News from Visitation Province
A Full February for Sisters at Mary of Peace Community in Montreal
February has proven to be a very full and life-giving month for the Sisters at Mary of Peace Community. From McDonald’s lunch, to Matinée, Mardi Gras and a Lenten Reflection.
February 11th, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the World Day of the Sick was one of the highlights of the month. The day began with a beautiful Eucharistic liturgy celebrated by Bishop Wingle assisted by two priests who celebrate regularly at the Residence. A large white pine tree had been placed in the sanctuary and on its branches were placed the names of the sisters who were to receive the sacrament. This was a very fitting symbol because the theme of the day was “Fear not, I have called you by name, You are mine, I am with you always.” The anointing took place after the homily and the priests anointed all the sisters, including those who were confined to their rooms. This celebration was followed by a festive lunch including wine which was enjoyed by all.
St. Valentine’s Day was the next day of festivities and one not to be forgotten. Red was the colour of the day and hearts of every shape, size and colour were found just about everywhere even in the plants. Carmie, one of our co-coordinators put on a great party for all of us. The celebration began with a Valentine blessing followed by two lovely love songs which Kay Duffin sang for us. Each Sister then read aloud the prayer cards she received which included a scriptural passage. Then was the party… Carmie outdid herself in providing us with a beautifully prepared and delicious collation which included heart-shaped macaroons, chocolate cake and parting goodie bags. It was indeed a day in which LOVE was celebrated!
On the weekend of February 18th, we were happy and blessed to welcome Becky into our midst. This was our opportunity to meet with Becky and to share with her a little part of life at Mary of Peace. We all enjoyed the meaningful gift of “Peace by Chocolate “and cookies given to us by Becky and our thoughts were with the earthquake victims of Syria and Turkey.
Joan Foliot, CND
Summary of February 12, 2023 Gathering Toronto and Beyond
“We are the waves, but we carry within us the water.
We live our historical dimension,
but we carry in us also the ultimate dimension.”
We Walk the Path Together: Learning from Thich Nhat Hanh and Meister Eckhart, Brian Pierce
On Sunday February 12th, Sisters and Associates used the metaphor of water and waves to examine the ebb and flow of our time and life together since May 2020. We spoke about how the stormy waves of the pandemic changed our landscape, while the forced calm of lockdowns challenged us to find new ways to journey together.
Considering the ebb and flow of the months and years, we looked at where we have poured out our energy, how we have been able to deepen our contemplative spirit, and in what ways we have created ripples of hope for others. We identified those times when we immersed ourselves in the eternal through prayer, and together on retreat. We named those we have lost and gave thanks for others who have joined us, always grateful for the opportunities to gather virtually, to connect and learn, to reach beyond our boundaries and to journey within.
In the company of Marguerite Bourgeoys, we draw from the fountain of the Saviour, the living water that quenches our deepest thirst. And so, buoyed by this reflection on our recent journey, we embrace fierce hope confident in our capacity to navigate the future.
Rose Marie Gauthier and Ann Gotfryd, Associates
Writing with My Eyes by Angela Parker-Brown. (Pottersfield Press, Nova Scotia, 2022).
Angela, a young black woman in Truro, Nova Scotia, has been living with ALS, and writing about her journey. Having lost the use of her hands, and her voice, she used a special eye gaze program and device connected to her computer. It’s called PCEye. Angela learned to use it to be able to communicate and to write this book.
This dynamic woman, adventurous always – a mother, a constant learner, a researcher, a gifted writer, a constant seeker – tells her story truthfully and honestly, with humor and a positive attitude. She includes sadness, of course, but always interwoven with gratitude and strength to keep trying. After close to five years since her diagnosis, Angela died this past weekend, February 18, 2023. She was 50 years old.
In telling her story, Angela reminds all of us that relationships are what matter in life. …By reading her story, we understand that we are more sparkly than we think and more capable than we know. (Editor Bev Hotchkiss)
Eleanor McCloskey, CND
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada
On Saturday, February 4, 2023, 2:30 to 6:30, I participated in the annual general meeting (AGM) of Development and Peace. From across the country, approximately 181 people joined in virtually. After many COVID restrictions and setbacks, it was uplifting to hear updates from various committees on our present day work. This day of sharing and discussion filled me with hope and optimism for the work of D&P.
This year, we celebrate the 55th anniversary of Development and Peace. We must not forget the accomplishments throughout these years; the partnerships in solidarity with God’s marginalized people in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. In today’s world the challenge to Create Hope looms big and invites each one of us to act.
On Ash Wednesday, D&P launched a new campaign cycle and for the next five years Create Hope is our guiding theme. To Create Hope in the first year, we will Stand for the Land in solidarity with our sisters and brothers who are defending their territories in the Global South by protecting their lands and waters, the environment and human life.
On Solidarity Sunday, March 26, we are invited to support D&P by donating to this special collection. Such solidarity Creates Hope for millions of marginalized people in the Global South. God’s Holy Word challenges us to share: “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12: 43-44)
Dorena Hall, Associate