News from Visitation Province
The Tea and Talk for women who wish an opportunity to chat with others, and who want to connect and meet other women, is what is happening at Holy Redeemer Convent in Sydney, Nova Scotia. On October 15th, twenty-eight women joined the CND Sisters and Associates to enjoy a tea and some inspiring conversations. There is a need for this kind of gathering in today’s cities, towns and villages. This is the beginning of the third year of our meetings, organized by Sister Agnes Campbell.
Dianne MacAskill, Associate Coordinator
Ottawa CND Sisters & Associates Retreat at Lac MacGregor, Quebec
On October 5th, 2024, several Ottawa CND Associates, Sister Clara Nasello and two journeying associates, gathered on McGregor Lake where the Oblates (OMI’s) so graciously offered us use of their land and two cottages for the day.
The many trees offered us their beautiful Autumnal colours, the Lake, her pristine clarity; and the birds, their beautiful chants.
The retreat day was led by Patricia MacNeil and Bill Fehlner. Patricia used change in the CND Community for both sisters and associates; in our personal lives, and in the darkness of our world, as the theme of the retreat called “A Way In.” The day opened with Marianne Williamson’s prayer of the same title.
Exploring our Sacred Journeys as change; our bodies being in constant change and every cell of the Universe continually evolving, Patricia shared how Spirit always wants to find us and bring us to light and hope; and, that we, in our own unique ways are constantly reaching for this union as well!
Breath, body movement, spiritual principles of Yoga, meditative prayer and reflection were introduced as key tools in finding “A Way In” during stressful times. Clannad’s beautiful song “I Will Find You “served as a lovely infusion of Spirit’s infinite search for us. We are never lost!
After lunch, Bill Fehlner shared a very beautiful Feldenkrais guided meditation of breath, core practice, space and ground to center ourselves during difficult or distracting times.
Following more quiet reflection, both indoors and out on the land, we concluded our day together over supper, thanking Marguerite, each other, the land, the Oblates, and God for the offerings of the day’s gifts of friendship, friendship, visitation, and many blessings!
Wendy Brown, CND Associate
Rosary Month
The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, and October 7th included the Feast of Our Lady. Many devoted CND Sisters, Associates and Residents from Parkland Cape Breton attended the monthly Rosary on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
Retreat Time
Saturday, October 19th, four of us from Presentation Manor joined other CND’s, Associates, and other women and men who had gathered at the Mary Ward Centre for an afternoon retreat, facilitated by our Sisters Kathleen Deignan and Libby Osgood. Creatively intertwining the virtual presence of Sister Kathleen with her on site facilitation and presentation, Sister Libby led us through a prayerful introduction to their recently published book, Teilhard de Chardin: A Book of Hours. It was a wonderful afternoon of prayer, reflection, silent contemplation and lively sharing.
Sheila Sullivan, CND
An Autumn Colour Tour
On Friday, October 18th, the Sisters at Providence Motherhouse, Kingston were treated to a beautiful trip through the countryside to see the glory of the season in the kaleidoscope of colours displayed in the foliage. It was a beautiful day with a full sun and cloudless deep blue sky highlighting the red, gold, orange and green that adorned the wooded areas along the way. The further north we went, the colours were more vivid. The light breezes gave the trees the freedom to dance and show off their beauty in the diversity of deciduous trees mingled with the stalwart evergreens supporting the delicate leaves as they let go of their attachment to life in their previous seasons.
The silence of the sisters on the tour and that of those accompanying them, our Activities Director and Physiotherapy aids seemed to indicate that each one was feeling her own deep connection with the life journey of all living beings, symbolized in the wonder of the autumn panorama of colours.
Thank you to all who made this experience possible for us.
Eleanor Monahan, CND