Celebrating St. Marguerite
Montreal
Many of us had an early start on Sunday, January 12th as we joined the sisters at General Conference for their online Feast Day prayer service. Some of us then headed out to Notre-Dame-de-Bon- Secours Chapel to partake in a bilingual mass celebrating St.
Marguerite in the place where her dream was realized. This was followed by a festive luncheon hosted by the sisters of the Motherhouse community, where we had the chance to socialize, sing and share a memory, an attribute, or an action from Marguerite’s life that has touched us. We left with grateful hearts and warm wishes for absent friends.
Charles Taker, Associate
Miramichi
The spirit of St. Marguerite is alive and well on the snowy banks of the mighty Miramichi River! Eight of us gathered, and enjoyed being together to share prayer, reading messages from Central Office of Associate Relationship and discussion of various topics of interest … Jubilee Year of Hope, the community process of Transformation, 10th anniversary of Laudato Si, the Blanket Exercise and more. Unfortunately, many of us are ill or unable to be out and about yet we know we are together in spirit and community and never-failing interest. A Happy Feast of St. Marguerite to all of you!
Frances Connell, Associate
Ottawa
Ottawa sisters, associates and friends gathered to celebrate on January 12th. We shared prayer, input and wide-ranging conversation about many aspects of the Global Forum held last August in Montreal. Associate Wendy and her sister welcomed us with gracious hospitality and coordinated a wonderful potluck meal.
Kathy Kelly, Associate
Sydney
On Sunday, January 12th, we celebrated the Feast Day at the CND Health Center by gathering with prayer, stories and treats.
Arlene Rutledge, Coordinator
Associates Dianne l and Theresa Ann met with Associate Doreen for a Feast Day Visitation. Doreen has been an outstanding St. Theresa’s Associate since 2003. The CND Health Centre continues to be closed to visitation. The Associates are anxious to visit with our CND Sisters as soon as the restrictions are lifted. We wish them good health in 2025.
Dianne MacAskill, Associate Coordinator
Parkland Cape Breton
CND sisters and associates and residents joined Sr. Simone Abbass as she opened the Feast Day mass with the song O’ St. Marguerite of Canada written by the late Sister Rita Clare, CND. Mass was celebrated by Rev. Bedford Doucette. Sisters Mary Morris and Connie MacIsaac introduced a collection of St. Marguerite’s holy cards, medals, books and statues adorned by a bouquet of daisies. Sister Agnes Campbell reflected on the background of St. Marguerite until her passing on January 12, 1700. Sr. Agnes displayed a relic of St.
Marguerite from her early childhood, it was a beautiful celebration for our foundress. Dianne MacAskill, Associate Coordinator
Fredericton
On a snowy Tuesday, January 14th, Associates Merla and Carole and I met at Carole’s home to spend time with Marguerite and her story, to share our own stories of recent weeks, and to pray with the CND International Prayer. We enjoyed soup, fresh bread and Carole’s awesome fruit cake. We lost an Associate in recent months, and two others are not able to come to a meeting in winter. Another Associate lives too far away (Saint John area); we keep in touch with her.
May Marguerite walk with us all into the Year of Hope! Eleanor McCloskey, CND
Kingston
The Kingston CND Sisters and Associates had a special gathering honouring St. Marguerite Bourgeoys on January 14th, at St. Joseph’s Church. Father Jan Kusyk celebrated the mass honouring St. Marguerite in the mass intentions and his own homily. Father Jan, his parents, and other parishioners were then invited to join us in the Church Hall for refreshments. Materials related to St. Marguerite were available and shared and there was very engaging conversation. We learned from parishioner/ teacher Toni who attended our gathering, that she shares the same birthday as Marguerite. There was even a very meaningful conversation with interest in become an Associate.
Kathi Colwell, Associate