A Trinity of Summer Suggestions and a Top Five for the Great Four

/in /by

Br. Michael, ofm

The summer months of July and August often allow for time to unwind a bit, linger a bit longer or at least have a change of scenery; if only for a few hours. Sometimes the heat just gets to us and we need a recharge. Sometimes the beauty of summer captures of us and we try to capture it. Sometimes we need a break from the gatherings and BBQs to focus on our own journey. With that in mind I would like to offer to you a trio of summer goods – books, songs and movies for you to consider in the mix of your summer plans. There is something beautiful about sitting outside and reading. There is something enticing about a good song for a road trip and there is something wonderful about getting cozy on a super hot day (or a rainy one) with a movie. These suggestions come from my recent eclectic findings, maybe they will be an encounter of the living God for you too!

There is more notably the great gift of creation all around us and we are called to appreciate it with fresh eyes during the summer. Creator God continues to work in amazing ways showing forth beauty and inviting us to be aware. Below are some ways to honour the four elements of creation this summer. Let us be attentive to the handiwork of God!

Three Reads for Summer 2021:

Painkiller: A Memoir of Big League Addiction – Brantt Myhers

If you want an insight into the world of addiction to alcohol and drugs and the illusion of making it big in the world of NHL hockey – this read is for you. Warning: reading this book is like sitting in a locker room. Brantt holds nothing back. It is a story of perseverance, redemption and transformation.

Nourishing Love: A Franciscan Celebration of Mary – Murray Bodo, OFM

This small book is filled with stories, poetry and teachings. Bodo invites you to use your imagination, to listen with your heart and to think more broadly as he recounts the life of Mary – Mother of Jesus. Bodo’s creative take is alluring and he also offers a collection of Marian prayers at the conclusion.

Peace by Chocolate: The Hadhad Family’s Remarkable Journey from Syria to Canada – John Tattrie

The first time I heard of Peace by Chocolate was when my parents ordered boxes of this chocolate goodness into their store for Christmas (It is good chocolate). I was intrigued by the story of this refugee family. This book recounts the trials of leaving Syria but also the gift of new beginnings in Canada. It is a story of hospitality and hope. It will soon be released as a major movie.

Three Bonus Reads:

Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations – Richard Wagamese

An inspiring book from a wise First Nations Canadian storyteller which will encourage broader vision. Wagamese is the author of Indian Horse (which is also a must-see movie).

To the Heights: A Novel Based on the Life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati – Brian Kennelly

A delightful book capturing the magnitude of the heart and generosity of one of the young and inspiring saints of the church.

I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You: A Letter to My Daughter – David Chariandy

A personal gift to his daughter, Chariandy invites us into the reality of having to address race in Canada while encouraging a hope-filled future.

 

 

Three Songs for Pondering during Summer 2021:

The Spark – William Prince

Prince is a Winnipeg songwriter. A song about the challenge of relationships but the light which bonds us whether lovers, friends or family. The video version with fellow Canadian Serena Ryder from the 2021 Junos is worth a listen.

Shoreline – Corey Hart with Dante Hart

Corey Hart has been a favorite singer of mine since I bought my first cassette – Boy in the Box. This new song with his daughter is about the value of forging ahead in the journey remembering we are not alone.

Fighting – Tyler Joe Miller

A powerful song about the challenges of addictions and mental health, it serves as a reminder that we are supports for each other. The video happens to feature my cousin Thomas.

Three Bonus Songs:

Anyone – Justin Bieber, One Voice Children’s Choir

Imagine – Ben Platt

Great You Are– Jordan Smith

 

Three Movies for Summer 2021:

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

A powerful documentary about the environmental crisis we face but also the hope we carry and the challenge to rise up for the good of our sister Mother Earth.

Fatima

A beautiful telling of the story of the three children who saw the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1917. A story of faith and trust.

In the Heights

An upbeat musical which speaks of the value of relationships, the strength of community and the importance of adjusting our dreams.

Three Bonus Movies:

Penguin Bloom

What They Had

I Still Believe

Top Five for the Great Four

Not into reading or movies this summer? Have a good playlist already? Looking to connect more with creation? I suggest these great ideas built upon suggestions from W.I.S.E. and The Pilgrims Companion.

Unplug from technology, connect with Creator God and celebrate the four elements during the summer with these top five activities.

Water:

Swim in a lake

Dance in the rain

Walk along a river

Water the flowers slowly

Enjoy a glass of cold water in the middle of sunny spot

Earth:

Work in the garden

Build a sandcastle

Paint with mud

Make and enjoy a garden salad or fruit salad

Sit on the grass to pray

Fire:

Gaze at the night sky

Have a bonfire – sing and pray there

Enjoy a meal by candlelight

Watch the sunrise or sunset

Hunt for fireflies

Air:

Fly a kite

Blow bubbles

Sing in the wind

Make pinwheels

Write a prayer in praise of the gift of air

May Summer 2021 be blessed, be healthy,

be filled with time for

good reads, good tunes, good shows

and lots of good, good, good summer days just to be!

 

The heavens, the earth, and all of creation are telling the glory of God

and we get to delight in this glory. We give thanks and praise to Creator God!

 

God bless you and your summer!

 

Please note this will be the last post for several weeks. Look for fresh reflections in later summer.

 

Photo Credits:

Garreth Paul

Tom Hermans

Adrian Korte

Denise Jans

Tegan Mierle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Litany of St. Joseph for Father’s Day

/in /by

Br. Michael, ofm

Litany of St. Joseph for Father’s Day

 

On this Father’s Day, let us be mindful of St. Joseph the patron saint of fathers along with so many other areas and causes in life. Let us be mindful of his trust in God, his faithful witness to love, his awareness of God’s divine plan for love and how he witnessed to respect and honour. St. Joseph pray for all fathers, grandfathers and those who are like fathers in our world today. St. Joseph pray for all of us that we too may trust with abandon, witness to love and be bearers of good news.

 

 

 

St. Joseph,

faithful guardian of Christ,

we ask your prayers for all guardians:

for guardians of our families and communities,

for guardians of our stories and languages,

for guardians of countries and peoples.

 

We also ask your prayers for those who have no faithful guardian:

for children without parents,

for children separated from their parents,

for children who long for a faithful guardian.

 

St. Joseph,

model of workers,

we ask your prayers for all workers:

for workers working two jobs to make ends meet,

for workers going above and beyond,

for workers seeking work and those struggling with their job.

 

St. Joseph,

example to parents,

we ask your prayers for all parents:

for parents who parent in amazing ways,

for parents who struggle to be a parent,

for parents who feel caught in between.

 

We also ask your prayers for those who don’t know their parents:

for foster children who feel isolated,

for children abandoned by their parents,

for children who live in homes where they are not seen by their parents.

 

St. Joseph,

pillar of family life,

we ask your prayers for families:

for families hurting and broken,

for families united and strong,

for families yearning for life.

 

St. Joseph,

hope of the sick,

we ask your prayers for all those who are sick:

for the sick who are alone,

for the sick trapped in terror,

for the sick waiting for diagnosis.

 

We also pray for those who offer hope to the sick:

for hope-bearers who are nurses, care aides and doctors,

for hope-bearers who work in research and community development,

for hope-bearers who are simply present to hold a hand and listen.

 

St. Joseph,

patron of the dying,

we ask your prayers for all those who will die this day:

for the dying who are at peace,

for the dying who are afraid,

for the dying who seek God.

 

St. Joseph,

foster father of the Son of God,

we ask your prayer for all fathers:

for fathers who love freely,

for fathers who are guarded,

for fathers who struggle with this role.

 

We also ask your prayers for all who are like fathers:

for the uncle and grandfather who takes us under his wings,

for the teacher and coach who guides us to deeper truths,

for the community member who encourages our gifts.

 

St. Joseph,

patron of Canada,

we ask your prayers for our nation:

for respect and dignity of all people to be upheld,

for inspired ways to tear down walls and build community,

for creativity in the ways we care for this land we call home.

 

Good St. Joseph,

you are our patron and guide,

we ask you to bring our prayers to the heart of God,

the very God who trusted you with his only Son

as you cradled in him in your hands,

showed him how to create,

and taught him how to listen.

We trust that you companion with us this life journey.

We ask these prayers in the name of the one

who you were guardian for here on earth,

Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Father’s Day Blessings to All Dads!

Photo: St. Joseph and Child Jesus – Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, Cochrane, AB

Artists: John C. Nugent and Al Gerritsen

 

 

 

 

In the Midst

/in /by

Br. Michael, ofm

In the Midst

In the midst…

listen

sing

cook

pray

struggle

weep

when it doesn’t make sense

overwhelmed and burdened

of community

alone

carrying

working

sitting

being

listen

we are always

in the midst

of something

and in

these somethings

we are

in the midst

of God.

 

 

God,

your light

fills me each day

for it is greater

than my shadows

and the world’s darkness.

Your light

awakens me

to living in you,

with you, for you.

Your light

a lamp unto my feet

a guide for my path

a consistent presence

calling me

to truth,

to life,

to fullness

to beauty,

to see you.

God,

you are always

here with me

in the midst.

Amen.

Photo Credits:

Ryoji Iwata

Hasan Albari

 

 

Do you need a retreat this summer?

/in /by

Do you need a retreat this summer?

Mount St. Francis is offering:

 

Brother Sun – Sister Moon Pilgrimage Retreat – July 17 Saturday

A full-day outdoor retreat beginning at 9:00 am. This retreat includes a walking-pilgrimage, an outdoor Mass, eco-friendly reflections, and evening bonfire. Please dress and prepare for the weather and terrain. Bring a water bottle and small day pack.

$60.00, includes packed picnic lunch and BBQ dinner. Registration is limited.

 

My Soul Thirsts for You – 7-Day Silent Directed Retreat – July 18-25
Psalm 63 reminds us that our whole being thirsts for God. Throughout this retreat in the stillness and quiet, and through scripture and prayer the retreatant will be refreshed.

Suggested contribution: $650.00. Registration is limited.

 

Seeking Wholeness and Holiness: Our Spiritual Journey – Women’s Silent Retreat

August 6-8

As we continue our spiritual journey, we reflect on what brings us wholeness; how are we invited to a greater depth of character and purpose. We journey following Jesus as our model.

$195.00

 

Soul Care – Women’s Retreat with Guest Presenter: Cathy AJ Hardy

August 24-26

This retreat for women includes both group time and space for the individual.

Come as you are and receive an invitation into soul rest, grace, mercy, and love.

$395.00

 

Servant Leadership in Gospel Living – Young Adult Retreat (Ages 18-30)

August 27-29

A unique retreat for young adults. Includes bonfire, adoration and small group discussions.

$200.00

 

As summer draws to a close help us launch the Season of Creation

Laudato Si’ – World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation
Wednesday – September 1, 9 am – 1 pm

Pope Francis declared September 1 as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

This half-day prayer retreat includes stations of prayer, eco-friendly reflections, Mass and a hardy lunch. Please dress and prepare for the weather. Bring a water bottle and small day pack.

Cost: $20

 

For more information or to register – mtfrancis@shaw.ca  403-932-2012

 

The Body of Christ

/in /by

– Br. Michael, ofm

The Body of Christ

broken and shared

for you, for me and for all.

 

The Body of Christ

broken and fragmented

hurting and grieving.

 

The Body of Christ

215 names we don’t know

families left broken.

 

The Body of Christ

bombed out again

broken hearts and pieces.

 

The Body of Christ

tired and broken

pandemic stricken.

 

The Body of Christ

left alone because I’m different

broken in my inflicted shame.

 

The Body of Christ

two sides of a country

broken by false promises.

 

The Body of Christ

stolen and held captive

broken homes left in tatters.

 

The Body of Christ

on foot across many miles

broken in the search of freedom.

 

The Body of Christ

discriminated because of color

dignity robbed, broken by force.

 

The Body of Christ

deforested and polluted

our sister Earth so broken.

 

The Body of Christ

you and me

us and them.

 

The Body of Christ

gift for all people

healing and remedy.

 

The Body of Christ

hope never ceases

rising up from the ashes.

 

The Body of Christ

stronger than our despair

feast for the hungry.

 

The Body of Christ

source of all goodness

holy and worthy.

 

The Body of Christ

balm for our heartaches

ointment for our wounds.

 

The Body of Christ

many shades of holy diversity

a refuge and a shelter.

 

The Body of Christ

here and now

back then, in steps ahead.

 

The Body of Christ

love is present

even if unseen.

 

The Body of Christ

our brother and savior

with us in our brokenness.

 

The Body of Christ

broken and shared

for you, for me and for all.

 

 

 

Photo Credits:

McKenna Phillips

Jon Tyson

Rui Silva