Mission Appeal Yesterday by Deacon Rory desmond of the Diocese of Miao

On occasion I will watch a documentary regarding missionary work. My interest is of course religion and how it affects people all over the world. This is important in my work. Yesterday at mass I listened to Deacon Rory. I didn't quite know what to make of him. He was praising the altar men and their families. I thought that perhaps he was trying to recruit young men for his cause. A Deacon is not a Priest. Normally, he can be moved forward to becoming a Priest. Women are not allowed to be Deacons in the Catholic Church. He began talking about a small place in the Himalays (India). He said that there have been Roman Catholics there for forty years. If you type out the Deacon's name you will get more information. I have read some, but want to talk more about what I did not see. He said that at the time the tribe which is considered lower than the lowest Caste in India had no choice but to be Hindu. Through missionary work, the tribe learned about the Catholic faith and converted. This wasn't allowed and the punishment was death. However, the tribe protested in large amounts and so the women and children were gathered by the military (who are in charge) and tortured. The children and women began to recite the rosary during the torture to a point where the army men believed their God was too powerful. Long story made short, they were left alone. Actually if you want to hear him, you can look up utube and paste St John Bosco Church, 0900 Italian mass and fast forward to where he talks. I didn't take notes and so please note that any errors are my own. Since, of course I was thinking about religion, different perspectives, torture and culture. We don't learn do we? I was also thinking about wars and the anti Israel protests and the requests about no affiliation with the University in Israel. I was thinking about how old men would go out to the wilderness etc.....all alone to think. Of course, I like to think and relax in my backyard. The idea of going anywhere where I couldn't have my coffee shops well.................I remembered a conversation with a Chinese student I liked. He was trying to convince me that China had to protect itself against Religion. There was a protest of the Tibet people going on at the time. He rationalized asking me to imagine if a religion gained popularity in advance numbers, what that could do to the stability of maintaining the function of the Chinese government. Though I didn't agree with him, I did understand his perspective. That is the arena of universities - dialogue, knowledge, research, thought etc....I have listened to research from countries throughout the world regardless of the politics because academics are a culture of knowledge, hope etc.....I could easily understand how people who are considered the lowest of the lowest within their own country would want to believe in a God who offers them equal status. The Catholic Church has taken care of them with medicine and education. This is what the talk was about. The Deacon was asking for funds from us to help them. I have known many people from India, mostly those I attended school with. I was even asked to go to work in India but how can I do that? I have to admit, I like my comforts and coffee and you are beginning to note is one big one. I was also asked when I was going to UofT by a class mate if I was interested in working with the poor in Kentucky. There would be very little pay but I would have room and board. She explained how mothers would give their babies coke to drink and there was an attempt to educate. Well, of course I said no, even though I love the States and love mountains, but little pay? I am no St Therisa. Is that a weakness? I don't think so. There are always requests to go help people all over the place on my own dime. What I see is a failure for countries failing their own people. We are hurting a bit now in our own country which I never saw before but again this seems to be a trend. Look up the Urban Planner, a Canadian who travels throughout the world watching the people losing their homes and this becoming a big market for the rich to build luxury homes/condos. I see that it has started here. A social worker was telling me how sad it was for her to see seniors on the street, homeless and unable to take care of themselves. Did I ever think I would see this in my own country? Never in a million years. However, I do see hope, because the people are beginning to see what is going on and different levels of government need to pay attention because we live in a democratic society. As a therapist I have been in awe of people who come to me because of torture regarding the refusal of changing their religion. Women who are raped and tortured because they believe in Jesus. They refuse to deny their faith and take another. They are braver than me. I would tell the bozos anything they want to hear because I have no respect for them. However, I would be praying for help at the same time. However, we don't always get it right at how we will react in a crises. I have surprised myself at times. I have seen men and women from various religions who suffer. Here in Canada they can practise their faith. This needs to be preserved and respected. This is part of our democracy. I will consider this as thoughts of the week. Have a good one. It will be a good pace for me. Find your own safe place where you can relax. What do you think?

What have I been up to?

Happy belated Canada Day and America, Happy Independence Day! In the summer time fewer people need my help because in general people feel better in the summer. It has been so hot in Toronto that I can only deal with it in the morning and evening. Otherwise, I am in air conditioning. Yup - and I also read a lot more when I can sit outside. I have to admit, I have been feeling lazy, wanting to play more and work less. I should be loading up photos soon of places to go. I went to my first gay wedding, my first outside wedding and my first Jewish wedding all in one day. Again, I had to travel to the middle of nowhere. Now, if you ever go to a Jewish wedding, bring yourself a thermos of coffee. The brother of the bride whom I know, did his best and couldn't succeed. There was all kind of booze but no coffee bar. Apparently if meat is served, milk won't be and that is why a Jewish friend of mine, said that coffee was not served. That I take my coffee black didn't matter I suppose, but you know what? I got my coffee, by telling my server that if I didn't get my coffee within a half hour, she would not want to see me. She quickly brought me a coffee to go. Only, of course I stayed. There was red wine and white wine and all kinds of spirits. However, I was driving. Don't drink and drive people. It doesn't take much for me get drunk and that is exactly what happened when a friend of mine who has cancer came over. We each had two drinks of wine and that is all it took, because I guess we don't drink that much. I blurted out that my friend could not die because I am running out of friends. That caused a lot of laughter. So, say a prayer please for my friend. I debated what I was going to do Canada Day but decided that this year I would stay home with Mr Attitude. He is 100 years old in cat years apparently. We are getting old together. He is getting more annoying but I cannot imagine him gone. I didn't even want pets, but boy did I get attached with this little guy no one wanted and his two adopted siblings no one wanted because they were so wild. Holy Terror died and so did Misty girl. So, I spent the night on Canada Day watching the fireworks from my room. The little guy is scared of fireworks so the airconditioning is on and all the windows closed, because my neighbourhood invests in lots of fireworks. When my little guy goes to pet heaven, I shall soothe myself by going on a great vacation. I have been looking at trips and real estate for years but the little guy who hisses at big dogs and house cleaners, is a priority. He hates people and animals. Now that he is older he doesn't hide but challenges so I need to be careful. No more cleaners or new visitors. I have to hope he stays away from my office. I want to have as much fun as possible while still maintaining my responsibilities. That is all for this week, but I shall continue with all my saga next week, you will once again get my work on theology, therapy and writers corner. For now, have fun this week, try something new but stay out of trouble. Good talk. If you want a suspense spooky book, order mine at www.silvaredigonda.ca What are you waiting for - Ominous - released for the first time this year. Feel free to make positive comments on any of my books. Again, I am available to book clubs etc...I actually, unlike my pet, like people. What? You don't like my book?????????? Where's my violin? Next book event is 24th of Aug 24 at the Coptic Centre in Mississauga. They are nice to me. Later.

Writers Corner

Last night I attended a talk with the Sisters of Crime for about an hour plus. It started late, but I thought I was having difficulty getting on which was frustrating. It was held by the States and I have to admit, I attend theirs more than in Canada. It’s all good. The discussion was about the Ins and Outs of Distribution. They talked about getting books into their libraries. I think it is easier here in Canada and should apply. They talked about audio books which is something to think about. They talked about Amazon which I no longer use because having used Canada Amazon continues to be a nightmare. I had to close off and decline all payment because they just ignore that the site is closed. If you have to do everything on line, than you should provide easy access and verifications. So using Amazon is out of the question. The USA was good but Canada and Mexico is still trying to rip me off. This gets tiresome. They talked about Indie book stores. When I wrote my first book, I travelled to all my bookstores and of course it was Hey Guy Buy Me. You see my problem has always been time. I have to pick and choose what is best. Work smart, not hard is the best advice I ever got in university. I need to apply it. They talked about book clubs. Ok, if you are reading this, I am available to book clubs. The great advice the sisters gave is do one thing at a time or it can get overwhelming. Yup! As an independent writer I become a publisher for my own books - Yup. So, I am going to say good-bye now. They also said other stuff which I don’t do and don’t think it is good to share, so I won’t. Oh, the one thing they said which I have heard before is to have your own web site. Mine is www.silvaredigonda.ca . They said it is best not to be dependent on other web sites. I agree. So, if you want to buy one of my books, check out www.silvaredigonda.ca If you have problems ordering a book contact me and I will ship anywhere in the world and will tell you the costs before delivery. Please do not contact me for any other reasons. I am simply not interested. I have heard it all. I am a famous actor, a surgeon, a professor, a politician………………I am not impressed. Selling books only people. Good talk.

Mental Health Crises Management and Suicide Prevention by Crystal Bell, EHN notes

Suicide 85% to 95% are diagnosed with a mental disorder such as Bi Polar and Depression. Male rate is higher than female, but female attempt more. Ethnicity - Suicide is higher among First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities. LGBTQ community is four times more likely to attempt suicide. Hopelessness is more of a risk than depression. Call 988 suicide prevention line across Canada. Goal: what to gain in therapy. Suicide First Aid - Canada; Mental Health Commissioner Canada Safety Plan; Mental Health APPS; CALM app. When I see someone who informs me of suicide thoughts, I ask if they imagine how they will commit it, if they ever had before, if there is a history of suicide in the family, and if they have a plan. Some have had these thoughts since childhood and they have never shared it with anyone. I normally ask them to share with their parents or someone close that they trust and normally once they do, this makes a big difference. They no longer have to carry this burden alone. I also suggest a support group, mindfulness and continued therapy. Normally, I also ask them when their last physical was and ask that they have a full examination. At times some need medication for a disorder they may have stopped taking. I usually recommend a psychiatrist for a diagnosis, since they can also provide medication if needed. There are so many people living in isolation and feeling very sad and lonely. I encourage joining activities which they enjoy and exercise. The most who commit suicide are elderly men. Keep this in mind. And if a person has been talking suicide and suddenly seems all well, be careful. This may be indicative that the person has sorted out their affairs and is ready to die.

Eschatology - Theology notes continue

Vatican 2 - reign of God bigger than Church. The effect of this hellenism. What happens to the body? It becomes more individual than historical. “Resurrected body” lives forever and soul. Zen - mind and body is one. Affirmation of the created order. Mind, body and spirit is to the Eastern Church. Augustine - Western Church. Inner hell is separation of God. Apokatastasis - The restoration of all things. The restoration of the world order. Holy Saturday - when Christians celebrate dissension to hell. Opens up a temporary hell. Purgatory develops gradually and then in the middle ages. Augustine - accumulated etc philosophical, scripture etc. Distinction between time and eternity (no temporal time of eternity). Freedom from temporal times so Angels can be at different times and places. 15th century or 16th, Mystic Spain in convent. King of Spain would go to spiritual counsellor. Over in New World in New Mexico Mary, is appearing to them at the same time (bio location) Maria of Agrippa. Father Pio battled with Demons. 1000 year Kingdom - Good News, Armageddon - Satan will be released after - Augustine’s belief. In the Middle Ages started to associate the visible Church with the City of God. In the Middle Ages - a lot of structures, universities, hospitals and orphanages. All had their structures in the Middle Ages. Tritheism is when you separate the three persons in the Spirit. Book of Revelation: Father - Old Testament - Obedience, respect. Son - faith - obedience. Spirit - motifs are love and spirit, the new born and reborn. Joachim - How do I listen to other religions with the spirit of the Holy Spirit? Predestination does not = foreknowledge. Example - God knows what I am going to choose. Soul while waiting for resurrection does participate. Is resurrection immediate? Dante - No proof his visions were real, but he insisted it was a vision. Seven deadly sins: pride, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony, lust, envy. Earthly falling in love: Heavenly falling in love. There is an implicit message that to go to heaven, we must understand hell. Luther - will focus on one aspect that parallels Dante. After the Middle Ages decline of the Church - shifts from geographical to emotional. Despair vs hell near Despair vs Purgatory. Heaven - security. Hell is living with despair with no work. The important thing is we can get stuck that these are places rather than states. Church exists on Earth, in Purgatory and in heaven - Communion of Saints. We don’t know. It’s possible the people in Purgatory cannot get themselves out. There is no reference to a condition of Heaven in Hell. The Council of Trent was the first major counsel. Vatican 11, Militant changed to pilgrimage - a journey - the image is changed. Mark - If say Jesus is evil it is unforgivable. To be continued with Looking at connection between Jesus Resurrection and the rest of the world.

tid bits for you

I was at Stratford this week and as the time before, it is a wonderful place to be at. I recommend it. Great food, great plays and wonderful shops to browse or buy. If you haven't been there, please go. Now for some serious stuff. UNICEF reports that 30 million women and girls most of them African, have undergone genital mutilation since 2016. This deprives women of sexual pleasure. On a more positive note: The World Wildlife Foundation which I read on CSA news, reports that about five per cent of animal species and 90 percent of birds mate for life with the same partners. Some are: Canada Geese, Bald Eagles, Barn owls, Swans, Vultures, Gray wolves, Atlantic Pufins, Coyotes, Seahorses, beavers, Prairie Wolves, Red Foxes and of course Turtledoves among others. CSA also reported that with 50% of the Canadian population having a post secondary education, Canada is ranked the most educated country in the world. Canada produces 80% of the world's supply of maple syrup. I love our syrup which is a staple in my home. Canada is the number one doughnut consumer in the world (yup. I have contributed to that). The snow blower was invented by Canadian Arthur Sicard in 1927 - you are welcome people. There is more of course, but that is enough bragging for today. I wish you all a wonderful weekend. Don't hesitate to order one of my books at https://silvaredigonda.ca I am also at redigondapsychotherapy.com Good talk....

Festival of Authors www.silvaredigonda.ca

The weather was almost perfect. It was sunny and cool with a breeze that would encourage my poster to fly, but thanks to a wonderful volunteer or two

we remained grounded. There weren't as many people as I had expected because I am used to Word on The Street which is enormous. However, I faced an open area and so had fresh air all day. I met some wonderful authors and as always they have a generous spirit. My next event is 24 Aug 24 in Mississauga.