Relics are definitely a Catholic “event.” I am not really sure if other religions have them. This photo is taken at the Martyr’s Shrine in Midland, ON and is the remaining part of the skull of St. Jean de Brébeuf. I have yet to duly process my visit to the Shrine, Ste-Marie Among the Hurons, and St. Ignace. I know that something has changed within me from being there. I am just not sure exactly what it is. I am drawn to returning at some point and doing a more prayerful walk through all three sites.
I watch the news events lately and feel so conflicted about wanting to leave everything in order to return to East Africa to assist with the drought-stricken areas. A real part of me feels that my calling is elsewhere and it unsettles me sometimes with its tenacity. Was that what drove Brébeuf and his companions to give without counting the cost? That phrase seems so stuck in my mind. That may be a permanent change for me. Can I learn to give freely, even when the cost is so great?
The Jesuits and the donnés (laity) were all tortured and killed for their beliefs. I am sure they must have experienced great fear and much trepidation at times. The story goes that Brébeuf never let out a scream as the Iroquois mutilated him and so they ate his heart, believing that they would gain his courage. I find myself wondering for what or for whom would I be willing to lay my life down. I think about my experience in Eastern DRC and wonder about what could have happened and how things might have played out. I did not really have much courage.
My travels this summer have changed me. The seeing of the sights are not what linger so much as the Spirit that I encountered in the places I visited. I will grow into the lessons yet to learn. I know that the unsettledness is a good thing. The ideas that are percolating are deep. The outcome will be a cup that I hope I am ready to drink.
Peace,
Suzanne
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