News from Visitation Province
Celebrating St. Marguerite at the Mother House
The pandemic continues to affect us all … Like elsewhere, we were not able to celebrate the Eucharist on Marguerite’s Feast. Instead, we gathered for evening prayer in the Oratory around the heart of Marguerite. It was a very prayerful and meaningful experience as we listened to and sang hymns in various languages all composed by our Congregation de Notre-Dame sisters. It is a custom at the Mother House that every 12th day of the month the sisters gather in the Oratory for their evening prayer having the intention of praying for the Congregation around the world. After prayer, a delicious dinner was enjoyed by all in the dining room suitably decorated for the occasion. The sisters at the Mother House have welcomed a sister from Haiti to live with them while she is studying in Montreal. Marijke Gerretsen, CND
Celebrating the Feast
On the feast of Marguerite there was a meaningful event at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys parish church in Miramichi. The celebration of Mass included a reflection by Frances Connell on the spirit of Marguerite. Frances spoke of the long Congrégation de Notre-Dame history in the area. A painting of the old St. Mary’s Convent, a piece formerly in the possession of Sister Réjeanne Bourque, had come to us a gift, courtesy of Sister Regina McQuaid of Charlottetown.
The painting was presented to Mr. Charles Asoyuf, local historian and promoter and preserver of the Congréagtion de Notre-Dame history in the area, and will be installed in the church beside the statue of Marguerite Bourgeoys.
It was a very happy and special occasion for the parish.
The great Congrégation de Notre-Dame history and valiant spirit of St. Marguerite and her Sisters and Associates will long live in the Miramichi area.
On Wednesday, January 12, sisters and friends came together to celebrate St. Marguerite Bourgeoys on her feast day. In her spirit of love, compassion and service we gathered in joy to remember, to pray, to celebrate and give thanks.
Arlene Rutledge, coordinator CND Health Care Centre
Book recommendation
Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future by Pope Francis, in conversation with Austen Ivereigh. (Simon and Shuster, New York, 2020). Reflecting on life since COVID, the Pope gives ideas on how we can move forward and make the world safer, fairer and healthier for all people. “This is a moment to dream big; to rethink our priorities – what we value, what we want, what we seek – and commit to act in our daily life on what we have dreamed of.” The Holy Father speaks of now as a propitious moment for discerning the “signs of the times.” The appearance of Covid has caused us to slow down and seek the Spirit, the Spirit who works in the present.
The entire book (147 pages) is an easy read with words we recognize. We get Pope Francis’ personal and wise observations on current trends and topics, as well as suggestions from the scientists, activists and thinkers he consults. He encourages people working together and writes that COVID has taught us “no one is saved alone.”
Eleanor McCloskey, CND