Office of Religious and Spiritual Life - A proud member of 91�� Student Services

Passover and Easter: Holidays Full of Symbols

Candice Wendt — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 20:18:07 +0000

Passover and Easter are both happening this coming week. Both of these holidays have symbolism that is rich and interesting to learn about!

Spirituality, a Way to Resist the Pitfalls of Meritocracy

Candice Wendt — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:42:31 +0000

Pressures to compete and succeed can sometimes be discouraging. One evening when I was struggling with such feelings, I wrote this in my journal: I’m going through a period of doubt in my skills and talents and my capacity to have a vision for my life. I never feel good enough lately. It feels like I’m supposed to save the world and am failing to do so. Why do I believe I must become some kind of superwoman before I allow myself to respect and validate myself?

Can you relate?

A Week of Many Holy Days and Festivals!

Candice Wendt — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:28:38 +0000

This week there are many holy days and festivals happening around the world! Why? Partly spring equinox and the timing of Ramadan this year!

Ways to Find Calm During Midterms

Candice Wendt — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:16:58 +0000

Midterms are busy, and it can be a challenge to access enough inner quiet and rest. Our nervous systems can stay on alert even when we need to take breaks, stop for a meal, sleep, socialize, etc. What are some ways we can switch out of a vigilant state and find calm? Here are a few things that work!

Two Major Global Holidays Start Today!

candice.wendt@mcgill.ca — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:05:08 +0000

Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims, starts this evening (Feb. 17, 2026). Why is Ramadan so sacred and what does it mean to Muslims? Ramadan is special because it is the month in which the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by Allah, which makes it is a meaningful time for Muslims seek to live in a holier way and draw closer to Allah. This festival encompasses many rich spiritual concepts and practices.

Thoughts During Black History Month

Candice Wendt — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:03:05 +0000

Black Churches have played a vital roles in Canadian society for hundreds of years. These communities have sprung up during waves of arrivals and immigration over time. Some of the first Black churches were formed by enslaved individuals who arrived in Canada in the 1780s. Since then, these communities have made a difference in the lives of generations of people.

World Interfaith Harmony Week

candice.wendt@mcgill.ca — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:59:49 +0000

In the entrance to MORSL's drop-in centre, there is a beautiful painting by educator and artist Juss Kaur, who also serves as the volunteer Sikh chaplain in MORSL's multi-faith team. It is entitled The Vein of Gold.

What is Chanukkah?

Candice Wendt — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:17:44 +0000

Chanukkah is a minor Jewish festival that lasts eight days and usually occurs in December. This year, it will start the evening of Sunday, Dec. 14th. The tradition of lighting menorahs, nine-branched candelabras made esp. for this holiday, and placing them in windows, makes Chanukkah visible to the greater community.

On the Christian Calendar and Christmas

Candice Wendt — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 21:01:55 +0000

Learning about the Christian liturgical calendar this year has year has really changed my perspective of Christmas! If you’re like me, you’ve always assumed the offical Christmas Season is what is happening throughout December as streets are decorated, people shop for gifts and various Christmas-themed events pop up. But if you look at the Christian calendar, early to mid December is not technically not Christmas at all, it’s Advent, the period of preparation for Christmas.

Rooted in Spirit, Ready to Grow

Carlene Gardner — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:13:04 +0000

Over the past few days, I had the privilege of joining the staff and volunteers of 91��’s Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (MORSL) in interacting with more than 500 students and their families during orientation events. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who stopped by our tables and events, and to the volunteers from 91�� and local communities whose presence enriched the experience for all.

Office of Religious and Spiritual Life - A proud member of 91������ Student Services