News from Marguerite-Bourgeoys Province
Some elements of my parish life (by Sister Dominique Sabas)
In Bagnères-de-Bigorre parish, I accompany members of Foyer de vie La Gailleste, a home for people with mental disabilities. After a time of prayer in their little chapel, the meeting takes place in the dining room, over breakfast. One of the members chooses a theme, and it is always a surprise to me. The last theme was inner peace. It is a joy to walk with these people. I also accompany members of the Rosary team in a monthly prayer and meditation session. There too, it is always a joy to meet and pray together. Finally, I offer my help to grieving families, attending funerals and supporting them in a final prayer and blessing at the cemetery.
90th birthday of Sister Louise Gélinas (by Sister Suzanne Dubreuil)
On November 18, members of the Marie-Élisabeth Community met at the home of Sister Céline Dubé to celebrate the 90th birthday of their companion, Sister Louise Gélinas! Louise, a woman of the peripheries, from where she listens to the silence of the growing forest.
“The periphery is about being, coexisting and sharing the lives of those who manage to get by as best they can in inhumane conditions and who manage to nurture hope and strength and celebrate faith.” (Extract from a talk given at the CND Forum last August by Father Ismaël Moreno, sj, entitled “Une perspective ecclésiale décolonisante” [An ecclesial decolonizing perspective]). It was an opportunity to share our own experiences in our living environments and places of integration.
Bingo at Résidence Bon-Secours
On Monday afternoons at the Résidence Bon-Secours, a few rounds of bingo bring together a large number of sisters. There are prizes for everyone; even those unlucky enough to lose go home with a consolation prize. These sessions offer a lovely moment of relaxation!
Saint Catherine’s Day – Domaine Mahonia (by Sister Fernande Cantin)
At Domaine Mahonia, Saint Catherine’s Day is the occasion for a festive evening for the three CND groups.
Many thanks to the organizers!
And many thanks to everyone who took advantage of this good time to sing, hear old wives’ tales, laugh heartily and applaud the spontaneous speeches of our Catherinette(s) who spiced up the occasion!