News from Marguerite-Bourgeoys Province
Commemoration of deceased sisters at Bon-Secours Residence – November 2 (by Sr. Claire Bouchard)
We would like to remember with tenderness and affection all our sisters who have left us since last November. In remembering their names today, we are expressing our love for them anew.
As the Paschal candle reminds us, Christ is truly the light of the world. We want to celebrate him, the one who enlightened the lives of 18 of our sisters who were welcomed into his home over the past year. As a reminder of their warm presence among us, we light a candle representing their lives.
According to his promise, God has reserved a place for each of our sisters: Pauline Asselin, Germaine Harvey, Jeanne d’Arc Bell, Denise Malo, Marie-Paule Trudel, Yolande Labarre, Alma Girouard, Marie-Anna Bouchard, Cécile Derome, Yolande Tellier, Clare O’Neil, Isabelle Paquet, Pauline Parent, Danielle Mineau, Françoise Beloin, Jacqueline Villeneuve, Éliette Vandal, Rolande Fortier.
May they rest in peace and watch over us!
October “Canonisations” – Jardin de Marguerite (by Sr. Fernande Cantin)
Thanks to the initiative of the Birthday Committee, the Jardin de Marguerite community was invited to attend the “canonization” ceremony of 5 sisters, our October celebrities, on October 31 at 6:45 p.m.
The heroic virtues of each, recognized by those assembled, were proclaimed by Sister Bernadette Breton, head of the committee:
Sister France Cossette is celebrated for her availability, her attentive presence and her sense of humor.
All those assembled proclaimed Sister Murielle Boisvert a “saint” for generously accompanying sisters on medical appointments, and in recognition of her artistic talents put to the service of the community.
Sister Annette Émond’s name was added to the calendar of saints, for her joie de vivre, her kindness, her laugh and her daily courage.
It was easy to “canonize” Sister Gisèle Bourque for her patience, her kindness to the young people at Petite École and for her characteristic quietness, which reflects a rich inner life.
That day was Sister Hélène Talbot’s birthday. She was “canonized” for her devotion to Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, her compassion, and her contagious morning smile – a tonic for the day.
Thank you to Sister Gemma Perreault for the lovely cake! And to Sisters Georgette Arseneau and Madeleine Lavoie for the delicious punch!
Ecology in the spotlight in the Saint-Sacrement district (by Sr. France Cossette)
On October 19, the Ecocenter’s Travelling Collections was in Quebec City’s Saint-Sacrement district.
I took the opportunity to get rid of the bags of burnt-out light bulbs and emptied aerosol cans; it was also a good opportunity to ask a practical question: can we put latex items in the bag for soft plastics? I will let you guess the answer given by the city representative who concluded her short explanation by telling me that communities of women religious are the best participants in the city’s collections programs, and that they quickly sign up when a new opportunity is presented to the population.
This young woman brought a smile to my face, a smile I shared with an elderly couple I passed on the sidewalk who were also carrying their little box of items not accepted in garbage and recycling.
On this beautiful autumn day, ecological complicity felt very good on the grounds of Saint-Sacrement school!