NOVEMBER.  Losses big and small are inevitable experiences in daily life. Birth, growth, decline and death are the natural cycle of all of creation.  For inanimate creatures it may be a painless letting go of one’s place in the sun, or a cataclysmic event. Death and decay are in some instances also a source of renewal of the land.

Extinction is a very serious concern in the animal and plant kingdoms with millions of species facing extinction. For us as humans, created with special capabilities and gifts to love and hurt and forgive, this time of the year is a special gift to remember life and death and their Creator.  For those of us who believe, life is not ended at death but resurrection and reunion are our ultimate hope. The 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic on top of many disastrous effects of climate change has reminded us of the vulnerability of our world and all its creatures.    

If we accept death we can prepare ourselves for it.  Let us not waste energy by dwelling on the distant past. The better we live on this earth, the greater the happiness we will be able to share with our loved ones in heaven. The more we are able to mature and develop in this world, the more gifts will we be able to bring to the heavenly banquet.  AL 258.   Leaving an inhabitable planet to future generations is first and foremost our concern. The issue is one which dramatically affects us, for it has to do with the ultimate meaning of our earthly sojourn. LS 160

Setting the scene. Bryan and Joan had been active members of a parish family group for a long time and had enjoyed the various activities and discussions.  Some time after losing his wife after a long battle with cancer Bryan decided to explore a healing ministry.  He himself felt the need for healing but realised there were many others experiencing all kinds of losses who also felt that need. There are those who lose a spouse, parent or other loved one through death or divorce.  Job losses, loss of a special loved item, a house, a car, a friend, family leaving the country, can also be painful experiences.   With climate change being on the international agenda, with COP27 happening in Egypt from 6th to 18th November, loss of biodiversity and destruction of the environment should also be considered.  Bryan made it his mission to study different books and programmes on loss and healing. He participated in healing services, visited groups as well as individuals and families to listen to their stories.  In that unexpected way he began to find healing himself too. He encouraged families at home to prepare a special Memory Space with pics or mementoes to remember our loved ones.