One of "Canada 150" celebrations held at Kingston's City Hall, was an interfaith pot-luck supper. It was a celebration of hospitality, growing understanding and spiritual sharing of the many faith groups in the city, including the indigenous people and a choir from Providence Mother House. A delicious moose stew was served by the ladies from Tyendanaga and a plethora of desserts and salads were provided by the attendees. After the sharing of food, each group shared a short presentation on their specific beliefs, followed by a prayer or song for peace. A group from the Providence Mother House choir, to which Eleanor Monahan, CND, and Emily Doherty, CND, belong, presented two selections; Dona Nobis Pacem and the Celtic Alleluia. The evening ended with everyone looking forward to a further meeting in two weeks.
Isaiah 61.1-2a, 10-11 / 1 Thessalonians 5.16-24 / John 1.6-8, 19-28
Blessed are those who are flexible, for they don’t get bent out of shape.
And my, oh my, this is a season where so many times we can get bent out of shape.
As Catholics we have heard many times that this is a season of preparation for the comings of Jesus.
First, the coming of Jesus. In Isaiah we see the phrase: “wrapped me in a mantle of justice, like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels” it might make us think of something much more splendid than being born in a stable surrounded by shepherds and sheep. This was not how many thought the Savior would announce himself to the world. Yet, as Catholics, following the life of Jesus we are called to be living Christmas; to live a life of simplicity, a life of generosity, a life of service and a life of welcome and hospitality to others (Father Kevin Obrien). We are called to welcome Jesus, and to encounter His love for us. Since Jesus became man, became one of us, we can be assured that we are loved in all our humanity, in all of us there is the Light of Christ.
In early November, we received a package from the Office of Worship of the Diocese of Providence. A First Class relic of Marguerite was included with a note indicating it had been given to Father Frederick Halloran. Father Frederick’s nephew Monsignor John Halloran had saved it when going through his uncle’s things after his death. Neither Father Jeremy of the Diocese nor Monsignor John were aware of how the relic came to Father Frederick. If anyone knows anything about the history of the relic and/or knew Father Frederick, please let us know at the Province Office. I have assured Monsignor John that his uncle will continue to be remembered in our prayers.