Office of Religious and Spiritual Life - A proud member of <a href="http://www.mcgill.ca/studentservices/">91şÚÁĎÍř Student Services</a> /morsl/articles/rss en What is Chanukkah? /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days/what-chanukkah <p>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.</p> Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:17:44 +0000 Candice Wendt 3155 at /morsl On the Christian Calendar and Christmas /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days/christian-calendar-and-christmas <p>Learning about the <a href="https://depree.org/life-for-leaders/the-christian-year-an-introduction/">Christian liturgical calendar</a> 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.</p> Thu, 11 Dec 2025 21:01:55 +0000 Candice Wendt 3154 at /morsl Rooted in Spirit, Ready to Grow /morsl/article/interfaith-dialogue-spiritual-wellness/rooted-spirit-ready-grow <p>Over the past few days, I had the privilege of joining the staff and volunteers of 91şÚÁĎÍř’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 91şÚÁĎÍř and local communities whose presence enriched the experience for all.</p> Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:13:04 +0000 Carlene Gardner 3107 at /morsl Happy Spiritual Health Awareness Week /morsl/article/spiritual-wellness/happy-spiritual-health-awareness-week <p>Did you know that Oct.</p> Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:09:20 +0000 MORSL 3106 at /morsl The Benefits of Social Generosity /morsl/article/spiritual-wellness/benefits-social-generosity <p>Did you know that connecting with strangers comes with many benefits? Practicing what <a href="https://theconversation.com/making-eye-contact-and-small-talk-with-strangers-is-more-than-just-being-polite-the-social-benefits-of-psychological-generosity-252477?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=-MORSL-News-and-Community-Events-Listings-June-30---July-31&amp;utm_source=Envoke-SYSTEM_ALL_CONTACTS&amp;utm_term=-MORSL-News-and-Community-Events-Listings-June-30---July-31">social scientist Linda R.</a></p> Wed, 16 Jul 2025 19:17:02 +0000 Candice Wendt 2982 at /morsl All Saints Day and Trinity Sunday /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days-interfaith-dialogue/all-saints-day-and-trinity-sunday <p>For many Eastern Christians, June 15, 2025 was <b>All Saints Day</b>—a time to honour the lives of saints across the centuries. But this isn’t just about a few well-known figures. It’s a sweeping celebration of <i>all</i> saints—famous or forgotten, ancient or recent, from every walk of life—who have lived lives of faith and devotion.</p> Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:11:01 +0000 MORSL 2972 at /morsl Reflections on Climate Chaplaincy /morsl/article/ecospirituality-spiritual-wellness/reflections-climate-chaplaincy <p>In their recent podcasts and webinars, the team at the <a href="https://thebtscenter.org/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=MORSL-News-and-Community-Events-Listings-June-16---22&amp;utm_source=Envoke-SYSTEM_ALL_CONTACTS&amp;utm_term=MORSL-News-and-Community-Events-Listings-June-16--22">BTS Centre</a> have been exploring climate chaplaincy―that is, spiritual care focused on navigating the anxieties, grief, and uncertainty associated with the climate crisis―through many different lenses and from diverse angles.</p> Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:04:21 +0000 Carlene Gardner 2971 at /morsl Shavuot, Hajj, Eid al-Adha, and Pentecost /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days-interfaith-dialogue/shavuot-hajj-eid-al-adha-and-pentecost <p>This week, there are several holidays that commemorate past receipt of sacred knowledge, texts, and/or gifts. Each offers rich communal and personal faith experiences.</p> Fri, 30 May 2025 20:13:27 +0000 MORSL 2965 at /morsl International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is May 17 /morsl/article/international-day-against-homophobia-may-17 <p><b>May 17</b> is <b>International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia</b> (IDAHOBIT), a day to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ people and ways their rights are violated and to advocate for change across the globe. It is also a time to celebrate the progress that has already been made. This day was chosen to remember May 17, 1990, the date the World Health Organization declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder. Over 150 countries participate and you can find events at <a href="https://may17.org/">may17.org</a>.</p> Thu, 15 May 2025 15:29:07 +0000 MORSL 2963 at /morsl Creating Sacred Space This Summer /morsl/article/spiritual-wellness/creating-sacred-space-summer <p>Looking to cultivate greater inner wellness this summer? Whether you're back home or still in school, MORSL has some resources and recommendations:</p> Thu, 15 May 2025 15:27:27 +0000 MORSL 2962 at /morsl