Friday Oct 7 12:15-12:45pm
John, Ruby the dog and I arrive at Kingston City Hall at about 12:10. We are met by four others. The provincial election was just yesterday which may explain the small turn out today. We are told that last week, on the eve of the vote, there were well over 100 on the hall steps, many of them holding or wearing signs calling on politicians of all stripes and at all levels to take growing poverty seriously. I know that the Anglican Bishop and former rector of Christ Church Belleville, Michael Oulton has stood here himself. The fact that these loyal few have still turned up today demonstrates that this vigil is no passing fad. In fact, this silent half hour vigil has been taking place on the steps of Kingston's City Hall every Friday since 1995- that's 16 years! The vigil was begun and continues to be supported by the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul.
All of us choose a sign from the large number printed with slogans and covered with plastic to protect them from the elements.
We gather in a small circle and offer the words of a prayer printed on small paper flyers. The flyers also ask questions like "Should Canadians working full time for a full year be living in poverty? Millions do."
After the prayer, we stand and face the street. Two of the group hand out the flyers to anyone who will take one. Lots of people stare- it's a beautiful day and the end of the late summer tourist season. Some people walk by and avoid eye contact. Some people stop to chat and to share their own disastisfaction with the growing gap between rich and poor. One of these is a man in a wheelchair who collects disability. He is also a local published author.
As I stand with this small group I feel a warm sense of peace in my heart. It is good to be here with these faithful souls, to be witnesses for social justice in this moment. John and I are here somewhat by chance, but their level of commitment in this one simple peaceful act of solidarity makes these folks heroes in my eyes.
I look out at the sparkling water, and I am reassured that God does work all manner of things for good, and that even if I am not around to see it, God's purposes of right relationship cannot be undermined forever.
Below are the words of the prayer offered at the beginning of every Firday vigil for 16 years.
that respects all humanity
and all the earth,
And so we stand in silent,
non-violent solidarity
with those affected
by government and corporations
that put profits before huan kind
and indeed before all Creation.
Together in this vigil,
we bring before us
injustices affecting our world
In gentle awareness
we present these concerns
to the Divine Light
which permeates the universe.
Thus, we stand in hope.
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