Originally a sanctuary was a sacred place where God was, a building set apart for holy worship, from the Latin ‘sanctus’, meaning ‘holy’. It’s also come to mean ‘a place of refuge or protection’…
Yesterday…
…Reading ‘The Twins of Auschwitz’… Eva and her twin sister Miriam were born into a Jewish family in Romania in 1934, and sent to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi concentration camp in 1944.
Eva writes: ‘I could not feel sorry for myself, for Miriam, for anyone. I could not think of myself as a victim, or I knew I would perish. It was simple. For me, there was no room for any thought but survival…’ She desperately needed a sanctuary but there was none.
…Visiting Darren… I phoned Darren’s care home, checked that it was OK to visit… When I arrived most of the residents were in the large lounge. The centre of attention was ‘Fluke’ a beautiful tame barn owl. Residents in turn put on a leather glove and had Fluke sit on their arm. They stroked her. There were many smiles!
Louise had brought Fluke from the ‘Fritton Owl Sanctuary’, where they give a home to unwanted captive bred owls and rehabilitate injured wild native owls, releasing them back into their natural environment.
…Attending Men’s Shed… There was the usual hubbub of activity… men busy with workshop projects in the … a pool tournament creating excitement… the usual irreverent banter.
In one corner Steve was talking to Simon. Simon’s a relatively new member; Steve was telling some of his story… Steve’s been through some tough times – broken relationships, homelessness, financial challenges. At Men’s Shed he’s found men who accept him, listen to him; he now sees them as family. He’s found a safe place, a sanctuary.
This morning… I’m praying that I shall…
…Be alert to my ‘Eva’s who desperately need a sanctuary.
…Learn to provide a ‘Louise’ sanctuary for those in need.
…Appreciate my own ‘Steve’ sanctuaries, where I feel safe and secure.
…Be more aware of sanctuaries, sacred spaces, where I meet God.
malcolmsmusings.org 
I have so much admiration for people who initiate and/or work in animal sanctuaries. I, like many people I know, actually have more affection for animals than most of humankind. I am also, like many people I know, unable to watch TV adverts asking for money for the various animal charities. The bears, donkeys, tigers and many others reduce me to tears. Similarly, I find filmed reports of refugee camps (sanctuaries) so horrid. Trying to imagine what it must be like to be happy in a home you have built with your family around you and to have it destroyed and have to flee to places unknown. I am not virtue signalling, just agreeing how so important sanctuaries are. We again, like many people, donate to various charities and donate when we see things on the TV. But, I also try for it not to be “an investment for peace of mind”.
Like those owls, the comfort animals give to people is so beneficial and I don’t think utilised as much as it ought. I remember years ago when we had a house cow, I had to go out and milk her twice a day, even if I felt very poorly. But Tally, our cow, just stood there chewing her concentrate. I also remember if something was getting me down, I would milk her and her calmness would usually lift me up.
PAT, Pets As Therapy, are a wonderful organisation that helps so many people.
I still find it hard to understand why so many brilliant organisations, that do so much fantastic work, have to rely on donations from the public.
It would be good if, as Burnham vouchsafes that local councils will be given more autonomy, they include local charities into their yearly budgets. I think that is probably wishful thinking though.
I have to say Malcolm that your Musings have been good for making me think about things. Many thanks.
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It was quite remarkable to see how the owl had such a profound effect on the folks in the care home – Joy, peace, appreciation. I’m so pleased I witnessed it.
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