This post marks the second reflection in our Advent series, Welcoming the Child, Welcoming One Another: Newcomer Reflections for the Season of Advent. Throughout the coming weeks, newcomers to Canada and to the Diocese of Algoma will share personal stories grounded in the four traditional Advent themes: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Their voices invite us to remember that the coming of Christ is always an act of welcome — God arriving among us, and God drawing us toward one another.
This Sunday we will light the second candle on the Advent wreath, the candle of Peace. Today, as we prepare our hearts for that moment, we begin with a reflection from Lesley Gunasekara, who shares how faith, family, and community helped him discover peace during his first months in Canada.
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My family of four came directly to Thunder Bay from Sri Lanka in July 2023. We had never been to Canada, or to any other country before, so this was our first time moving abroad for a long stay. The first month was a real challenge because we struggled to find accommodation. It was a very stressful time for us, but during our first week in Thunder Bay, we joined The Gathering Table for a Sunday service. That experience brought us some comfort and connection at a moment when we really needed it.
After a month, we managed to find a place to live, and we began attending St. Paul’s Church. With the support of the community, we settled in quickly, and we started to feel a sense of peace within our first month in Thunder Bay.
During our first couple of months here, we had time to travel around the city, the countryside, and the lakes. These experiences gave us many opportunities to plan our future and enjoy meaningful family time. The months of August and September, especially, provided us with plenty of moments for reflection.
One thing that helped me feel spiritually and emotionally grounded during my transition from Sri Lanka to Canada is staying connected to my cultural values and family. Even though life here is very different, I find peace through prayer, reflection, and reminding myself of my purpose for coming here. Spending time in nature and having quiet moments also helps me feel calm. These practices give me strength and stability as I adjust to my new life in Canada.
When my family and I faced many challenges after settling in a new community, my faith remained strong and helped me stay grounded. Even though we adapted quickly, we still went through difficult moments, and I learned that this is a normal part of starting a new life. My faith reminds me that peace is not the absence of challenges, but the strength and hope I carry through them.
I see signs of peace in many places around me because I have built a strong foundation of peace and faith in my life. Whether it is in my community, my parish, or my daily routines, I notice moments of calm, kindness, and connection. These small experiences remind me that peace is something we can nurture within ourselves and also recognize around us. My foundation helps me see these signs even during busy or challenging times.
As a newcomer, I have learned that peace is something we build slowly, even while facing uncertainty and change. My journey to Canada taught me that peace doesn’t mean everything is perfect—it means having trust, patience, and faith through the challenges. Every step, even the difficult ones, helped me understand myself better and strengthened my inner calm. This journey showed me that peace grows when we hold on to hope and believe in the future we are creating.