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April 24, 2020
Dear Friends:
Greetings from this "Sanctuary of Trees" to all who are sheltering in place or working to tend to the safety and care of others. We mark the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day this week...a lovely moment to offer our hope that in some way, you find shelter for your spirit in earth's healing gifts.
One of the Easter stories reminds us beautifully that the place and moment where we are connected to all life, with all its messiness and fragility, with all its vulnerability and travail...is sacred.
The weeping Mary Magdalene recognized the Risen Jesus as a Gardener. Rembrandt even portrays him with a straw hat and a hoe! He was indeed the gardener who brings forth newness from the rich soil of our hearts, who cherishes the beauty of our lives, and is faithful in tending to our needs. Even as we may weep over the grief of this moment, we may hear Him in quiet times saying our name with enduring and merciful love. He promises that earth will be recreated in the love we offer one another, in our families and neighborhoods and in the farthest reaches of our suffering planet.
All of us at Cranaleith continue to miss you and pray for you during these anxious times. In the same way a garden can be a place of reflection and rest, prayer and play, below you will find opportunities to grow and be renewed.
Are there "garden experiences" that nurture you? Are there surprising gifts you find springing up in the city? We invite you to share them via email info@cranaleith.org. We will post them to encourage one another as "Faithful Gardeners."
The Cranaleith Staff
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Retreat From Home
In this time of COVID-19 when physical distancing is the order of the day, Cranaleith is offering new programs online via Zoom
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Below, you will find a range of programs for May to bring us closer together in spirit. Go to our online Calendar for more information and to register:
The Paschal Mystery: Living the Resurrection
Wednesday, May 6, 2020, 6:30-8:30
Contemplative Prayer
Monday, May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2020, 7-8 p.m.
Knit, Crochet, Pray Together
Tuesday, May 5, 12, 19, 26, 2020, 1-2:30 pm.
Because it is Good to Play - Coloring and Reflection (for Adults)
Monday May 18, 1:30-3 p.m. or Thursday, May 21, 7-8:30 p.m.
Because it is Good to Play - Coloring and Reflection (for Families)
Friday, May 22, 2:30-4 p.m.
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A Special Blog for Earth Day
By
Leslie Porreca, RSM
Thinking about these days and how at times we are drawn to the edge, the edge in nature that is, in the liminal spaces or to use a Celtic term the thin places. To me, these special places are invitations for contemplation of how God reveals God's self in creation. How can you use this time to contemplate creation and the gift of nature that has helped be a steady companion? Is there an invitation to live differently when life does reopen?
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Most of our staff are working from home and our property is currently closed to visitors. Yet, a few others continue at Cranaleith
while maintaining social distancing. Gene Gourley, our groundskeeper, tends to the ongoing care and maintenance our land and gardens. He can be seen here year- round through all weather conditions. There is no part of the property he has not touched with his loving hand. On this Earth Day we recognize him and are grateful of for his commitment.
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Resources from Home
Earth Day Resources
Spiritual Direction
Connect With Us Online
Get daily prayers, reflections, blog posts and images from our beautiful property via our website and social media channels.
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Praise be the birds who continue to sing the sky awake each day. Praise for the primrose poking yellow petals from dark earth. Blessed is the air clearing overhead so one day we can breathe deeply again.
And when this has passed, may we say that love spread more quickly than any virus ever could.
May we say this was not just an ending but also a place to begin." -- Christine Paintners
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Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Cranaleith offers a contemplative space for all those seeking wholeness and transformation for themselves and society. We are committed to making Cranaleith accessible to all, especially to persons who are poor and those who work in solidarity with them. We invite those at the center of need and those at the center of influence to reflection, reverent dialogue and meaningful partnerships. Please help us support our work.
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Cranaleith Spiritual Center | 13475 Proctor Road | Phila., PA 19116 |
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