Jesuits versus Wal-Mart

The Jesuits in Canada are taking on Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, over plans to build a store near a century-old retreat, the Toronto Star said. This week, the Catholic church’s most respected religious order is arguing before the provincial Ontario Municipal Board the retailer’s plans for a 135,000-square-foot store adjacent to their retreat is incompatible with the area in the city of Guelph, 75 miles northeast of Toronto. The Ignatius Jesuit Center is a 600-acre rural property with a retreat accommodation that features forests, wetlands and an organic farm.
This is sacred ground — a sanctuary for people, a sanctuary for wildlife, said Rev. James Profit, the center’s director.
[Full Story]

Well I can understand their concern since this retreat center is on some beautiful land. The square and ugly and not aesthetically pleasing Wal-Mart looks almost as bad as some comparable American Catholic churches. Thought I wonder about some of the conferences they have their such as:

In Stillness Moving Through Qigong:
Qigong (pronounced chee-gung) is a powerful system of healing and energy medicine from China. Literally translated, Qigong means �energy work�. The practice integrates gentle movements with breathing techniques, meditation, imagery, sound self-acupressure and self-massage.
Discover how the wisdom and rich traditions of the East can lead to greater respect, understanding and unity of body, mind and spirit. In a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, experience new ways to celebrate life through the practice of Qigong.
Facilitators Barb Billey and Pat St. Louis, csj

The Jesuits have become reliable for the kind of nuttiness you can expect find on their sites. Of course even Fr. Mitch Pacwa S.J. use to teach the enneagram before he wised up about it -so there is always hope.