News from Visitation Province
Message from Joan Lewis and companions
Tuesday, May 10, Donna (Associate), Sr. Joan and Christa (Novice) will leave for a 2-week visitation to the Humanitarian Aid Center in Agua Prieta, Mexico.
During their zoom meeting to prepare for their journey, they were encouraged by these words, "God is making a way." In the spirit of these words, please pray for God's way for them and for those with whom they visit. They will also be praying in communion with you for the grace to see and receive how "God makes a way" in your own visitations.
Joan Lewis, CND
International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. National Nursing Week, May 9-15, seeks to draw attention to nurses, increasing the awareness of the public, policy-makers and governments of the many contributions of nursing to the well-being of Canadians. This would be a good time to reach out and thank a nurse, a now-nurse, a retired nurse, or a student-nurse?
Eleanor McCloskey, CND
The Madness of Crowds – Louise Penny (Minotaur Books, 2021)
Louise Penny’s faithful fans have probably already read this book. In each of her books, Louise skillfully introduces a new reader to Chief Inspector Gamache, his family and associates in Sureté du Québec. Besides spinning a good story (always a murder to be solved), the author weaves in sidebars, little snippets from other worlds – art, literature, history, poetry, science, weather patterns, food, human behaviors, and just plain wisdom. The Madness of Crowds assumes the successful end of Covid-19 and all its variants; times when once again we can gather, share hugs and live with less fear and anxiety. Readers will likely not forget the quote from Julian of Norwich: And all shall be well; Ça va bien aller.
Eleanor McCloskey, CND
ARCAN Celebrating 20th Anniversary
The Atlantic Religious Congregation Associate Network (ARCAN) was founded in 2002 to support the relationship between Associates and Sisters from religious congregations in Atlantic Canada.
Peg Madigan, CND Associate, and Sister Alma MacLellan, CND are recognized as the dreamers and founders. In 2015,
Peg wrote: “Sister Alma and I were working as co-coordinators in Associate Relationship; we had often wondered how other congregations were making out in this relatively new venture. After a time of discernment, letters were sent off to our Maritime communities to invite those who were involved in associate leadership to gather together for a two – day sharing session with us in Pictou, NS. We began our meeting with prayer followed by a very open agenda, which offered lots of opportunity to share thoughts, ideas and ended with plans to gather again. From these simple beginnings ARCAN has grown into a vibrant network for all religious and associates in Atlantic Canada.” Sister Margie Gillis, SC, later wrote appreciation to the ARCAN Committee, Sisters and Associates who have “kept the spirit of ARCAN alive and growing.”
Marjorie Allison Ross, Associate
In celebrating this 20th Anniversary, ARCAN invites us to a special Mass Monday, May 9, at 10:00 am Atlantic time. Mass will be live-streamed from St. Mary’s-Holy Family Parish, Kensington, PE, on FACEBOOK. http://www.dioceseofcharlottetown.com
Theresa A. MacNeil and Dianne MacAskill, Associate co-coordinators in the East
Movie: Father STU
This film is based on the real-life story of Stuart Long, a rough guy, a boxer who tried various career choices and after recovering from a serious accident, was convinced God wanted him to become a priest. Stu eventually became Father Stu and despite serious health issues, lived a life of service until he died at age 50. His message of compassion, and a loving God’s forgiveness available to all endeared him to many and most likely inspired changed lives.
Eleanor McCloskey, CND