May 30, 2012

st. brother andré bessette and st. joseph’s oratory

Saint Brother André Bessette (image found at http://www.saint-joseph.org/en_1078_index.php)

The patron saint of Canada is St. Joseph. One of St. Joseph´s most ardent supporters and promoters was St. Brother André Bessette (1845-1947). St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montréal is Brother André’s testament to the prayerful intercessions of the beloved spouse of Mary, and earthly father of Jesus.

Brother André is one of those saints who tugs at your heart strings. A simple man, with little education and weak health, he was first denied entrance to the novitiate in the Congregation of Holy Cross in Montréal. He was finally accepted, but given the lowly job of porter at Notre-Dame College. In his own words, ‘’When I entered the community, my superiors showed me the door, and I remained there for 40 years without leaving.’’

In the ordinary task of welcoming people, he quickly became known for his holiness and prayer. When he met women and men in need of healing, he encouraged them to pray to St. Joseph. Soon, many healings began to take place and his fame spread. He remained humble, always sure to credit the healings to God through the intercession of St. Joseph.

Soon, a small chapel was built for all those who came. The chapel was replaced by a crypt church. Eventually the large Oratory was built which now stands gloriously on the hill overlooking Montréal.

Pilgrims climb the stairs on their knees, pausing to pray on each.

As with many holy sites, visitors range from sight-seeing tourists to devoted pilgrims. I love visiting these holy places. While I may not partake of all the devotional practises and acts, watching those who do inspires me. I prefer to sit quietly, or walk slowly, and soak in the spirit of a place. I think of all those before us who have walked the same grounds; of the many prayers that have been lifted.  And, in the presence, I find prayer.

Crucifix in the crypt-church. The feet of the statue have been worn thin by the hands of prayerful pilgrims; similar to the statue of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Some of the many crutches left behind by pilgrims; a testament to healings and miracles.

Joseph, a just man, holy spouse of the Virgin Mary, guardian of the Son of God

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May 28, 2012

pondering inclusive language

Canadians joke about keeping up with political correctness. The accepted name of a group often changes several times before an accurate yet respectful one is agreed upon.

For example, the term ‘mentally retarded’ is now considered politically incorrect for it is a label that automatically identifies a person as less than, slower than, inferior to the ‘norm’. It was initially replaced with ‘mentally handicapped’ or ‘disabled’, but this still focused on what a person could not do. Now, the preferred term is ‘mentally challenged’, for it doesn’t erase or negate the specific challenges faced by a person. In fact, it invites us to respect the difficulties of these challenges while working together to overcome them.

Words ARE important, for they reflect deeper beliefs and understandings.

Inclusive language is becoming the norm in all academic writings and in journalism. In recent decades, it has slowly made its way into our prayer and worship. We use the more inclusive New Revised Standard Bible for our Lectionary. Our ears have become attuned to a reasoned and rational inclusivity in the reading of God’s Word, and in the singing of our hymns.

I wrote a blog post for NCR highlighting a commentary written by Astrid Lobo Gajiwala, a doctor from Mumbai, for The Tablet. She gives us a window into the Church in India where inclusive language was taken very seriously by her bishops, yet is glaringly missing in the New Roman Missal. Her article is titled New missal makes women invisible.

Louise McEwan has written a thoughtful piece on inclusive language called Speaking about God on her blog, Faith Coloured Glasses.

As a writer, I fret, fuss, and worry over words; knowing that the perfect word or phrase can bring clarity and meaning to a thought. I also know that the wrong word or phrase can be a source of misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

Language IS important. Politically correct language promotes respect amid our differences. Inclusive language insists that we expand the male-centered world view of the past to embrace both women and men in the fullness of their humanity.

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May 25, 2012

come, holy spirit!

Charles Daudelin’s altarpiece, Chapel of Notre-Dame du Sacré-Coeur, Montréal

Recently, we were chatting with friends and the topic of the Holy Spirit came up. What exactly IS the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit do? How do we know when the Holy Spirit is present? Hubby presented his own theological thesis, based on much deep thinking and pondering as a child. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are like Dad, Son, and Uncle!

For me, the Holy Spirit is best expressed through her gifts, described by the prophet, Isaiah,

The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
The spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The spirit of counsel and might,
The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord….

(Isaiah 11:2)

The Holy Spirit is our divine inspiration (in-”in” + spirare “to breathe”), our creative force, the wisdom that is deeper than our own knowledge. The Holy Spirit is at work when we see clarity in the midst of muddiness. When we can dig into the dark recesses of our brain and pull out a wee nugget that brings understanding to us or another. When we have the courage to speak, and have the wisdom to stay silent.

Joanne McCracken, a dear friend and member of the Our Lady of the Round Table prayer community, shared a wonderful reflection with us this week. Here are her words of wisdom….

Back in the dark ages of my youth in Catholic school, the Holy Spirit was known as the Holy Ghost and came, it seemed, not in the shadows of some dark and stormy night but only when one was confirmed, in some invisible tongues of fire. Then he/she /it returned to the proverbial closet not to be mentioned except once a year, fifty days after Easter. On this annual visit he/she /it was mostly associated with speaking in multiple languages (all at once) further confusing in my mind. Who was this creature? Then, about 15 years ago I read this wonderful article in US Catholic entitled; God is More Than Two Men and Bird! Once I stopped laughing and read the article it all became so much clearer.

Holy One who is a Spirit;
who like a spirit is illusive yet ever present,
who rushes like the wind where you will,
who inspires hope
gives courage for the struggle
brings wisdom in times of doubt
grants patience with God’s time,
opens minds and hearts,
bestows strength on flagging souls,
blesses us with humility
and carries us on a stream of ever flowing graces,
who is with us today, tomorrow and always.
We bless you and praise you
for we need you.

Amen!

As we celebrate Pentecost this Sunday, may we join our prayers that God’s Holy Spirit might indeed blow freely through all minds and hearts.

And thank you, Joanne!

What image do you have of the Holy Spirit? How do you experience the Holy Spirit in your life?

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May 22, 2012

the women of notre-dame basilica, montréal

I love to visit grand churches, and have visited many in my travels. I am quite easily impressed. I am no longer easily inspired. Most cathedrals and basilicas are awesome in their grandeur and magnificence. Not all move my heart and soul.

St. Paul’s Cathedral in London is a classic example. The jewel of the city’s landscape, it stood as a beacon of hope to the British people during the dark days of WWII bombings. When I first saw it, I had the lovely image of Mary Poppins and the woman feeding the birds on its steps. Inside the Cathedral, though, I was overpowered by the presence of monument after monument, memorial after memorial to military leaders and politicians. Rather than soaring with the glory of God, the mind was cluttered with extravagant attempts at glorifying men.

St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome still impresses me with its grandeur. No photo or film can do justice to its size. While I feel a connection to its history, it doesn’t inspire me.

St. John Lateran has a similar effect. Walking down the center aisle, the massive statuary depicting the twelve apostles doesn’t encourage affection for these men. Rather, the height and weight towering over you is oppressive.

This past weekend, I visited a Basilica that did impress and inspire me; the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montréal. We attended the 11:00 Mass, not knowing that a special celebration was taking place to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the birth of Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, the founder of Montréal. A military band marched up the street to the Basilica. The sanctuary was filled with bishops and priests. A long list of present dignitaries was read.

The Mass itself was well orchestrated with all the requisite protocol for such an auspicious occasion. While bishops and priests sat, the choir and organ soared. The glorious sounds filled the blue and gold interior. It was a spectacle to hearken and to behold. But the inspiration came after.

Walking around the now empty church, I was struck by the stained glass windows, paintings and statues. Rather than depicting biblical scenes, they told the history of Montreal. Numerous depictions of religious women showed to the world the central role they played in the founding of our country.

They included,

  • St. Marguerite d´Youville, founder of the Order of Sisters of Charity of Montréal, or the Grey Nuns.
  • Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montréal.
  • Blessed Mother Marie-Rose Durocher, founder of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (the Sisters who educated me in high school)
  • Kateri Tekakwitha, the “Lily of the Mohawks” who will be canonized this October.

I tried to take as many pictures as I could, until I was stopped abruptly by a man who told me I was allowed to “go up and enjoy the pictures” but not to photograph them.

Ah, but I now have some photos.  I can remember them, and share the inspiration of countless women who built this great country by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, educating the young, and healing the sick. God bless them and all the women who follow in their foot-steps to this day.

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May 18, 2012

Happy May Two-Four!

Hubby and I are heading to Ottawa today to celebrate the Victoria Day Weekend with dear friends. Regular readers of this blog might remember us making this trip last year. At the time, we wondered if our visit would be ruined by Harold Campings predictions of the coming rapture and end of the world. Ah, how quickly such wise souls are forgotten….

Happily, there are no such predictions to worry about this weekend. We will put aside those worries for December 21, 2012 and the Mayan calendar predictions. If these are true, it’s going to put a mega damper on our last minute Christmas shopping. Well, at least we won’t have to pay off those credit card bills!

So, to all my Canadian friends, Happy May Two-Four! To all my other friends around the world, we’ll raise a glass (or two) to toast you all from our nation’s capital.

(Note: ‘May Two-Four’ refers to the date around which the holiday usually falls. ‘Two-Four’ is also Canuck slang for a case of 24 beers – a staple for all summer holiday weekend celebrations. Cheers, eh?! :-) )

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May 17, 2012

Filipino families bring new life to small town parish

It’s always a joy to share good news happening in our church, especially signs of new growth. We’re experiencing this new growth in our small town, prairie parish. The growth is not coming from any evangelizing efforts on our part. It is coming from an influx of new citizens from overseas, mostly from the Philippines. Deeply grounded in family, faith and church, our Filipino friends have been both inspiration and gift to a stagnant community. Here is the article I wrote for the Prairie Messenger….

New friends in a prairie parish bring inspiration

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May 16, 2012

what do you do with a problem like Raymond Lahey?

In 2009, Raymond Lahey (then bishop of Antigonish, Nova Scotia) was stopped at the Ottawa airport and his computer was searched. It was found to contain large quantities of child pornography. On May 4, 2011, Lahey pleaded guilty to possessing and importing the images and asked to begin serving his sentence immediately. At his sentencing hearing, the 71 year old admitted to being addicted to internet pornography, and that he was also involved in a ten year relationship with a man. On January 4, 2012, he was sentenced to 15 months in jail. He was given credit for eight months already served, and was set free. This was the legal punishment meted out by the Canadian courts.

Today, the Vatican imposed its own canonical sentence on Lahey. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops was informed that the former bishop is now stripped of his clerical status. The CCCB press release states,

According to Canon 292 of the Code of Canon Law, the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state has the following effects: loss of the rights and duties attached to the clerical state, except for the obligation of celibacy; prohibition of the exercise of any ministry, except as provided for by Canon 976 of the Code of Canon Law in those cases involving danger of death; loss of all offices and functions and of all delegated power, as well as prohibition of the use of clerical attire. Raymond Lahey has accepted the Decree of Dismissal, which also requires him to pray the Liturgy of the Hours in reparation for the harm and the scandal he has caused, and for the sanctification of clergy.

According to the Diocese of Antigonish, this is one of the most severe canonical penalties that the Roman Catholic Church can impose. REALLY???

On the positive side, Lahey admitted guilt immediately. Granted, the guilt was admitted once he was caught. But, he spared the people of Canada and the faithful in the pews from an expensive court case. Justice was meted out swiftly, especially in comparison to other clerical sexual abuse cases in North America.

Now, some might wonder if this case is as severe as those who are guilty of the physical sexual abuse of children. After all, the crime was merely possession of child pornography. But, child pornography IS sexual abuse and exploitation. Those are real children in the images, children who are being sexually abused. The proper reaction to such images is horror and a desire to save the children; not sexual gratification.

The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is actively fighting against pornography because of its exploitive nature. Women Religious around the world have banded together to fight against human trafficking because it provides the victims for an ever growing sex market. It is worth noting that it is the women of our church who are at the fore-front of these actions.

So, a bishop is caught and admits guilt to a disgusting crime. The crime is made all the more disgusting because of his trusted role as not only a priest, but as a bishop. He spends eight months in jail. And now, the poor man is defrocked.

According to the Canon law description, defrocking is equivalent to losing one’s job. Yes, there is shame and loss of employment security. This is a common consequence of criminal charges. At least he didn’t get a Vatican promotion.

Ah, but he is still required to obey his vow of celibacy. REALLY? Who is going to monitor this? He has already admitted to having a long term relationship with a man. He wasn’t living a celibate life as a bishop. Why would he as a lay person?

As to the severity of the canonical punishment meted out to Lahey,  I can’t help but think of how many times bishops have shot off their mouths excommunicating members of their flock, threatening them with eternal damnation. Having your clerical collar and all its privileges stripped away seems a light punishment in comparison.

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