Serge Bouchard, Québec’s celebrated anthropologist and broadcaster, keen observer of the human heart in many places, passed away suddenly at the young age of 73. I wish in this service to tell a bit of his story, which represents the very best of what our Québec society offers in terms of values and care.
In my generation, fathers, like mine, were sometimes partly occulted figures wrapped up in the business of being the family breadwinner. But whatever generation you are from, who your father was, and even who your grandfather was, has meant a great deal to the person you have become through your own life’s journey.
The great hasidic master Reb Nachman of Breslov taught that the way to happiness is to find the good in others always. Furthermore, he wrote that finding points of goodness in everyone – including ourselves – creates new songs of joy in the world.
My parents love children and were inspired by that love to raise 21 children, 19 of whom were adopted from countries around the world. Then, create a series of South Asian Children’s Homes.
Understanding how the other person thinks is a skill that has become invaluable as I move through phases in life. The easiest way to describe it, is always giving the benefit of the doubt, but also finding a way to locate the missing piece of the puzzle and always being ready to work through a problem together.
Paul Clarke, Executive Director of Action Réfugiés Montréal, discusses the ways in which this small, faith-inspired organization is welcoming refugees to Montreal, including men, women & children.
Professor Blackstock will review the Five Touchstones of Hope needed to improve the lives of Indigenous nations in Canada. The focus is on improving child welfare and the Spirit Bear to witness reconciliation efforts and the need for compensation.
Linton Garner is co-creator, with Dr. Dorothy Williams, of a new curriculum they want to get out in Quebec schools called “The ABC’s of Canadian Black History”, to foster accessible resources and a bibliographic record of the historical presence of Blacks in Canada.
Casey, CUC’s Youth & Young Adult Program & Events Coordinator, explores how the pandemic has been particularly tough for the young, as well as some of the creative & resilient ways that they have managed to transform, all while holding on fast to that which matters most to them.
On Valentine’s Day, lets share our love and our loves through Song and Poetry. Lets chase away the winter blues that are so deep this year. Kerry-Anne, Rob, Ariel and Sionna will sing to us.
