A light can finally shine again at Tabor Court assisted living residence in Abbotsford.
I was elated when we got news that our Grade 5 students at St. James and St. Ann’s Elementary can again visit residents.
A program that we started with prior to the COVID-mandated lockdown once again brings students on afternoon visits with seniors to share stories, bring comfort, and make meaningful connections.
In the classroom, students practise their writing and art as they create letters, drawings, and crafts that they distribute on their visits to the non-profit Christian society. They visit with the residents as part of afternoon recreational activity that offers residents cognitive, social, and spiritual support.
The residents look forward to the students’ visits as they share pictures (some black and white) and family heirlooms that peak the interests of the children. For some, the connection between seniors and young children may fill a void where there may not be a grandparent or grandchild in the picture.
There is so much learning that goes on between the two groups. The seniors feel less lonely which has a positive impact on their moods. Meanwhile the students learn to understand and accept ageing as a natural part of life.
As a result the students are growing in many ways through empathy, awareness, concern, and a closeness to Christ.
Zuzana Lavrikova
Grade 5 teacher
St. James and St. Ann’s Elementary Abbotsford
Re the June 24 story “Kissed by a saint: book and statue project grows from JPII and Mother Teresa encounters in Vancouver”:
I respectfully question the project to memorialize the two “modern saints” who visited Vancouver with larger-than-life-size statues to be placed in the Holy Cathedral front yard.
St. John Paul II is already well memorialized in our city, and I am unsure that the statues, albeit to be made by the hands of skilled professionals, would offer meaningful benefit to Vancouverites.
Had St. Mother Teresa been around, there is no gainsaying that she would be averse to the project, just as she would disapprove of the parks and streets named for her and the full state funeral she was accorded in her country of adoption.
The monies budgeted for such projects might be better used for the uplift and/or relief of the marginalized and vulnerable often seen around the cathedral.
Jude Correa
North Vancouver
(The project is being funded by donations from those who wish to contribute to it – Editor)
Many thanks to The B.C. Catholic for printing my July 24 letter regarding our Little Flower Academy UNgrads of ‘73 Reunion Dinner. Your help in locating our former classmates is much appreciated. Seventeen classmate friends enjoyed reconnecting over dinner in a Vancouver restaurant, and we contacted an additional 26 UNgrads who were unfortunately unable to attend this time.
We UNgrads – so-dubbed by ourselves due to the lack of a Grade 12 class offered during our graduating year – will likely gather again next year.
We are grateful to be able to come together with our shared history and our lasting friendships. We thank LFA for bringing us together 50+ years ago!
Patricia Mulvaney and LFA UNgrads of ‘73 and friends
White Rock
Today I met an old friend who at 88 is still grieving the death of her daughter more than 20 years ago.
A lady sitting beside her, age 98, talked about losing her son a few years ago.
The two-year-old granddaughter of my cousin died of cancer several years ago.
How can mothers ever be consoled? The grief for parents must be tremendous.
In the teachings of the Church we recognize a saint after miracles have happened through their intervention after death. Every small child before the age of reason is in his or her own way a saint.
A small child delights the world and does no harm.
Let us welcome all these babes and toddlers lovingly into our churches. Angels in our midst.
Marianne Werner
Vancouver
I went to see the movie Sound of Freedom with my family and we were all very deeply touched by the message. It is a true story about Tim Ballard and how he left a well-paying job as a federal agent to dedicate his life to freeing children from sexual slavery. The acting is outstanding, especially Jim Caviezel who plays the role of Tim in the movie. His decision to take on this role as well as the role of Jesus in The Passion of the Christ has cost him significantly in his career. God bless him for his courage to put his faith before his personal success. I encourage all Christians and people of faith to support Tim Ballard and his organization The Underground Railway and go to see this movie.
Mary Holtby
Mission
Re “Synod Working Document calls for welcoming Church” (June 26):
In light of the fact that Archbishop Miller has been appointed by the Vatican to the Synod, I am sure he is aware of why many of us are worried. We have noted the activity of the German bishops in their synodal direction.
It certainly is reassuring to have Archbishop Miller appointed for the October sessions as you listed some of the concerning issues to be discussed.
Cecilia von Dehn
Vancouver
Thank you for the June 12 story “Pietra Fitness: more Catholic than Catholic yoga.”
Having studied world religions, I am aware that yoga is a Hindu spiritual practice and that its poses represent a prayer to different Hindu gods and goddesses. For that reason I’ve chosen not to do yoga.
However, I am also aware that as a form of exercise, yoga has helped many people stay healthy and rehabilitate from injuries. I’m so happy to see that there is an alternative that I can feel comfortable with. I’ve signed up, started the 14-day free trial and I’m really enjoying it. The exercises are great and the fact that it’s also a time of prayer is a bonus.
Danielle Renaud
Maple Ridge
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