Monday, November 3rd, 2008

Monday, November 3rd, 2008 - Hull, Quebec, Canada

Not a single human soul passed me along the quite trail, Voyageurs Path along the Ottawa River from 3h30 AM to 5h30 AM. After all it is early and it is Monday. (Remember that Mamas’ and Papas’ song “Monday Monday” casting off all the blues feelings?)

A sleeping flock of geese awoke at the subtle stomping of my feet as I tread near the calm water. They became a little bit agitated and I felt a bit guilty being the cause of the disturbance. Did they ever create a fuss with their honking sounds!
History is rich here. The monumental figure of Jean de Brebeouf stands tall along the path. As a Jesuit priest from France in early 17th century Brebeouf and other pastoral peers braved the Algonquin wilderness attempting to Christianize the indigenous people. Being a tall strong stature this Jesuit won the hearts of the Huron peoples. However the Iroquois took less of a liking to his mission and as a result ended a missionary village and his life.

Shortly after a return trip to Montreal, history was made for French speaking Canadians when Priya Bhakta, a local translator, presented a book “Teaching of Lord Chaitanya” by Srila Prabhupada as an offering of love. It took him six months to complete the translation of this essential reading material which gives an in-depth insight into the Bhagavat philosophy of Vaishnavism.

9 Km