News from Visitation Province
Launching the Sister Françoise Boisvert Scholarship
The Marianopolis College community in Montreal is honoring the remarkable legacy of Sister Françoise Boisvert by establishing a scholarship in her name for graduating students.
Christian Corno, the Director General, writes “In the days following Sister Boisvert’s passing on April 8, 2023, former colleagues and Marianopolis graduates from across the world reconnected in person and online to reminisce about the life and leadership lessons she shared with them. At a time when her memory and legacy bring us together as a community once again, your contribution to the
scholarship will support an outstanding student who is engaged in community service and pursuing a university degree in education or an associated field, with priority given to students in need of financial aid.”
It is with joy that we share this wonderful news with you!
Maureen MacIsaac, CND, with Mary of Peace Community, Montreal
Congratulations to Sr. Libby Osgood who was recognized with the Faculty of the Year Award at a UPEI Student Banquet, Sunday, April 30th. Libby delivered the homily at the “Iron Ring” ceremony on May 1st.
Rebecca McKenna, CND
Vocation Sunday
In Stratford, PEI, at Our Lady of Ascension Parish, the pastor, Father Jim Willick, invited Sister Anne H. MacDonald to share her story of her vocation to Religious Life at the two parish Masses. After much reflection, Anne told her story of her calling to the CND. As she did this, she made reference to Mary’s response to God’s call to her, and also to Marguerite’s decision to come to Canada. Anne’s sharing was well received by the parishioners, many of whom were deeply moved by her presentation.
Marie Hagen, CND
Red Dress Day
Many communities, friendship centres, schools and universities, organize displays, either outdoors or indoors, to draw attention to May 5, Red Dress Day. This is a day to honour the spirits of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). The red dresses act as a visual reminder of all of them. Red Dress Day began as a REDress project established by Indigenous artist Jamie Black to focus on this issue. The dresses are empty – they stand for the women who should be wearing them. Jamie chose the colour red after an Indigenous friend shared with her,” Red is really a calling back of the spirits of these women and allowing them a chance to be among us and have their voices heard by their family members and community.” Red also symbolizes “our lifeblood and that connection among all of us.
Eleanor McCloskey, CND for JPIC
No Mow” May is a call to action to help our native pollinators thrive in the green spaces in our cities, towns and villages. Our city, Fredericton, NB, lets some of the properties live wild and free during May to encourage the growth of dandelions and other wildflowers that help feed pollinators, like bees, butterflies, and other insects. Many private citizens are agreeing to let their lawns grow until June. Our food crops depend on pollinators at work.
Eleanor McCloskey, CND