Office of Religious and Spiritual Life - A proud member of <a href="http://www.mcgill.ca/studentservices/">51łÔąĎÍřStudent Services</a> /morsl/articles/rss en Ways Spooky Stories Engage Listeners' Spirituality /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days-spiritual-wellness/how-spooky-stories-engage-listeners-spirituality <p>I got hooked on listening to ghost stories and paranormal podcasts last October. I don’t always feel clear as to why–I don’t really like being scared, so what makes them so appealing to me? It turns out these stories invite me to engage my spirituality and my thinking about mysterious things.</p> Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:52:58 +0000 Candice Wendt 3108 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 McGill’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 51łÔąĎÍřand 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 What is Vesak? /morsl/article/what-vesak <p>The celebration of Buddha's birthday is one of the most important Buddhist holy days. It is an especially important day for Theravada and Tibetan Buddhists that commemorates the birth, awakening and passing away of Buddha. It goes by many names, including Wesak or Vesak, and is usually celebrated on the first full moon in May, or the month that most closely corresponds in the Western calendar to the ancient lunar month Vesakha. This year, the full moon is on <b>May 12</b>.</p> Mon, 12 May 2025 13:55:26 +0000 Carlene Gardner 2961 at /morsl