News from Visitation Province
Pilgrims of Hope in a Synodal and Missionary Church
Last Saturday marked a significant milestone as Visitation (Montréal) associates and sisters engaged in a joint gathering with their francophone counterparts from the Marguerite-Bourgeoys Province. Centered around the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope in a Synodal and Missionary Church,” this first attempt can be deemed a resounding
success. A total of 36 participants (including the participants of the Visitation coordinators meeting) took part in a vibrant bilingual discussion, guided by Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, the Episcopal Vicar for the Office of English Pastoral Affairs at the Archdiocese of Montréal. The conversation focused on being pilgrims of hope within the context of a synodal and missionary church, as well as our shared witness as CND sisters and associates. This theme also connected to two significant events in the church over the past few years: the synod and the jubilee of hope.
This gathering follows our outreach efforts which began during the pandemic, as we sought ways to bridge the divides that have historically kept us from collaborating more closely. Language has often been perceived as a formidable barrier, but we are grateful to the community for the interpretative services that facilitated a positive experience for this initial gathering. With this successful start, we will actively seek additional opportunities for sharing and collaboration, which is timely as we continue our reflections on congregational transformation. And finally, our gratitude to the motherhouse community who received us for “pain et potage” prior to the session.
Charles Taker, Montréal Associate
STIR MARITIMES RETREATS
The Spiritual Transformation in Recovery Retreats have officially begun in the Maritimes. Previously known as the Ignatian Spirituality Project, STIR CANADA is a Canadian founded organization focused on the needs within a Canadian Context and operates in partnership with several Religious Congregations including Visitation Province. We presently host retreats in the Toronto and Montreal regions. The first training retreat in the East was held last May 2024 at the Tatamagouche Centre and the second training session will be taking place on the weekend of April 25-27, 2025, once again in Tatamagouche. The first public participant retreat for women in men in recovery from homelessness and addiction will take place in the Spring of 2026. Please keep us in your prayers as we journey together in hope.
Maureen Baldwin, CND
Woodstock Associates Met to Reflect on “Cultivating Seeds of Hope”
On March 23rd, Sister Eleanor McCloskey joined with some Woodstock Associates to have a Pre-Chapter Discernment Process to reflect on the Visitation Province “Elements of Deepening” and the CND Mission Orientation.
We reviewed the CND Orientation for 2021-2026 and the “Visitation Province Elements of Deepening 2021-2025.” We then recalled the various topics that we had identified as priorities for our group and
parish. Each person shared activities that we had been involved in during the past 4 years. One of the important themes we recognized that we had increased our knowledge was of Indigenous culture, history and local issues. We had done some of this through the online educational programs through the University of Alberta and CND Zooms, “Listening to Indigenous Voices” and “Home on Native Land.” The Woodstock Associates continue to be involved with water concerns and care of the earth. We appreciate the Howe Island online retreats that the Associates in Central Visitation have organized in the past few years.
Marjorie Allison-Ross, Associate