About Us
The sisters of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame express solidarity by freely going to the peripheries to serve people and the Church.
The sisters of the Congregation de Notre-Dame share in the spirituality of Marguerite Bourgeoys and express solidarity by freely going to the peripheries to serve people and the Church. In the name of liberating education, each sister offers her particular gifts in order to fulfill whatever needs she perceives around her. By joining their talents, the sisters contribute to the mission together. No matter their age or health condition, they continue their mission through action or prayer and remain ready for service.
Founded during the 17th century in Montreal by Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, the Congrégation de Notre-Dame is a Catholic women’s congregation that has long worked to educate girls and boys at all school levels. Education also takes place outside the school walls, and the sisters devote themselves to works that support individuals in their quest for dignity and respect for life.
The spirituality of Marguerite, anchored in the mysteries of Visitation and of Pentecost, continues to inspire the action of the sisters in a spirit of hospitality, outreach and service.
The Many Faces of Liberating Education
In the name of liberating education, each sister offers her particular gifts in order to fulfill whatever needs she perceives around her. By joining their talents, the sisters contribute to the mission together. No matter their age or health condition, they continue their mission through action and prayer, and remain ready for service
Sister Beatrice Baker, CND, at the Peripheries with Newcomers
Sister Beatrice lives the mission of the Congregation at the peripheries, whether near or far.
Sister Denise Brunelle, CND, Give the Power Back to the People
Sister Denise responds to the calls of the community and of the people in her neighbourhood.
Sister Mengue Évangéline, CND, The Meyomessala Orchardist
With a group of young people, Sister Évangéline grows trees that benefit the local community.
Sister Marie de Lovinfosse, Passionate About Liberating Listening to the Word of God
Marie is a woman who is passionate about liberating listening to the Word of God, especially to transform mindsets and structures.
Sister Susan Kidd, CND, UPEI Campus Minister
Sister Sue brings her experience in youth ministry and spiritual direction to her everyday presence on campus.
Motoko Takahashi, CND
Sister Motoko Takahashi is a member of the Social Justice Committee of the Congregation in the Japanese Province.
What We Do
Social Justice
The Social Justice Action Network is inspired by the Mission Orientations of the Congregation and the major issues in society. Its goal is to bring up to date and encourage the commitment of the sisters and associates, through awareness, information, formation and action, in their efforts to support vulnerable populations.
The goal of the Network is carried out in a spirit of collaboration, where each sister or associate is called on to live closer to the reality of the impoverished, excluded and oppressed, and, in solidarity with them, to participate in the transformation of society for a more just and humane world.
Collaboration – Partnership
Collaboration and partnership invite us to work with others for the transformation of society and the building of the Reign of God.
This can mean::
- joining other groups already formed
- initiating CND projects and inviting collaboration;
- creating new projects with others
Solidarity – Inclusion
Our presence in various parts of the world invites us to foster global awareness and connection among ourselves and with the people of our milieu.
This is what we call solidarity – inclusion
This can mean:
- appreciating and welcoming differences of culture, race, gender, religion
- recognizing our need for interdependence
- listening to the cry of the excluded, both individuals and groups
- taking concrete means to promote fundamental rights
Non-violence
Non-violence is a way of being, of looking, of speaking, of living in community, of educating, of relating with creation.
It is more than being “nice.” It requires us to look at real situations of violence and to confront them. It teaches us how to speak the truth with love. It invites us to act in partnership with others who are peacemakers.