News from Congregation de Notre-Dame Associate Relationship, Eastern Canada
Lectio Divina process
An “Elements of Deepening” Lectio Divina process took place on February 28, 2022 via Zoom between the Truro and Woodstock Associate groups. This evening was organized by Marjorie Allison-Ross and Anna Rowley. Theresa and I were invited to attend. Anna Rowley hosted and participated in this discussion. Prayer, music, and personal reflection and small group sharing took place.
Lent
This year, Lent begins on Wednesday, March 2nd – also known as Ash Wednesday. A time of Fasting, Prayer, and Almsgiving. We have always learned that Lent commemorates the 40 days that Jesus spent praying in the desert before his public ministry. If, however, you count the days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, you’ll realize there are actually 46 days! Yes, there are 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Because each Sunday of the year, however, is a grand celebration and commemoration of the Resurrection of Jesus, we don’t count them in the 40 days of penance. There are six Sundays between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. So, by subtraction, we are left with 40 days.
The conflict in Ukraine has dramatically escalated, and a humanitarian crisis is unfolding. People have already been killed and injured and we are expecting more casualties, mass displacement and soaring humanitarian needs. Pope Francis’ met by phone with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressing “profound pain” for country of Ukraine. Pope Francis has called for a global day of fasting and prayer for peace in Ukraine on March 2, Ash Wednesday. Today, countless families are facing unimaginable fear, and they urgently need our prayers.
Mass for Shut-Ins
In celebration of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys's Visitation Feast Day May 31, 2022 and the 40th Anniversary of Associate Relationship , a Mass for Shut-Ins to honour the Congregation de Notre-Dame Sisters and Associates will be taped at our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River, N.S. on May 21, 2022 at 10 a.m. The viewing will be on May 29, 2022. The celebrant will be Father Bill Burke.
March 8 – 14, 2022 is Catholic Sisters Week
During Catholic Sisters week, Associates want to recognize our Congregation de Notre-Dame sisters who committed their lives to education, while standing with the poor and the immigrants, who continue to fight injustices, who care for creation, who share with us their prayers and spirituality, and community. We are truly grateful for your continued service.
“I compare this community to a square in a large garden. For all Christendom is a great garden created by God and all the communities are as so many plots in this large garden.”
Marguerite Bourgeoys
Blessings,
Theresa Ann MacNeil and Dianne MacAskill