Archbishop Anne Germond, Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario, recently spent several days in the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador for their annual clergy retreat, an experience she fondly described in her blog post as “holy Kairos time.” This visit of a bishop from another part of the Anglican Church of Canada is a a long standing tradition, and it serves to strengthen the bonds between us as a National Church while also enriching one another’s communities.
Hosted by Bishop Samuel Rose and Archdeacon Charlene Taylor, the clergy retreat took place at The Wilds, following a day of travels that included meeting with an “iconic member of Newfoundland’s canine family” when she encountered a Newfoundland dog!
Beyond the retreat, Archbishop Anne spent time enjoying the Newfoundland’s rich culture of hospitality, including attending the 133rd Anniversary Dinner and Auction for the Church Lads’ Brigade (CLB). A highlight of the evening was her winning bid on a silent auction item: twenty pounds of shrimp!
Archbishop Anne’s talks at the retreat focused on calling and vocation, and as she heard stories from the members of the clergy, she found them to be a group serving with extraordinary dedication. She reflected, “There is such a down-to-earth sense of this is where I’m meant to be… They just keep giving and serving God. No complaints. It was very moving.” In her final sermon, drawing on Luke 5, she reminded them that when Jesus calls, “he sees something in each of us that we don’t always see in ourselves.”
Leaving the province with deep thanks for Bishop Sam and Archdeacon Charlene, Archbishop Anne reflected in her blog that “a little bit of Newfoundland has rubbed off on me and I will be carrying it all in my heart as I head home.” Her visit has strengthened the bonds of affection that knit the Anglican Church of Canada together across great distances.
