News from Visitation Province
Monthly “Coffee & Chat” at Résidence Bon-Secours featuring Sr. Lorraine Caza
The Mary of Peace Community is grateful to Sister Lorraine Caza for her precious presence and input during our monthly ” Coffee & Chats.” On May 13th the topic was: ” Will Your Life Be Fruitful Until the Last Breath?” In her spiritual presentation, she offered many thought-provoking questions to ponder.
Carmie Rizzo, Co-Coordinator
Truro Associate Reception, May 15th
Associate Marlene was received officially at a gathering in Halifax today. Joan, an Associate who moved to Halifax during the past year, hosted the event; Anna prepared the prayer and program. Bev ame from Truro. Having met Marlene on Zoom during her preparation sessions, I was delighted to be present, with Marjorie, who attended from New Brunswick. We enjoyed ritual, stories, memories, music, food and much laughter as we welcomed Marlene into CND Associate Relationship on this beautiful day in May.
Eleanor McCloskey, CND
Saturday, May 17th, CND Sisters and Associates celebrated the Feast of the Visitation on Mass for Shut-Ins
This mass can be viewed on CTV May 25 at 11:30 Atlantic time or by visiting the Antigonish Diocese website.
Father Bill Burke presided while Sr. Agnes Campbell and Associate Lorette were lectors. Journeying Associate Stephen did the music ministry. It was a great opportunity to share the legacy of our foundress St. Marguerite and give thanks for her guidance.
Dianne MacAskill, Associate Coordinator
Monthly Tea and Talk in Sydney NS
Since March 2023, women have been enjoying conversations at Holy Redeemer Convent for a ‘Tea and Talk’ gathering. Like the movie Field of Dreams and the saying “If you build it, they will come,” this seems to apply. Each month more ladies arrive and they welcome the camaraderie. We are blessed to have the space at the Convent and the fortitude of Sr. Agnes Campbell to bravely continue this initiative. There is a need for a safe place for women to gather in this area. Above are photos of the organizers and some of the participants. The Tea and Talk will begin again in September.
Dianne MacAskill, Associate Coordinator
The Social Planning Council of Kingston and District (SPCK&D) Housing Forum 2025 was held on May 14th with 75 people in attendance. The purpose of the Forum was to foster collaboration in finding solutions to preserve affordability in the rental housing market. The CND was one of the recognized sponsors of this important in-person event. John Gerretsen, a former Mayor of Kingston and a former Member of the Provincial Parliament, began the day by reflecting on past successes in housing affordability.
A variety of speakers presented including Ken Foulds, Re/fact Consulting, who focused on, “Facts and Forecasts: What’s Happening in Kingston’s Rental Market;” Sarah Button from Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation, a non-profit apartment rental agency in Ottawa which recently celebrated 50 years of service; Mike Bulthuis with Ottawa Community Land Trust, a non-profit agency which promotes investing in Trusts and Bonds to help fund the preservation and expansion of affordable rental housing; and John Henderson, City of Kingston, who shared the status of the Kingston Municipal Affordable Housing Program.
A panel of local corporate representatives shared their experiences of what is working in Kingston. Discussion groups with reporting in a plenary session closed out the day. Ideas generated in group sessions and comments from the day’s evaluation sheets were collected and will help inform the Community Report that will be issued by SPCK&D to all participants.
Alice Gazeley, CND associate, was the Co-Chair of this inspiring gathering and Associate Mary Clancy was responsible for all things “food” for the day.
Mary Myers and Alice Gazeley, Associates