I Admire My Catholic Brothers and Sisters

Had lunch and played miniature golf for district p-day. I love these people!

My brother and sister-in-law visited for a few days this week. It was fun to have them here.

They came to see what I do at the archives.

We ate at Schwartz's Deli which is touted as the best smoked meat in Montreal. It was really good!

We went up to Mount Royal.

And then over to St. Joseph's Oratory on one of the coldest days I've experienced in Montreal on account of the strong winds and cold temperatures.

Meet Brother Andre who started this oratory. He felt that Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, needed more recognition for his important role in Jesus's life. So he started building an oratory. It was very small and humble during his lifetime and was completed after his death in 1937. He was known for being simple, having a sense of humor, and being compassionate with a listening ear. I think he has a very kind face. I'm impressed with Brother Andre. He had many difficult challenges in his life and yet he chose to turn outward and help others. He was sainted in 2010. He's the first man born in Canada to have that distinction.

 
Canada culture: The snow mountains have started again! 'Tis the season. . .

Only in Canada will you find a stocking stuffer in the shape of a hockey stick. And what a perfect shape to fit into a Christmas stocking! At first I thought it was meant to be the shape of a handgun.

The man that I've been teaching with the missionaries has decided to not get baptized. Well, it's certainly his choice. He's not responding to the missionaries' texts so we don't know what happened.  Ahhh, such is the life of a missionary. I have a feeling that he may return at some point because he loves the Book of Mormon. He says it's so clear. 

The woman who we're teaching moved her baptism date into January because she doesn't feel ready quite yet. Also OK. I keep being reminded that though I'm happy for these people to have a desire to come closer to God, it's not about us. . .it's about their relationship with God, and that is a very personal matter.

It's been a fairly smooth week of clicking, which I'm grateful for after my loooooong hiatus.

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