News from Visitation Province
Résidence Bon-Secours, Montréal
April 30, the date of the founding of the first school by Marguerite Bourgeoys, was the date chosen this year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Résidence Bon-Secours.
The day of celebration began with a festive brunch followed by a beautiful eucharist in the chapel. In the afternoon, we enjoyed “Appreciation Day” for employees celebrating their 10th year of service to two nurses who celebrated 45 years of service! Sisters who celebrate their birthdays in April were also honored. Every CND in attendance received a lovely commemorative gift. Throughout the festivities, Monsieur Lecomte serenaded us on the piano.
The 40th Anniversary was indeed a celebratory day at Résidence Bon-Secours for sisters and staff! Maureen MacIsaac, CND
Marguerite Bourgeoys Bursary
Members of the Marguerite Bourgeoys Bursary Committee met at the Motherhouse from May 4-7. The committee worked hard and over long hours to review 194 applications that were submitted by a variety of applicants who come from many diverse backgrounds. Gratitude is expressed to all who assisted in the distribution of this year’s application forms. Deep thanks to the General Administration for the provision of these funds.
Members of the Marguerite Bourgeoys Bursary Committee
Gathering in Innisfail
Last week the Innisfail Associates were blessed to have Sister Patricia Simpson visit accompanied by our Coordinator Teresa McKerral. Sister Patricia gave us a very informative presentation on St. Marguerite’s life. She shared how Marguerite’s vision for the Congregation was to serve people in communities in a spirit of friendship. Teresa then did a presentation on the fourth movement in the transformation process. We ended the day with a nice meal and fellowship.
Millie Hoffos, Associate
Gathering with Patricia Simpson, CND in Kelowna, BC
From May 2 to 4, Sr. Patricia Simpson, from Montreal, visited with associates at Seton House in Kelowna, BC. From Friday evening, to Sunday afternoon we listened, reflected, and dialogued about some of the big changes in Marguerite’s life. We learned that when called to change Marguerite was able to expand her life, to let more people in, and to live with an open heart. Sr. Patricia compared how Marguerite handled change then, with our world today and the world of the church, especially with the Final Report of the Synod. The weekend gave us the opportunity to reflect and share some very pertinent questions on how we are called to handle change, discernment, where we feel safe, and where we feel loved.
Associates from South Okanagan, Kamloops and West Kootenays so appreciated having Sr. Patricia with us. Her insight into Marguerite’s life as well as her presence made for a wonder filled weekend.
Teresa McKerral, Western Coordinator of Associates
Associate Gathering in Cranbrook, BC
The East Kootenays (Cranbrook) group met on Tuesday, May 6th, at St. Mary & Christ the Servant Parish in Cranbrook. We had a wonderful presentation on how Marguerite dealt with change in her life from Sister Patricia Simpson.
This is the third year that the guest speaker has made the trip to Innisfail, Alberta; Seton House in Kelowna, BC and then to Cranbrook before heading home. In the beginning of Associate Relationship in the West, Sister Rosemary Shannon had the brilliant plan that the associates should gather once a year. At first
the western associates travelled to Silver Star Ski Resort just outside of Vernon, BC. As Associate Relationship grew, the western associates travelled to Naramata, BC for their annual gathering. When Naramata Center was no longer able to provide gathering spaces, the associates travelled to Cache Creek for their gathering. 2019 was the first year we gathered at Seton House. Then came Covid. Three years ago, we started our gatherings again. Associates, for many reasons, found the trip to gather all together difficult. So, the gatherings have been split into 3 smaller gatherings. We have found joy, laughter and friendship at all the smaller gatherings.
Teresa McKerral, Western Coordinator of Associates
Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys Math Tournament in Kingston
This tournament was initiated to celebrate Marguerite’s 400th anniversary. Mr. Santos, a math teacher and graduate of Regiopolis-Notre Dame High School, chose this way to honour his amazing CND teachers (Joan Trudeau, Mary Carty among them) whom he admired for “their dedication and their love for every student.” As a teacher he says that he likes to think that he is sharing in the work of Marguerite Bourgeoys. He requested and received a donation from the community to purchase a huge, clearly marked – Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys Trophy.
The day long competition engages 100++ grade 5 and 6 students … called ‘mathletes’…from area Catholic schools – a notable balance of girls and boys. The energy, excitement and team support are remarkable. Denise Bérubé and I as CNDs, were invited to hand out the numerous medals but most especially to present to the overall winning team, the St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Trophy. One of the team, a young boy, gave Denise a big hug with a very emotional “Thank you!”
Rosemary Brosseau, CND
Visit to High Park
Sister Margaret Paterson and I recently enjoyed the cherry blossoms in High Park Toronto which were gifted to the city from the citizens of Tokyo in 1959. These 3000 trees were presented by the Japanese ambassador to Canada as a gesture of appreciation for Toronto’s support of Japanese Canadians following the Second World War.
This week many Canadians along with the veterans are in the Netherlands to celebrate. Eighty years ago, our soldiers pushed back the occupied German forces. Approximately 7,600 soldiers sacrificed their lives. Many stayed back to distribute food to the starving inhabitants. The tulips in Ottawa come from the Netherlands as a gift of gratitude to Canada. These gifts of nature remind us never to forget how we as Canadians have reached out to strangers and called them sisters and brothers.
Joan Lewis, CND