MESSAGE CONCERNING THE PANDEMIC - By Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie OMI

MESSAGE CONCERNING THE PANDEMIC

- By Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie OMI

  National Spiritual Advisor

Archbishop Emeritus Sylvain Lavoie OMI

Along with all the directives and information that have already been sent out by our Vincentian leadership, and on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Oscar Romero, I would like to add a brief reflection on this present Corona virus Covid-19 crisis.

Apparently, the word “crisis” in Chinese has two possible meanings – “escape” or “opportunity,” and it is up to us to determine which of these two meanings will characterize our response. I know it is the latter, which invites us to explore how best to realize that option.

The spiritual writer Jean-Pierre de Caussade, author of Abandonment to Divine Providence, advises living in the present moment, accepting obstacles with love and humility, and encountering God in our day-to-day activities. He also asserts everything which happens is in some sense God’s will, perhaps best expressed by the certitude that God can and does turn everything to the good for those who love God. 

Safe, Secure And Affordable Housing Is A Human Right

Following is reproduced from the Social Justice Committee Newsletter of the SSVP National Council of Canada.
It is written by Jim Paddon, Chair of the National Social Justice Committee.

As we continue to discuss the national campaign theme of safe, secure and affordable housing being a human right, I’d like to focus on the topic of systemic change as it relates to the campaign theme. The systemic change concept is based on the understanding that there is a relationship among many factors which all contribute to a result.

Regarding poverty, we must take a holistic approach and consider all the relative factors that lead to an individual experiencing poverty. If we only address one or two of these factors, the result will likely be that the person continues living in poverty with little or no hope of escaping his or her situation. Our charitable works can address immediate needs such as short-term supply of food but fails to offer any sustainable assistance.

To read more, click on this link:
https://www.ssvp.ca/newsletters/social-justice/changing-times-march-2020

Project Lifesaver - offered by York Regional Police

Photo credit: www.yrp.ca

What is Project Lifesaver?

The York Regional Police Project Lifesaver program combines radio technology with a co-ordinated police response to locate wandering and disoriented loved ones due to Alzheimer's, autism or other conditions or disorders.

How does Project Lifesaver work?

Project Lifesaver participants wear a wristband that emits a tracking signal. The wristband is a one-ounce, battery-operated transmitter that emits an FM radio signal every second, 24 hours a day. These products are supplied directly by Project Lifesaver International.
When caregivers notify York Regional Police their loved one is missing, a Search and Rescue team responds to the area where the person was last seen and utilizes a specialized mobile-location tracking system.

To find out more, including who is eligible and how to apply, click on this link to the York Regional Police web page about Project Lifesaver.