Th e Environment Light Reading Have you heard? It’s not easy building Th ree books to add to Bishop’s Dinner for green your library London and Area

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NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON Winter 2008 • Number 130 Elgin, Essex, Huron, Kent, Lambton, Middlesex, Norfolk, Oxford and Perth Counties www.rcec.london.on.ca Th e Word of God

Most Rev. Ronald R. Fabbro, c.s.b., representing the Catholic Bishop of London, was one of 256 episcopate, having the task bishops from 118 nations around of helping the in the the world to participate in the governing of the universal Synod on the Word of God in Church by rendering their Rome this Fall. counsel. Pope John Paul II has referred to the Synod as Background “a particularly fruitful ex- From Synodal Information, pression and instrument of available at www.vatican.va the collegiality of bishops.” Th e Synod of Bishops is a Bishop Fabbro’s permanent institution estab- Intervention lished by Pope Paul VI in 1965 Th e Renewal of Parish Life: in response to the desire of the A Refl ection on Instumentum Fathers of the Second Vatican Laboris, n. 41, Th e Word of Following in the footsteps of St. Paul: Pauline Year Activities Around the Diocese -see page 3 for story and more photos. Council to keep alive the spirit God in the Life of the Believer of collegiality engendered by pointed out in Novo Millennio cese of London in the 1980s. and have little impact on their the conciliar experience. At the beginning of the millen- Ineunte, that this desire for holi- choices and behaviour. nium, in accordance with the ness requires a renewed listening We realize, however, that we Literally speaking the word wishes of Pope John Paul II, our to the Word of God (n. 39). must make even greater prog- An important challenge for our “synod,” derived from two diocese, the Diocese of Lon- ress. Th is is true of our parishes, parishes, then, is to support our Greek words syn meaning don, developed a pastoral plan. Th e dioceses of Canada have where the knowledge of Sacred people who are seeking to grow “together” and hodos mean- Aft er working with it for several taken to heart the exhortation of Scripture is oft en weak. If we closer to Christ. We need to ing “road” or “way,” means a years, our parishes were asked to Dei Verbum, which urges all the are to respond eff ectively to our teach them proven methods of “coming together.” A Synod is identify their highest priorities in faithful “to learn ‘the surpass- people, who are hungering for becoming one with Christ, such a religious meeting or assem- the implementation of the plan. ing knowledge of Jesus Christ’ God, then our parishes need to as the traditional practice of bly at which bishops, gathered Th e answer was unanimous—the (Phil 3:8) by frequent reading foster a prayerful listening to the lectio divina, which enable them around and with the Holy need for spiritual awakening. of the divine Scriptures” (n. 25). Word of God in the Scriptures. to meditate on the Scriptures Father, have opportunity to What was revealed was a deep Following the Second Vatican in a spirit of prayer. Under the interact with each other and to desire for spiritual growth. Council, there have been many A great obstacle to developing impulse of the Holy Spirit, this share information and experi- good initiatives which have a living relationship with the prayerful reading of the biblical Despite a rapidly increasing ences, in the common pursuit helped us appreciate the essential Risen Lord is formalism, which text draws us into a personal en- trend to secularism in Canadian of pastoral solutions which role of Sacred Scripture in the life characterizes much parochial counter with Christ, who speaks society, dioceses across the coun- have a universal validity and of the Church, such as the focus life. Formalism, in this con- to us in the daily circumstances try are observing this spiritual application. Th e Synod, gener- on the Word of God in the Rite text, means going through the of our lives, and who gradually hunger in our people, and indeed of Christian Initiation of Adults motions of religious practices shapes and transforms us by ally speaking, can be defi ned in many of our contemporaries. and in Journey, a very successful without deep, engaging faith, the power of his love. In using as an assembly of bishops We know, as Pope John Paul II program developed in the dio- without the passion of love, with- these methods, we follow the out a living, personal relation- example of Mary, who listened to ship with the Word of God made the Word and pondered it in her man. Moreover, our parishes heart. Canada Post Corporation/Société canadienne des postes have to contend with the nega- Postage paid Port payé Publications mail Poste-lettres tive infl uences of today’s culture, In the encounter with Christ, which oft en weaken Christian we discover what is important 10198 London identity. For many, membership and valuable to him. Prayer- in the Church can be superfi cial CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>> NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON WINTER 2008 2 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1>>> and the substance of this text, so that it may ful meditation on the Scriptures, then, leads us grow and deepen your knowledge and love The Newsletter of the Diocese of London, estab- lished in 1980, is published quarterly in March, to the poor. When we are in solidarity with the for the Word of God. Th ere are four cardinal poor, our hearts are opened in fresh, new ways June, September and December with more than points on the horizon that we invite you to 13,000 copies distributed to Roman Catholics to the Word which we listen to in the Scriptures. know and that we will express through just Th e poor make us aware of our own vulnerability throughout nine counties in Southwestern as many images. : Elgin, Essex, Huron, Kent, Lambton, and poverty before God. Middlesex, Norfolk, Oxford and Perth. First of all there is the divine Voice. It echoes Today, many of our people have an experience in the beginnings of Creation, breaking the ISSN: 0831-9715 of life that is fragmented and torn apart. Th ey Publications Mail Agreement #: 41699033 come to our churches for the Sunday Eucharist, silence of nothingness and giving origin to longing to hear God’s Word proclaimed in the the marvels of the universe. It is a Voice that penetrates in history, wounded by human Editor: Mark Adkinson Scripture readings. Th e breaking open of the 1070 Waterloo Street, London, ON N6A 3Y2 sin and distressed by suff ering and death. It Word in the homily should help them to discover 519-433-0658 x227 Fax: 519-433-0011 a fi rm reference point for their lives. Within the also sees the Lord walking with humanity to [email protected] context of this community of faith, a remarkable off er His grace, His Covenant, His salvation. www.rcec.london.on.ca transformation will occur. It is happening in lay It is a Voice that enters into the pages of movements and small ecclesial communities. A the Holy Scriptures, which we read today in Subscriptions community which gathers to pray and meditate the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, who Individual: $10/year on Sacred Scripture calls forth from its members was given as the light of truth to it and to its a profound conversion of heart. In community, pastors. Bulk (one address): 5-99 copies: $2/year/each; all dimensions of life are embraced and chal- 100-300 copies: $1.50/year/each; 300+: $1.25/year/each lenged, producing in the members a sense of Also, as John wrote, “Th e Word belonging and a commitment to the Church’s Advertising became fl esh” (1:14). Here then the Face For advertising sizes, rates and deadlines, visit: www.rcec.london.on.ca mission. appears. It is Jesus Christ, who is the Son of the eternal and infi nite God, but also It is incumbent on bishops to fi nd ways to sup- the mortal man, tied to a historical era, port parishes, to break through the formalism to a people and to a land. He lives the that cripples many of our people and to lead all exhausting existence of humanity till His of them, through the power of the Spirit, into a death, but rises glorious and lives forever. living, personal relationship with Christ. He makes our encounter with the Word I am sure that this synod will be able to suggest of God perfect. He unveils to us “the full many diff erent ways that Sacred Scripture might meaning” and unity of the Holy Scrip- be brought to the faithful in order to recreate tures, therefore Christianity is a religion their relationship with the God of love. For that has a person at its center, Jesus Christ, example, we could form catechists in each parish the One who reveals the Father. He makes to lead small groups in prayerful discussion of us understand that the Scriptures are the Sunday readings. We could educate Catholic “fl esh,” that is to say human words to be teachers to lead their students in reading, medi- understood and studied in their way of tating on and praying the Scriptures. We could expressing, but that also preserve the light encourage our parishes to reach out to people at of divine truth within, which we can only signifi cant events of their lives, such as the Bap- live and contemplate with the Holy Spirit. tism of their children, and at critical times, such as sickness and the death of a loved one, when It is the same Spirit of God that leads us people are particularly disposed to seek out the to the third cardinal point in our itiner- true meaning of life and need God’s saving word ary, the Home of the divine word, that is (General Directory for Catechesis, n. 176). to say the Church, which, as Saint Luke suggested (Ac 2:42), is supported by four Concluding Message of the Synod on the Word ideal columns. Th ere is “teaching”, which of God in the Life and Mission of the Church is reading and understanding the Bible in the announcement made to all, in cateche- “With all those everywhere who call on the sis, in the homily, through a proclamation name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord that involves mind and heart. Th en there as well as ours. Grace to you and peace from is “the breaking of the bread”, which is God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” the Eucharist, the source and the summit (1 Cor 1:2-3). With the Apostle Paul’s greet- of the life and the mission of the Church. ing - in this year dedicated to him - we, the Like what happened that day at Em- Synodal Fathers gathered in Rome for the XII maus, the faithful are invited to nourish Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of themselves in the liturgy of the table of Bishops, with the Holy Father Benedict XVI, the Word of God and Body of Christ. A address to you a message full of refl ection and third column is “prayer” with “psalms and proposals on the Word of God that has been hymns and inspired songs to God” (Col the center of our assembly’s work. 3:16). It is the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church’s prayer destined to give rhythm It is a message that is entrusted to our pas- to the days and times of the Christian tors in the fi rst place, to the many, generous year. Th ere is also the Lectio divina, the catechists and to all those who guide you in prayerful reading of the Holy Scriptures a loving listening and reading of the Bible. Now, to you, we would like to outline the soul CONTINUED ON PAGE 7>>> WINTER 2008 NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON 3 Pauline Year Activities Around the Diocese

What is the Pauline Year? After his conversion on the road to Damascus, he became one of Last June, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed a year dedicated to St. the church’s foremost evangelizers, fi rst among Jews, then among Paul, in preparation for the 2,000th anniversary of the apostle’s Gentiles. birth. The Pauline Year runs from June 29, 2008, to June 29, 2009, coinciding with the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. St. Paul’s letters are a primary source of information about the life of the early church and have strongly infl uenced church thinking St. Paul was born in Tarsus, in what is now Turkey, at the start of through the centuries. the Christian era, about 10 A.D., according to church historians.

Tillsonburg students in grades fi ve to eight from Monsignor O’Neil Catholic Colleen Hanley, the coordinator of youth ministry at St. Mary’s, had a fl oor- School and grades two to four from St. Catholic School participated in sized map of the regions where Paul traveled. Th e students became each town special Holy Hours at St. Mary church and the Father Langan Parish Centre. or village Paul visited. Teachers represented St. Paul and connected the towns Th e Holy Hours consisted of two components. Th is fi rst was Eucharistic Adora- together, creating a web at the end to show all of Paul’s travels. Along the way tion with Father Matthew George focusing on readings about St. Paul. Th e students were regaled with diff erent bible stories about Paul’s delights and hard- second component had the students learning about Paul’s four journeys based ships during his travels. on the book of Acts. By Colleen Hanley, coordinator of youth ministry at St Mary, Tillsonburg

Pilgrimages & Customized Tours 2009 through 2012 2009 Feb/Mar: Footsteps of St. Paul with Fr. Graham Keep March: Holy Land with Fr. Steve Savel April: Ireland, Land of and Scholars with Fr. Murray Watson May: Eastern Canada with Via Rail and Bill Burns May/June: Canadian Battlefi elds with Claus Breede October: Shrines of Italy with Fr. Eugene Roy October: Fatima and Lourdes with Fr. John Jasica November: Italy and Medjugorje with Fr. Pio Beorchia 2010 May: The Shroud of Turin with Shrines of Northern Italy with Fr. Graham Keep* June: Oberammergau and Our Lady of All Nations* “We are competent, experienced lawyers who off er personal, 2011 courteous service at reasonable rates.” World Youth Days in Madrid with Fatima and Lourdes* 2012 Real Estate • Wills • Powers of Attorney • Estates Eucharistic Congress in Dublin with Shrines of Ireland* Family Law • Collaborative Family Law • Employment Law * planned Incorporations • Mediation • Small Business For complete details on these group tours, contact: George Cifa Daniel J. McNamara, LL.B. Norman A. Pizzale, LL.B. Uniglobe Instant Travel 519-660-6966 x233 or 1-800-361-1334 200 Queens Avenue, Suite 220, London, Ontario • 519-434-2174 NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON WINTER 2008 4 It’s Not Easy Building Green Note: the following article was written Elizabeth Johnson, Pope Benedict XVI… by Sr. Margo Ritchie, csj and Sr. Patricia the list could go on and on. Their insights McLean, osu provide the context for our action. This action is the “doing” of theology, an im- The building projects undertaken by portant aspect of an authentic ecological the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Ursulines theology presently being articulated. We give concrete expression to values that we believe that ecological theology needs to want to embody in these times; they are guide and inspire the Christian Commu- expressive of the living of the spiritual life nity in this 21st century. to which we are publicly committed. For both the Sisters of St. Joseph and The seriousness of the ecological crisis the Ursuline Sisters the choice to “down- is before our eyes these days as never be- size” was made so as not to sink all of fore. The threats to our planet are touch- our energies and resources into main- ing us personally — awakening a new taining buildings. For the Ursulines, the consciousness and inviting us, in fact urging us, to take action as individuals, communities, and nations. The ecological crisis is also a human crisis. Father Thomas Berry makes this connection: “What happens to the outer world HoweverHHowever we thoughtthought thatthat havinghaving anan happens to the inner world. If the outer “outside”“o objective framework such world is diminished in its grandeur then as LEED would encourage others and the emotional, imaginative, intellectual, bringb to the fore the many possibilities and spiritual life of the human is dimin- thatth individuals and institutions can ished or extinguished. make.m We are the first two buildings in “Without the soaring birds, the great SouthwesternS Ontario to be gold certi- forests, the sounds and coloration of fied.fi It is a good sign that other build- the insects, the free flowing streams, the ingsin in the region are in the process of flowering fields, the sights of the clouds applyingap for LEED certification. by day and the stars at night, we become Some of the choices made include impoverished in all that makes us hu- minimizationm of storm water runoff man.” byb use of a retention pond, full cutoff As religious communities, we have al- exteriorex light fixtures, planting drought ways directed our energies to the human resistantre plants, use of a cistern for condition, to health care, education, so- flushingfl toilets as well as dual-flush cial services and the struggle for justice. toiletsto which use either three litres Our call throughout history has been oro six litres of water, and the use of to be prophetic. In facing the ecological heat-pumps and crisis, we are continuing that response. geothermalg tech- Working with many other groups, we are nologyn which broadening the scope of our responsi- capturesc both the bilities — taking our rightful place (and new building is half the size of the “The heath and cool- no more) on this planet, and preserving Pines.” Fifty sisters live at Villa Angela. nessn of the earth the integrity of the natural world. For us, For the Sisters of St. Joseph, the new resi- forf temperature this action is inextricably bound to the dence is one third the size of the former control.c As well, living of the spiritual life, the living of the motherhouse. Currently, about 90 sisters mostm materials Gospel today. make their home there. For both groups, forf building were the process of taking the time to col- recycledr and A Challenging and Graced Moment laborate and to involve as many sisters as greeng housekeep- possible in the planning was key to the ingin products Both of our communities faced the smooth transition. werew chosen to decision to downsize our motherhouses. reducer interior This decision was for us a challeng- Leadership in Energy and Environ- aira pollution. ing and graced moment. We have been mental Design - The LEED standard Our hope from privileged to take action to do our part • Materials and Resources thet beginning to attend to the ecological realities of Both new homes were built using • Indoor Environmental Quality was to make the best choices we could our times and to celebrate the creation LEED standards. LEED Canada is a rat- and also to encourage others at the indi- in which we are immersed. We are being ing system which assesses the environ- The number of points earned results in vidual homeowner level. We are hearing invited to act, to live differently, to make mental sustainability of building designs. one of the following levels: of more and more homeowners choosing moral choices that are grounded in our Although developed in the United States, geothermal technology for heating and Christian heritage. a Canadian version is now in place. Using • Platinum: 52+ points cooling, planting drought-resistant plants We have also been led, through our the LEED point-based rating system, the • Gold: 39-51 points and considering other forms of water building projects, to a deeper explora- “green-ness” of a building design is based • Silver: 33-38 points conservation methods. In some cities tion of that Christian heritage, strands on specific points accumulated in five • Certified: 26-32 points whole neighbourhoods are being devel- within it that have often been forgot- categories: oped along conservation models. ten or overlooked. Among them are the Both the Ursulines and the Sisters of Building “green” presented challenges insights of such people as Hildegarde • Sustainable Site St. Joseph achieved Gold certification. for all involved in these projects. Not only of Bingen, , Teilhard de • Water Efficiency Achieving points was not “our” motivator. did we as sisters enter into a steep learn- Chardin, Thomas Berry, Mary Oliver, • Energy Efficiency We would have made the same choices. ing curve, our architects, construction WINTER 2008 NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON 5 companies, and various consultants also we adopted. The biggest savings were in joined us in problem-solving along the water use and in electricity. We assume way. Some of the technology is new and that the report card for the winter months highly complex. Some choices though will show even greater savings since the very desirable, such as solar panels, were geothermal system will save us on heat- simply too expensive for either of our ing costs. The one blip in the report was communities to implement. Our experi- that our gas use was up a little more than ence was that to build “green” in the way predicted. The computer program is able we did adds between five and ten percent to detect exactly where the energy use is. to building costs. Some measures will pay In this case the snow-melt system at the for themselves in a few years. Others, like entrance and on the incline to the garage the geothermal technology, will take up got activated on the chilly Fall mornings. to ten years or more to recoup the cost. We know there is much interest as people realize that how we live on the planet is an ethical, spiri- tual, and practical consid- eration. In London, the Sisters of St. Joseph held four public lectures. The topics included geo-ther- whow are at risk of being evictedevicted. thetheEarthattemptingtorespondtothis Earth, attempting to respond to this mal systems, LEED stan- WWhat we see clearly now is that “sign of the times.” The founder of the dards, landscaping, and aany new “affordable housing” Ursulines, St. Angela Merici, as she has understanding Bullfrog pprojects would do well to spend through the centuries, urges us to do so. energy. Each evening over mmore money up front in order Her words: “Act and bestir yourselves; 50 people attended and tto keep the housing truly afford- have hope and confidence” are inscribed more than 2,000 people aable in the long-run. on the building cornerstone, and con- have toured in London. tinue to motivate us to live the Gospel In Chatham, over the year Faithfulness to Our Tradition message faithfully in these times. many groups have visited This journey of imagination, grace and and toured Villa Angela, The “original fire” or deep the greening of our buildings has been heard presentations and inintuition of both of our Com- exciting and challenging. We are grateful have eagerly picked up mmunities led us to the decisions for the many collaborators who dreamed background information tto build in this way. The Sisters and designed with us. We are delighted and materials. oof St. Joseph were founded in that our planning led us to work more FFrance in 1650 as a group of closely together as religious communities. How is it Working? wwomen seeking oneness with GGod, others and all cre- To give you an idea aation. Our early writings of how it is actually go- eencourage us to recognize ing, we reviewed the first oour relationship with the report from Enermodal ““dear neighbour” with Engineering, the energy pparticular attention to the consultant from Kitchener neighbour who, because that our communities employed. For the Implications for Affordable Housing of injustice and systemic exclusion, Sisters of St. Joseph, our report card indi- has been marginalized. Today we see • STAINED GLASS • cates that in the months of August, Sep- Many religious communities have been ourselves as part of the neighbour- Since 1979 tember and October we have had a 34% involved in affordable housing for people hood of the world. The Ursuline energy savings compared to a building on fixed incomes. We often receive calls Sisters, for almost 20 years, have Heritage Quality the same size without the LEED measures from people unable to pay heating bills been looking anew at our attitudes to Restoration & Woodwork • Memorial Windows • Protective Storm Glazing • London’s Most Experienced Stained Glass Craftsmen

97 Wharncliffe Rd. S. London, Ont.

Photos: 519-432-9624 This page: Sisters of St. Joseph of the Diocese of London, 485 Windermere Rt, London ON N6A 4X3 www.csj.london.on.ca www.sunrisestainedglass.com Previous page: Ursulines of the Chatham Union, Villa Angela, 20 Merici Way, Chatham ON N7L 3L8 www.ursulines.org NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON WINTER 2008 6 Th e Importance of Retrouvaille By Rev. Pat Fuerth place where hurting couples and woman “sink into found hope and are passion- solitude” and lose a Retrouvaille is an Interna- ately committed to dramati- sense of having com- tional community of disciples cally increasing the number of munion with God, committed to the continued couples served in both new and the Church and other healing of their marriages and, existing communities.-from people. empowered by the Holy Spirit, Retrouvaille’s mission and vision sharing their stories, talents statements. “Even the most mis- and gifts to promote and erable and faltering spread the healing ministry Pope Benedict XVI met with [of unions] is a sacra- of Retrouvaille. Th e unchal- 300 leaders of the Retrouvaille ment of Christ’s new lenged acceptance of divorce ministry at his summer resi- alliance with human- has infected our world with dence in September during the ity,” he said. “[What hopelessness, but Retrouvaille international meeting hosted is needed is only] to believes that every marriage, this year by the Italian Bishops’ fi nd, in humility, the a union of one man and one Conference. courage to ask the woman, deserves the oppor- Lord for help.” tunity to survive, be healed He spoke at some length, and thrive as a covenant of life saying that when a marital Couples in Retrou- and love. Retrouvaille is the relationship falters, the man vaille have a valuable the leaders and greeted a nnum- m RetrouvailleRetro aille is not a retreat, retreat experience to off er hurting ber of them personally. Cel- marriage counseling, mar- couples who can “rediscover ebrating 40 years of marriage, riage self help or a sensitivity the hidden treasure of their Jeff and Susan Cada (Windsor group. Th ere are neither group marriage, the fi re left buried Retrouvaille) were blessed by dynamics nor group discus- beneath the ashes.” Pope Bene- his Holiness. Malcolm and sions on the weekend. It is not dict described Retrouvaille Lynn Hopkins (London-St. a time for hurting; it is a time leaders as “custodians of a Th omas Retrouvaille) and Fa- for healing. greater hope.” ther Patrick Fuerth were also privileged to be there, and to Upcoming Retrouvaille week- Th is Catholic ministry began represent the two communities ends will he held February in Quebec in 1977 and quickly of Retrouvaille active within 13-15, 2009 and April 24-26, spread to Anglophone Canada, our Diocese. 2009. the United States, South Af- rica, Ireland and many Latin Who is it for? For more information, contact American countries. Th e week- It is for couples with mari- Jeff and Sue at 1-800-705- end and post-weekend sessions tal problems including those 6356 (Windsor), Dave and of the program have also been who are considering marriage Betty at 519-451-6845 formulated for couples from separation and those who are (London), or visit religious traditions other than already separated or divorced www.retrouvaille.org. Roman Catholic. that want marriage help.

Th e Holy Father encouraged It is important to note that

Protect Our Children

In order to protect children, anyone who knows of any acts of sexual abuse or any perpetrator of abuse, whether priest or lay Are you a retired or semi-retired accountant/auditor? person, whether historical abuse or The Diocese of London is forming an internal audit current, is obliged to department and is therefore seeking qualifi ed people. report the abuse to the Audit programs are developed by our Audit Committee. Children’s Aid Society at Audits would be conducted at parishes in your area. 1-888-661-6167 and the It would be helpful to have some auditing experience. Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. For more information Please contact Dave Savel, CA, Financial Administrator, at 519-433-0658 x222 or [email protected] WINTER 2008 NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON 7 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2>>> able to lead, in meditation, in prayer, in contemplation, to the encounter with Christ, the living Word of God. And, What is the CWL? fi nally, there is “brotherly communion” because to be true By Marie-Th eresa Lamphier and collective spiritual development Christians it will not suffi ce being “those who hear the • to promote the teachings of the word of God” but also those who “put it into practice” (Lk Th e Catholic Women’s League of Canada is a national • to exemplify the Christian ideal in home and 8:21) through love’s labors. In the home of the Word of organization, rooted in Gospel values, calling its family life God we also can meet the brothers and sisters from other members to holiness through service to the people of • to protect the sanctity of human life Churches and Christian communities who, even in division, God.-from their mission statement. • to enhance the role of women in church and live a real unity, if not a full one, through the worship and society love for the divine Word. Th e London Diocesan Council is part of the Catholic • to recognize the human dignity of all people Women’s League of Canada (CWL or the League). everywhere Th us we reach the last image of the spiritual map. It is the Th e formation of the CWL was in response to a call by • to uphold and defend Christian education and road the Word of God walks upon: Go, therefore, make Bishop Emile Legal, O.M.I. of Edmonton in the early value in the modern world disciples of all nations [...] and teach them to observe all part of the 20th century as he recognized the need for • to contribute to the understanding and growth the commands I gave you...what you hear in whispers, pro- organized assistance for immigrant women fi nding of religious freedom, social justice, peace and claim from the housetops” (Mt 28:19-20; 10:27). Th e Word their way to western cities. Th e object was to provide harmony. of God must run through the world’s streets which today protection and support to these women seeking are also those of computer, television and virtual commu- work. Th e movement gradually spread to other Membership nication. Th e Bible must enter into families so that parents major centers across Canada. In 1920, these groups Please contact your local parish council, Patricia and children read it, pray with it and that it may be their met in and a national group was formally Rivest, Diocesan President at 519-326-1388, or lamp for the steps on the way to existence (cf. Ps 119:105). established with Miss Bellelle Guerin of Montreal Marie-Th eresa Lamphier at 519-798-3397. To be a Th e Holy Scriptures must also enter into the schools and in elected fi rst National president. member of the League you must be 16 years of age or the cultural areas because for centuries they were the main older, and pay a membership fee (varies by council, reference for art, literature, music, thinking and the same Most Rev. M. F. Fallon, Bishop of London at the time, approximately $15–$20). Membership includes “Th e common moral. Th eir symbolic, poetic and narrative rich- attended the meeting, and upon his return, made Canadian League Magazine” published three times/ ness makes them a banner of beauty for faith as well as for arrangements for the organizing of the councils year and eligibility to hold offi ce at the parish level. culture, in a world often scarred by ugliness and lowliness. throughout the diocese. Mrs. B.C. McCann of London Associate members cannot hold offi ce. organized the fi rst subdivision/ However, the Bible also shows us the breath of pain that council in 1920 at St. Patrick’s rises from the earth, goes towards the cry from the op- Cathedral. Th e fi rst Diocesan pressed and the laments of the miserable. At the summit it convention was held in London in has the cross where Christ, alone and abandoned, lives the October 1921. Snowbound: tragedy of the most atrocious suff ering and death. Because The Church of of this presence of the Son of God, the darkness of evil and Th e activities of the League, since Good Shepherd death is irradiated by the Paschal light and by the hope of its original purpose of aiding in Black Tickle, glory. But on the roads of the world, the brothers and sisters immigrants, have broadened and, in Newfoundland and Labrador. of other Churches and Christian communities walk with recent years, the emphasis has been us also, even while divided, live a real unity if not a full one, on issues concerning the sanctity of through the worship and love for the Word of God. Along the life from conception to natural the paths of the world we often meet men and women of death, social justice, human dignity, other religions that listen and faithfully practice the com- the preservation of Christian family mands of their holy books and who, with us, can build a life and the concept of a preferential world of peace and light, because God “wants everyone to option for the poor. be saved and reach full knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4). Structure of the League Celebrating Dear brothers and sisters, guard the Bible in your houses, Spiritual growth is at the very heart of the League and the essence of its fully read, study and understand its pages, transform them existence. Th e spiritual dimension into prayer and witness of life, listen to it with love and 100 years sets us apart from all other women’s faith in the liturgy. Create the silence to eff ectively hear the organizations. Membership consists Word of the Lord and hold a silence after the listening, be- of Catholic missionary of Active Members and Associate cause it will continue to dwell, live and speak to you. Make members (Non-Catholics) and the work in Canada it resound at the beginning of your day so that God will League is composed of four levels have the fi rst word and let it echo in you in the evenings so Parish, Diocesan, Provincial and that the last word will be God’s. Please fill in the form below and get a free National. Diocesan, Provincial and subscription to In Canada National are administrative councils Magazine. Please visit our website at “And now I commend you to God and to the word of his that provide the direction, inspiration . 1908 - 2008 www.cmic.info grace” (Ac 20:32). With the same expression used by Saint and encouragement required to carry Paul in his farewell speech to the heads of the Church in out the programs and projects of Name Ephesus, also the Synodal Fathers entrust the faithful of the League. Th e Diocese of London Address the communities dispersed throughout the world to the boasts the largest Diocesan Council City Province Postal Code divine word, which is also judgment but above all grace, in Canada with more than 13,000 which cuts like a sword but is sweet as a honeycomb. It is members within 101 parish councils. Tel. No. powerful and glorious and guides us on the roads of history NDL122008 with Jesus’ hand, whom you like us love with an imperish- Objects of the League Mail to: Catholic Missions In Canada able love (cf. Eph 6:24). • to unite Catholic women of 201-1155 Yonge St., , Ontario M4T 1W2 Canada and to achieve individual TEL: (416) 934-3424 TOLL FREE:1(866) YES-CMIC(937-2642) NEWSLETTER OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON WINTER 2008 8 Th ree Books to Add to Your Library

Gather up the Fragments: A History of the Diocese of London Preaching the Church’s Social Doctrine Th e most comprehensive history ever Detailed profi les of every parish and gathered about the Catholic faith in mission in the diocese tell the story of Fr. Mike Ryan may be retired but his remarkable teaching goes on. Preach- Southwestern Ontario, “Gather up the how and why each was founded and the ing the Church’s Social Doctrine, (Woodslee, ON, Solidarity Books, 2008, Fragments: A History of the Diocese of important role the faithful play in each 143 pp.) is a clearly written series of homilies for the Sunday Lectionary London,” tells the story of the faith of the and every one. readings for Years A (Matthew), B (Mark), and C (Luke). Chapter 2 is a people of God who have promoted the unique mini-course in Logic so that we can “think ourselves clear” when we mission of Jesus since the founding of the Also captured are the stories of every preach. Th is is extremely useful in a world that loves to “fuzzify” the truth! diocese in 1856. religious order that has been present in Each homily begins with a humorous story. He then gives a solid, insight- the diocese along with various diocesan ful nugget regarding the scriptures of the day. Th e pièce de resistance comes Th e history has been told in many ways organizations. with a social justice theme or principle presented in a way that makes it over the years, through the eyes of bishops, personally “doable” and religious men Th e creation of this 400- without turning anyone and women, ppage volume was the off . For my money, this parish priests rresult of the hard work of a is the best treat in the and Catholics nnumber of people, includ- book. throughout the ingin well-known historian area, but never aand writer, Power; Reviewed by Rev. M. before has a lolocal London historian Prieur. comprehensive aand retired teacher, Daniel history brought BBrock; and a host of con- together these tributorst working with an Ordering Information earlier pub- eeditorial team from across Contact M.T. Ryan, lished works, tthe diocese. 1688 County Rd. 46, never-seen R.R. 1, Woodslee, ON, unpublished OrderingO information N0R 1V0. Cost: $10 works, fresh SimplyS complete the order each, plus $2.50 postage original formf on this page, complete with bulk rates. No post- research in paymentp option (cheque or age charge for more than the diocesan, moneym order; sorry, no credit 10 copies. parochial and cards)c and choose one of the institutional followingf options: archives as well as material from other archives across Mail order form and payment to Diocese On Creaking Ships Ontario. of London, Attn: History Book Orders, 1070 Waterloo Street, London, ON N6A Jack and Louise Boyde have written a most readable family history On Relive history by reading the story from 3Y2 Creaking Ships (Windsor, ON, Cranberry Tree Press, 2008). If you enjoy when the fi rst mission was established in Irish humor and lore, then reading about Gleesons, Flannerys, McGraths, 1748 by Father Armand de La Richardie, You may also bring order form and pay- Ryans, McIntyres, McEnerys and Windsor Boydes will regale you con- until the sheer numbers of Catholics in ment to the Diocese of London Chancery stantly. Of special interest are the vignettes of some of the ordained “giants” the area necessitated the creation of the Offi ce 1070 Waterloo Street, London, ON of yesteryear, like Bishop Fallon, Msgr. Austin Roney, Msgr. John “Pippy” diocese of London in 1856, with 12 priests (M-F: 8:30 am-Noon, 1-4:30 pm) Rooney, Msgr. West Th omas Flannery, Fr. Gleeson, and Fr. Ernest serving 30,000 faithful. For more information about the history JosephJ Lajeunesse, C.S.B. Jack’sJ father, John R. Boyde, Th e biography of each of the ten bishops of the diocese, contact Ms Debra Majer, wasw one of the architects of is told with great detail and fi lled with Assitant Archivist for the Diocese of Lon- St.S Peter’s Seminary, Brescia historical perspective. don, at 519-433-0658 x242. Hall,H and Holy Name of Mary ChurchC in Windsor, ON. Th e Order Form ______book’sb breezy, witty and co- Phone (with area code) gentlyg earthy style will give you Yes, I would like "Gather up the Fragments: A History of the Diocese of London." Cost is pleasantp hours of relaxed and $45 each (includes PST and GST) plus ship- ______informedin local history. You will ping and handling of $7 per copy. E-mail notn be bored! Copies Costs Amount ______ReviewedR by Rev. M. Prieur. Name x $45 each $ OrderingO Information ContactC Jack Boyde at ______x $7 each s/h $ Address [email protected] or 519- 7735-2193. Cost: $25 including ______Total $ postagep and shipping City Province Postal Code