News from Visitation Province
Remembering the March 11, 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake
A decade after the earthquake, magnitude 9.0-9.1, and tsunami, Sister Kikuko, CND from Maria Province, shares her experience of that day in a short video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd9dhheQ0Kw&list=PLYCyxFBom6Fcm7uASS2axgP50ax1GQ_PR&index=137&t=21s
May we continue to hold in prayer those affected by this natural disaster.
Anna Rowley, Truro Associate
HOW BIG IS MY WORLD…MY GOD?
We tend to be well-armored against authentic God experience, because it always leads us into the unfamiliar, that new terrain where we are not in control and God is. St. Augustine said, ‘Si comprehenderis, non est Deus’: ‘If you can understand it, it is not God.’ I guess that is why God usually has to break in or break us down to break through to us. We try to pull God into our little minds and worlds, when this big God is trying to pull us into a much bigger world, which we, almost by nature, resist. Jesus called it ‘the kingdom of God.’” Richard Rohr (Introduction to Paul Coutinho’s book How Big Is Your God?)
Joan Lewis, CND
The Canadian CND Vocation Committee is asking for your prayers for our CND Zoom and See, Sunday afternoon, May 16. We have clarified our intended audience and are reaching out to young adult women who are discerning how God is inviting them to live their dream, God's dream.
This is a first of three in a series that may be repeated next fall in French. We rely on your prayerful support.
Sue Kidd for the Committee
REFLECTION FROM MONTRÉAL ON THE YEAR THAT WAS
How quickly the time passes; another season of our monthly gatherings is coming to a close. It has been a year graced by the presence of our associates and sisters from coast to coast. The pandemic has allowed us to become zoom experts and share our gatherings.
Our sessions have been rich and inspirational both in content and presenters. Last Saturday, Montreal associate Donna Quelch guided us in a most spiritual reflection of the Annunciation and Visitation which led us to write our own Magnificat. In sharing, it was suggested that our Magnificats be collected and distributed for reflection. This we will do.
This year we were also happy to share the following sessions:
Fr. Manus Bradley ushered us into Lent with a morning of prayer and reflection on Celtic Spirituality.
Montreal associate Julie Arseneault held an informative and lively discussion on ESG, Environmental Social and Corporate Governance.
Founding president of the International Longevity Centre, Margaret Gillis gave a most interesting account on senior long-term care and how society failed to protect the vulnerable in the midst of the pandemic.
Sr. Debbie Warner presented a knowledge analysis of living interculturality facing our fears and vulnerabilities.
Sharon DiFruscia, Montreal Associate
Bill C-15. On May 4th, I had the opportunity to watch the video of a panel who were discussing what they termed was "not in place " despite the work of the TRC (2009-2015). The UN Bill C-15 is an effort to acknowledge what is not in place and to articulate what should be there. The panel members included Dr. Marie Wilson, a commissioner of the TRC, Senator Murray Sinclair, chief Commissioner of the TRC and Chief (Willie) Littlechild, a Cree lawyer and also former member of the TRC.
The panel was sponsored by a coalition of faith groups, including KAIROS, working to support the implementation of Bill C-15. This Bill articulates the need for recognition of and respect for the Indigenous Peoples rights regarding their language, their spirituality and sacred rites and their lands. It is felt that strong support is needed to ensure that this Bill, which is now before the House of Commons will be passed and that the government of Canada will take it seriously and enact laws which are in keeping with its mandate. It is felt that this mandate is essentially about Recognition, Respect and Justice in relationship to Canada’s Indigenous Peoples.
Anne T. Gillis, CND, with members of the JPIC Core Committee
Laudato Si' Week May 16-24: In collaboration with the Vatican, Sowing Hope for the Planet, The Global Catholic Climate Movement and other partners, we are encouraged to participate in a global celebration of the encyclical’s message. Thousands of communities will hold events to reflect on Laudato Si’ and more deeply commit to bringing its vision to life.
Check out this link for dozens of online presentations on the theme of Caring for Our Common Home to honour Laudato Si' Week: https://laudatosiweek.org/