Support for Ukraine I received via email

Press Release For Immediate Release – February 28, 2022 Statement on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada (ACCUC) is both dismayed and horrified to learn of the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia. This illegal invasion has already resulted in needless violence, displacement, and death. The conflict is escalating quickly resulting in further casualties and destruction. At this dire hour, the ACCUC stands with the people of Ukraine and offers our prayers for an immediate resolution to this conflict. We call upon the Russian government to cease its incursion into Ukraine and return to Russian territory forthwith. We also call upon both parties to meet at the negotiation table and discuss a peaceful solution in the spirit of good faith. It is our prayer that a resolution be achieved that will preserve human life and dignity. In the Beatitudes, Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, taught that those who promote peace are truly the children of God. We must all be children of God by turning away from violence and war. We invoke St. Francis of Assisi by asking him to pray to God so that all people are made instruments of peace. About Us The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada (ACCUC) is an organization of Roman Catholic postsecondary academic institutions located across Canada. The ACCUC acts as the official voice for Catholic higher learning in Canada, as it seeks to spread “the spirit of learning” throughout the country. Sincerely, Peter Meehan, Ed.D. Chair, ACCUC President and Vice-Chancellor, St. Jerome’s University, Waterloo John Cappucci, Ph.D. Vice-Chair, ACCUC Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Assumption University, Windsor Christopher Adams, Ph.D. Immediate Past Chair, ACCUC Rector, St. Paul’s College, Winnipeg Chantal Beauvais, Ph.D. Rectrice, Université Saint Paul/Saint Paul University, Ottawa Shawn Flynn, Ph.D. President, St. Joseph’s College, Edmonton Lauretta Frederking, Ph.D. President, Brescia University College, London Sami Helewa, S.J., Ph.D. President, Campion College, Regina Michael Higgins, Ph.D. Principal, St. Mark’s College, Vancouver President, Corpus Christi College, Vancouver Most Rev. Wayne Kirkpatrick CCCB Liaison to ACCUC Bishop of Antigonish David Malloy, PhD President, King’s University College, London Dawn Russell, Q.C. President and Vice-Chancellor, St. Thomas University, Fredericton Carl Still, Ph.D. President, St. Thomas More College, Saskatoon David Sylvester, Ph.D. President and Vice-Chancellor, University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto Gerry Turcotte, Ph.D. President and Vice-Chancellor, St. Mary’s University, Calgary Jason West, Ph.D. President, Newman Theological College, Edmonton Thomas Worcester, S.J., Ph.D. President, Regis College, Toronto

Ethics - Theology notes cont………

The cognitional theory of Bernard Lonergan - Jesuit Priest famous theologian especially in moral theology is buried in Guelph (I was there during the seminar at Guelph University where I went to visit my old friend who died. Since then another good friend and mentor died from COVID). Lonergan offered a practical approach to ethics - when we discern we need to look at the whole notion of 1. Experience is the beginning of knowledge 2. Assume that there is “something out there” that can be known. 3. Understanding - “to see into it”. When we? We trust our God. Understanding puts the separate parts of the data into some kind of order so we can begin to grasp the whole of what is given. In grappling with this we come to insight; A new way of seeing what we have experienced. Is it so? The adequacy of truth. Does our understanding reflect reasonably the reality of what we have experienced? To answer these questions is to make a judgement necessary for deciding and acting. 4. Continuing refinement. No separation of the knowing subject from the object known. Tomorrow I shall be attending a seminar on Moral Distress, Burn Out and additional burden COVID 19. Feel free to always share your views.

A Message from the Ukraine President to the People of Russia. I am so grateful for the integrity and bravery of this man and his people

Vladimir Putin's Long Shadow - the fifth estate

Black History Month

Black History month is coming to an end. I’ve been watching movies and documentaries and would like to share some thoughts and shows which may be of interest to you. I think what touched me the most was “Women of the Movement-Mother and Son.” It was a short series of movies and back to back documentaries within the same time span. I would watch the segment of the movie and then watch the bio. It was very interesting seeing how the characters were portrayed which was very accurate. This is about a 14 year old boy who was beaten and killed for whistling at a woman. It is about a child, Emmett Till who travels to the South from Chicago for a summer vacation. It is unbelievable that the culprits were found not guilty. The woman who accused the boy and complained to her husband and brought about all this to happen is still alive today. The men responsible for killing the child also admitted after being found not guilty that they did kill the child and had a right to do so and to live in segregation. They believed this to be “freedom.” If someone is confused about what freedom means watch the news about what is happening in Ukraine. I also watched the documentary of singer Josephine Baker who adopted 12 children. She became a famous entertainer and was befriended by Grace Kelly who observed her not being served in an elite restaurant in New York because she was black. Ms Baker was accepted in France and also served in the Second War providing her with a full military funeral service. I am trying to not give too much away because again this is worth watching. Another documentary I watched is The Gospel According to Andre. It is about “the life and career of fashion journalist Andre Leon Talley, from his childhood in the segregated South to his iconic, barrier-breaking work at Women’s Wear Daily, W and Vogue.” The one thing that struck me in watching this was when it is brought to his attention that a woman in his circles in France refers to him behind his back as the queen gorilla. I hope she watches this documentary and recognizes the hurt she caused and perhaps can see how painful words can be. Change is always possible. Underground Railroad: The Secret History, Ep 1, is “retracing the steps of freedom seekers escaping on the Underground Railroad. Archaeologists use high tech to explore a Florida fort that was nearly erased from history.” I never thought of people trying to escape to Mexico, only Canada, so this was most interesting to me. Mexico was less concerned about one’s skin colour. I was very happy to see a documentary of Toni Morrison: The Pieces I am. I have not completed watching this but I am excited about her. I paused where she is teaching students not to write about what they know as you often hear because they don’t know anything. I could not help laughing at that point. She wants them to “invent.” What I found absurd here was how one critic wrote she would never become famous or words to that effect because she only writes about black people. I studied a few of her books in University when taking a break from Psychology. Watching this documentary where she is the speaker is a treat and another learning experience. What do you think?

Putin invading Ukraine is shameful

I remember my mom telling me about my grandmother in Switzerland crying while she listened to the news about Hitler and what was happening at the onset of war. That is what came to my memory as I felt a tear rolling down my face as I watched the bombing of Ukraine. Last night there was a protest at City Hall with Ukraine Canadians and supporters. They were suffering. Then there was a Russian citizen being interviewed in Toronto and she was visibly shaken with the horrible attacks on Ukraine. She said she was ashamed. Shame is something I hear alot from people in my work. They suffer shame which is normally misplaced. The shame belongs to those who abuse. In my home town Toronto, we have people living here who come from all over the world. We live relatively in peace. There are always those who threaten that peace and that is why we need to be united in caring for each other. There are Russians protesting as well in their native land and we must be mindful that all people suffer when there is dictatorship. When there is an invasion we must do our best to unite to prevent this because it is the right thing to do. We need to be mindful that we do live in dangerous times. Our democracy is probably most threatened during these days. It is fragile and so many have died to protect that freedom. During wars there is a habit of blaming all the people from the country attacking. I have seen the suffering of that as well. This is the actions of a dictator. Russia has suffered greatly by dictatorship. Forever the optimist, I believe that united we can destroy the actions of this person. I just hope we do it in time. Have a good weekend. Keep balancing your life as much as possible. Help others when you can. I am always in awe that in the most difficult of times, there are those who contribute so much as individuals coming together. What do you think? Next week I will like to talk a bit about black history month before it is gone and then continue with notes of seminars and my ethic notes. As I watch the snow falling, I know I shall have to go out and clear it. It is so pretty and pure when it falls. Too bad it does not clear on its own. Bye for now.

The Internet Murders Continues https://www.silvaredigonda.ca

“Fr. Francis sat looking at his tea. He didn’t even like tea. Mrs. Delany knew he drank coffee. Why did she make him tea? He looked up to see Mrs. Delany hovering over him, making a fuss. “Mrs. Delany, please sit down.” “Yes, Father.” He felt himself returning to some semblance of normality, whatever that was. He did not think he would ever feel normal again. Mrs. Delany had been in a whirl about what had happened to poor old Fr. Brown. She herself had been working at the church for forty years, and Fr. Brown, well he had been visiting the Church before then, she was sure. Fr. Brown was like a real father to Fr. Francis. Fr. Francis would call other priests by their first name, but not Fr. Brown. He always called him Father and there was always warmth in his voice. “Please let me make you some eggs. They are fresh from the local farmers. One of the parishioners brought them in a few days ago for you. I have some nice pea-meal bacon and hash brown potatoes, just like you like them, Father.” “Mrs. Delany, please make me some coffee and let me alone for a bit. I am not hungry!” He immediately regretted his tone. He heard her respond and mutter to herself. He realized that he loved this beautiful old soul. She was so selfless. He gazed at her and watched her as she hobbled along to make coffee. “Of course.” She repeated.” Excerpt From: Silva Redigonda. “The Internet Murders.” Apple Books.