God Created Humankind in his Image and Likeness Respect for the other is a must
Statement of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
Statement of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
It has been with great distress and sorrow that the world witnessed the tragic events that took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 25 May 2020. The death of Mr. George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement officers is profoundly troubling and entirely unacceptable. The utter disregard for his human rights and dignity has justifiably raised numerous disturbing questions about the ongoing presence of racism and discrimination in our societies, as well as about how peace and good government can both avoid and deter self-destructive and self-defeating violence.
The denigration of humankind, the denial of God-given rights and of human responsibilities that flow from them, lack of love for one’s neighbour, and the failure to show respect toward others are wholly intolerable; these must always be condemned in the strongest of terms. Racism and discrimination remain an appalling reality for a civilized society. The Bishops and Catholic faithful of Canada join with Pope Francis in lamenting all who have lost their lives and suffered because of exclusion, racism and violence which are antithetical to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As the Holy Father himself stated at the occasion of this tragedy: “We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.”
Every human being is created in the image and likeness of God and is precious in His eyes according to the first chapter of Genesis. This truth is for us the bedrock and foundation of all human dignity. To violate it is an offence against God Himself and against the sacredness of life. Our faith teaches us that: “Respect for the human person proceeds by way of respect for the principle that ‘everyone should look upon his neighbor (without any exception) as “another self,” above all bearing in mind his life and the means necessary for living it with dignity.”2
In communion and solidarity with the Holy Father and the Catholic Bishops of the United States, we invite all Canadians to pray for all those who have lost their lives as a result of the sin of racism, to work for reconciliation and healing, as well as for peace and justice in our land and throughout the world.
8 June 2020
On June 9th, we had a CWL Mass to honour Life Members of CWL. This was followed by 17 of us- at least 6 feet apart- going downstairs for some fellowship and iced tea, drinks and delicious baking. Unfortunately, this was not a day for gardening and socializing in the Daylilly Gardens due to rain and cool weather! Each of us shared our lives and what were the highlights of experiencing our first pandemic. It was interesting to hear everyone's stories- going to work and wearing masks, cancelled trips, renewed relationships with family from afar through knew technologies, challenges of separation from loved ones in nursing homes, boredom, gardening galore, coffee on the deck in paradise, challenges of ailing parents, joys of touching grandchildren again, trips to hospitals, selling parent's houses, 2 week quarantines, less consumerism, more time to read and pray, and the list goes on. An appreciation of living in a more rural setting with minimal risk and less havic to our lives was a theme. We all felt fortunate and blessed despite the pandemonium of the pandemic. "I'm still here". "I survived", one member gleefully announced, youthful in her golden years. It felt special and just more "normal" to be with you all- it was most enjoyable to be together- but no hugging or hand shaking was allowed!
Well, we did not have a chance to spend time in the Daylilly Gardens or toil in the soil, due to bad weather, but perhaps we can reschedule that in July.
To commemorate the CWL’s 100th Anniversary and in keeping with the national theme, every diocesan council across Canada is asked to plant a tree in a place of honour to help the environment and that can be enjoyed by the community. At our June 9th CWL get-together, we all agreed to purchase a Spring Snow Flowering Crab. Thank you to Carol Bender for her expertise and recommendations on possibilities. 15 minutes after the meeting, I had found one at Green Oak Gardens and purchased it! It has attractive, fragrant white flowers in May, glossy green foliage throughout the growing season, does not produce fruit, and matures to 25 fet by 20 feet. Below is a picture of me to show you that it is just under 6 feet now. Can you believe it is rated to minus 46 degrees re cold hardiness! I returned home to a phone call that Bernice had bartered a good price on a memorial stone which will include our CWL logo and the years 1920-2020. Green Oak Gardens staff told me it had to be planted as soon as possible, and rainy, cool weather was perfect. So it was done on June 10th once the rain cleared.
Thank you to Gerry, Barb, and Chris for their assistance. Join us in celebrating our “roots” from the past century while we look to the future as we “branch out” into the next century! A future commemoration ceremony is planned later this summer when we will lay the dedication plaque. Date TBA. Thank you to Bernice for exploring getting a plaque at Northern Light Memorials.
We may not be having a National Convention this August in Montreal, but I noticed there is a wonderful Summer Speaker's Series. Go to cwl.ca to register.
A few people have received an email, under the name of Father Rene, asking for a donation for someone in need. This is an imposter and Father Rene would NEVER ask for funds or donations in an email. So, please be wary of these scams. It preys on the goodness of our parishioners and causes stress for all involved.
I wish you health, a bit more freedom, less solitude, more family time, and please enjoy the summer ahead. Don't forget to see the Saint Mary bulletin at stmoloh.ca
God bless you all,
Anne
