Address of R.W. Bro. Michael Grima
on His Official Visit to Corona Lodge No. 454,
December 02, 2010

 “I Like Christmas"

Winter brings many things, not all of them pleasant. Such as ice, snow, sleet and slush and long nights, short days, (very short days) and lots of cold weather. I guess those who participate in winter sports, or own snowmobiles can't wait for winter and the snow, the more the better -snow that is.

To those who don't partake in either, Just staying inside the house and keeping the fire in the woodstove blazing while looking out at the clean white snow gives us a warm feeling -literally. Eventually, however, even we have to don our winter jackets and brave the cold to go Christmas shopping. Yes, Winter also brings us Christmas. December is the gift giving time of year! As we approach Christmas, we approach the last in a cycle of days which mark the milestones of our annual calendar.

I like Christmas!

I like Christmas because it is a time when there is a real and tangible consciousness, or awareness of the Christmas Spirit. We stop and take a break from the routines of our demanding lives, and consciously spend time in the company of others. Sharing a meal and time with our friends, or our children who have since moved away from home and are starting to raise their own families.

I think that all of this compels people to experience, but not necessarily be consciously aware of, what is important in respect of the relationships and the moments of their lives. I wish that this was an experience of every day of our lives, but I regret it isn't. I also know that Christmas is not like this for everyone, that perhaps I over-idealise it.

On balance, Christmas is one of those rare times during the year when society steps aside from it's normal activities as we engage in a highly symbolic and reflective experience centered around others, someone other than ourselves. It involves many acts of kindness, consideration and charity based around the mythology of “Father Christmas”, or the Christian experience, The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and the Three Wise Men who, with gifts, followed a Star which led them to the place of his birth. Consciously reinforcing the deeper values of our human nature -values not often thought about, or experienced, during the routines of our everyday lives.

The fact that there is a public time for our Christmas observance and reflection, that we come together and enjoy the spirit of family and community as “one society”, and the fact that much of this is done within the public places of our community, makes Christmas an occasion for the common good.

Thus, Christmas speaks to the values of Freemasonry, in the same way as it does for the other fraternal or social organisations active within our community -regardless of individual and personal spiritual orientations. It speaks inclusively to personal and civic values which remain as relevant to our modern experience as it's founding religious values. It remains an occasion for all of us. It is an expression of our humanity and goodwill.

This is what we mean when we exchange Christmas greetings and gifts. It is part of our modern heritage and it promotes that which is good. So, regardless of the form in which we express it, may we all have a “Happy Christmas”, giving effect to our humanity and goodwill, and make it thus for someone else.

Charity is said to be the most important virtue of every Mason's heart, and he who is in possession of that virtue in it's most ample sense, may justly be deemed to have arrived at the summit of Masonry.

When, being initiated, we are placed in the north-east corner of the lodge, symbolising the cornerstone of that great temple which is Freemasonry, we are contributing not just to the lodge we have joined, or to the Craft in general, but, and let's be truly idealistic, to all humanity. For every person, by his actions, contributes to the good of the whole.

Freemasonry has had a strong tradition of charity, since “time immemorial”. Concern for others is the natural consequence of the spiritual path all Freemasons are encouraged to tread. Which brings forth an opportunity to speak about the “District Charity” which is the “Alzheimers Society of Muskoka”.

Let me first explain or refresh your Memory as to what Alzheimer's disease is all about. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, it is a progressive, degenerative and fatal brain disease, in which cell to cell connections in the brain are lost and brain cells eventually die. It is not a normal part of aging.

The Alzheimer Society is the leading, nationwide health organization for people affected by dementia in Canada. The Society is a principle funder of Alzheimer's research and training, provides enhanced care and support to people with the disease, their families, their caregivers, and is a prominent voice within all levels of government.

Canada is facing a dementia epidemic and needs to take action now. Approximately 500,000 Canadians have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia today. It is the most significant cause of disability among Canadians 65 and over, and it already costs Canadian society many billions of dollars each year.

For the past decade, dementia and its potential impacts on national economies have been the subject of growing interest around the globe. Forecasts show that within 20 years, worldwide prevalence will increase two-fold. There are more than 35 million people with dementia in the world at this time. It is estimated that by the year 2050, this number will increase to 115 million people. Canada too, can expect a several-fold increase in dementia in the coming decades.

The governments of Australia, Norway, The Netherlands, Scotland, England, France, and the European Parliament have all taken steps to study dementia and it's consequences. Many have chosen to make dementia a national priority. Canada has yet to take these steps.

Appropriate care and treatment for people with dementia can vary greatly and are dependent on the stage of the disease, as well as how it affects each individual at any given point in time. Available drug therapies can mitigate symptoms, but there is currently no medical treatment that can stop or reverse the disease progression, nor is there a cure, or vaccine. Education and the development of stage-specific coping skills, both for the person with dementia and their caregivers, are important aspects of effective care plans.

As this is my last Official Visit until after the Christmas Season, both Brigitte and I would like to wish every one of you a Very Merry Christmas. May your holiday season be safe, and may you and your families enjoy inner light and warmth.

Brethren, for your warm hospitality, the fine banquet and your friendship, I thank you.