St. Paul speaking to the Corinthians: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?"

So, according the theology of the cosmos, "we are all one (with the universe), connected and contained in a Holy Mystery." (Cannato, 44) You and I are connected to all that has been, is now and is to come. We do not belong to ourselves. We belong to God, to the universe!

The more we become aware of the miracle and wonder of creation, and how we are connected to and one with all, the more we will be concerned with the salvation of all creation. We respond with reverence and compassion to the universe who has given us life.

Yes! It's upon us! The Christmas "stuff" is out everywhere. Why, it has even snowed, to make it more "here and now". Somehow, it makes me a little perplexed to see all this. The problem is that I can't help but get excited with the lovely decorations, the lights, the candles, the carols, the gifts, the 'goodies' ... so much so that by the time Advent comes, the true waiting period, I'm already blasé about all this hoopla, and I am tempted to be overwhelmed by all that is left to do before Christmas day.

Yet, Advent is such a special time! It's a yearning time, a preparation time, a time when we can truly experience the precious gift of HOPE. What we hope for has already come, but is always coming more profoundly. It is a time of expectancy ... like a woman expecting a child ... the baby is there, alive in her, but not yet fully revealed. That is what Advent is like; just as the people of Israel yearned and waited for the Messiah, just as Mary waited for the birth of her child, so we also wait for Someone who has already been revealed, who is already living among us, but wishes to be revealed more fully yet. So Advent is a time in which we strive to become more open to receive Him and more perceptive to recognize Him. Advent is a time when we contemplate Mary and share her hope and her faith. It is a joyous time, a youthful time!

So, the decorations, the lights, the candles, the carols, the gifts, the 'goodies' are all part of that joyous time, but only a part, not the "full deal". I think it's a way to express our hope, our joy and our excitement. It's true that Christmas, for most of us, would not be Christmas without a tree, and lights, and presents under the tree; but would Christmas be Christmas without the ever renewed birth of Emmanuel – "God with us"?

Headlines, Comics and Obituaries: these are the parts of newspapers I read first. The Headlines, to be aware of the goings on in the world; the Comics, to be amused; the Obituaries, to see if anyone I know has died. Often, I only find names of strangers, but fairly frequently I learn of the death of former classmates or their parents, friends of the family, people I may have worked with or known in one capacity or another. Sometimes, I am able to attend the funeral, or at least pray for them and the families. I am also drawn to reflect on my own journey towards this passage to a new existence.

I've always believed that when we die, we go to heaven ... or hell. I was present at my father's bedside when he died. I have also been present when many of our sisters have made this passage into eternity. In most cases, it was a very peaceful event.

I see death and dying, as a process of rebirth. One day, at the death of a sister, I understood in a totally new way that death is but a passage into a new and wonderful, albeit unknown, life. From the womb into this world, from this world into the unknown of "life after death", we move continually into newness, even as we traverse this earthly life. Horizons expand, new worlds are opened up, and new freedoms are experienced.

Yes, there is a grieving, because the known must be left behind, and the unknown must be explored, experienced and embraced. Parents, family, and friends in this world; God, Jesus, Mary, saints, and all who have passed on before us, in the next: people are there to offer guidance and support.

Death and birth happen constantly in my life. Am I always ready to live through the process? Am I ready to welcome newness even as the familiar becomes unfamiliar and transforms into the unexpected?

The heavens are telling the glory of God

And all creation is shouting for joy

Come dance in the forest, come play in the fields

And sing, sing to the glory of the Lord.

"See what love the Father has given us that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are...Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is..." (1 Jn. 3: 1-3)

Really, Mary Jane , really!! You want me to co-lead a group of women with you to Spain, World Youth Day and do the last 120k of the Camino. Really?? No kids or cell phones allowed! Really! Take 3 and half weeks off from work! Really?

I recently spent 3 weekdays at our cabin, Shalom, at Emma Lake. It was a wonderful, restful 3 days. The Tuesday was especially spectacular. My only regret was that I did not have a camera with me, so as to share what we saw with others.

Hello everyone from Casa Divine Maestro in Arriccia, Italy. Yes, we have been meeting as a general chapter for 3 weeks now. There have been beautiful moments. And what were the best moments for me?

Dear friends,

Being part of an International Congregation, at this time of our history, is a great gift. Being the Provincial Superior of the Province of Prince Albert, I am a delegate at our XXVII'th General Chapter held at Divin Maestro in Arricia, Italy.

This month I began my year of renewal, a year of deepening my commitment to Christ in preparation for final vows of religious life. One of the many blessings I receive is a class on our Rule of Life, and on scripture, taught by one of our own sisters. So, part of this blog is gleaned from her wisdom!