Listen to stories from Brother Luke about people who frequent St. John the Compassionate Mission in Toronto, Ontario.

Christ is risen! Listen to stories about people who frequent St. John the Compassionate Mission in Toronto, Ontario.

Listen to stories about Mothers who frequent St. John the Compassionate Mission in Toronto, Ontario.

Listen to three short reflections about interactions at St. John the Compassionate Mission, reminding us that all lives are worth living.

Listen to a short reflection about S., who is becoming a new person.

The Refuge is a place to refocus, pray, and plan, impacting the entire community associated with St. John the Compassionate Mission.

Listen to reflections and stories from Fr. Nicolaie at St. John the Compassionate Mission.

Listen to reflections and stories from Fr. Nicolaie at St. John the Compassionate Mission.

Listen to stories and reflections from Fr. Nicolaie at St. John the Compassionate Mission in Toronto,

Fr. Nicolaie writes about discussions and prayers from those gathered on a typical Friday afternoon at St. John the Compassionate Mission in Toronto.

Meet three pilgrims who frequent St. John the Compassionate Mission; written by Brother Luke.

Fr. Nicolaie writes about language and communication--reflections on the Friday before Pentecost at St. John the Compassionate Mission.

Fr. Nicolaie writes about forgiveness and loss at St. John the Compassionate Mission.

"On Friday we tried to read the gospel on the stairs at the mission. We were not well organized and without structure. In spite of this, reading the gospel outside made us, even for a little while, to see and hear Jesus preaching to people in the light of the day, sitting in the boat." From reflections written by Fr. Nicolaie.

Reflections about hospitality, written by Fr. Nicolaie.

A Prayer of Welcome on the Occassion of Someone New Coming to Live with Us, written by Brother Luke.

Stories shared by Brother Luke of St. John the Compassionate Mission.

Reflections from Fr. Nicolaie on the Sunday of the Grateful Leper.

Stories from St. John the Compassionate Mission written by Brother Luke.

More stories from volunteers at the mission.

Reflections written by Fr. Nicolaie about the gospel story of the father of the demon-possessed boy.

Notes from the underground, written by Brother Luke.

A handful of stories demonstrating how the repentance of the poor and downtrodden offers everyone a glimpse at the doors that lead to peace and life.

One might say that the beauty of the poor is hard to spot. But one would be wrong... because in truth, beauty is the hospitality of holiness for the human being. And where do we find this hospitality more present than in the body of the poor? Take a look into Christine's joyful and deep blue eyes, to see for yourself.

How do we understand the Parable of the Rich Man (and his barns), when the life of a poor soul is vanishing before our eyes?

One story of a clinical depression sufferer's progress within the context of a welcoming community.

The community welcomes a friend who reminds them of the woman "bent over for eighteen years" in St. Luke's Gospel. The ones who are unnoticed are a priority for God.

Both Hector and Mohamed share their wisdom, encouraging each person to use their God-given creativity and humbly open their hearts, in order to build community and open the door to holiness.

The dynamis of Theophany is towards new life and communion. We see this in the community, as God is bringing healing to Jacob, while also opposing the flattening (or "alienation of the spirit") that so often happens in modern culture.

Members of the community reflect on the margins of our existence; where seemingly-forgotten people dwell; and yet, in the margins is where they find their faith strengthening...

In today's generation, we do better to remain poor and in need of healing, but together in Christ; than to be healed alone and segregated through disunity. The community is learning this while walking with people like Judy.

Most servants are faithful with the talents entrusted to them. Even though broken and poor, they keep nothing for themselves. This is the reality of the gospel that we see within the community: there is an abundance of good done by the people.

Members of the community interact with the story of the Canaanite woman's faith, sharing their crumbs of wisdom.

In the heart of every prodigal son, at the time of prayer, God prepares a real place ready to offer hospitality to the one that is wounded.

Brother Luke shares a collection of interactions and experiences from within the community.

A question recently posed at the mission caused Fr. Nicolaie to recall an experience he had when he was a teacher in Romania; and to reflect on how we each have our very own occasional "Emmaus" roads.

A community member and Father Nicolaie each reflect on their experience with an aspect of the Gospel story of the young man who was possessed.

Brother Luke reflects on some scenes from every day at the mission.

Brother Luke reflects on Holy Week experiences in the community.

Healing happens within the community in different ways, and at times it is given to us to witness little miracles. In the end it heals us all, in our heart. And this is the real miracle.

Fr. Nicolaie tells how the faith of people who saw (and see) evil in the face of war is a faith that can guide those of us who live in a society tempted by the illusion of death.

Father Nicolai reflects on recent hopeful learnings in the community.

Brother Luke shares a collection of recent interactions and experiences from within the community.

Brother Luke shares some new stories from the mission.

The church is called today to care for life, to offer an open space where the soul of man can pray and sing, and have an encounter with Christ, who listens to us from the cross.

In this Sunday's gospel, Jesus provides an abundance of life out of the abyss. The plentiful fish are a testimony of the authority that He has over the living and the dead, revealing that His mercy is deeper than the heart of the sea.

How can poverty, hunger, and mourning be considered "blessed?" Father Nicolai looks at the Beatitudes through the lens of the community, revealing the "Good Word," "Bene Dicere," or "Blessing" that is poured out in and through someone with a sincere heart.

It is the cry of the poor who are in solidarity with those who suffer the most, today. The poor are not indifferent to the suffering, but lift it in prayer, with faith that God hears them.

Brother Luke shares three stories from community life.

Fr. Nicolaie invites us to join the community in looking into the eyes of the Theotokos from a humble position at the feet of her icon; and to live ascetically in a way that opens our own eyes to charity and mercy.