The Trudeau government has announced that they will put forward a new national climate strategy for Canada before the end of 2016. We commend the Government on this important endeavour. Environment Minister McKenna has invited Canadians to participate in crafting the principles of this important plan of action. It has been suggested by the Government that Members of Parliament could lead Town Halls on this topic in their ridings. This is our chance to raise our voice in support of the principles and values that formed our commitment to the Corporate Stance on Climate and it is an important part of the follow-up to the promise made in the Stance of supporting the Government Parties to the Agreement in implementing the commitments made in Paris.
From March 28 to April 12, 2016, upon an invitation from Sister Kyoko Terashima, the author of this text met with the teachers and directors of the teaching establishments of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame in Japan as well as the sisters and associates. In Fukushima, Kita Kyushu (Tobata) and Tokyo (Chofu), he gave six presentations of a conference entitled Marguerite Bourgeoys, 1620-1700. Liberating Education for Everyone, Everywhere. The presentation was given in English with simultaneous Japanese translation graciously provided by Sister Terashima. During this period, accompanied by Sister Mary Gillis, he visited Nagasaki, the birthplace of Christianity in Japan.
The Ignatian Centre of Montreal sponsored a workshop given by Philip Chircop, sj at Loyola High School. Friday evening and all day Saturday, 55 grateful people (including Peg and Carl Madigan, Maura McGrath, Kay Duffin and myself) listened, reflected and prayed together in an atmosphere more like a retreat than a workshop. The theme: Practicing Mercy. Scripture passages (especially Luke 15), quotes from Pope Francis, inspirational music and periods of silence all combined to nourish our minds, hearts and spirits. The Eucharistic celebration which brought our time together to a close was especially moving. We were sent forth, as were the disciples on the first Pentecost, to share the good news of our God, ”Whose name is Mercy.”
