News from Visitation Province
Celebrating Two Anniversaries
Sisters, associates and guests came together Friday, December 2, 2022 at Holy Redeemer Convent, Sydney, NS, to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Congregation de Notre-Dame Associate Relationship and the 40th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys. The afternoon began with greetings in the community room followed by a beautiful prayer service in the chapel. The hymn “Let Us Hurry on the Way” composed by Robert Lebel, in honor of Marguerite’s 400th Anniversary, filled our hearts with joy and gratitude. The sharings given by Sisters Catherine Morris and Georgina MacInnis were a beautiful testimony to their lives as Congregation de Notre-Dame Ssiters. Sr. Theresa Sampson shared that her companionship with the associates enriched her life and contributed to her own growth as a Sister. Following the prayer service, we were invited to the dining room where we enjoyed a delicious lunch of sandwiches, decadent sweets, fruit, tea and coffee. This celebration was truly a rich experience of Visitation in the spirit of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys.
Gwen O’Neil, CND and Theresa Ann MacNeil, Associate
Truro, NS Associates gathered November 22, 2022 to continue their study of Richard Rohr’s book, The Universal Christ, and to pack ‘Daisy Bags.’ In honour of the 40th anniversary of Congregation de Notre Dame Associate Relationship, the group committed to collect personal hygiene products, small articles of clothing such as socks, gloves, scarves and toques for the local shelter. The bags will be shared with Truro Housing Outreach Society clients. With the onset of winter fast approaching, the donation was appreciated.
Anna Rowley, Truro Associate
Movie Recommendation
“Till” is based on the true story of the 1955 brutal lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till by white supremacists while visiting his cousins in Mississippi. It is told through the eyes of Mamie Till-Mobley, his widowed mother, whom he lived with in Chicago and who had not wanted him to go because of the risks to black people there. Mamie transformed her deep personal grieving into becoming an educator and activist in the Civil Rights Movement which we know is ongoing. Excellent acting in this critically acclaimed movie.
Kathy Kelly, Associate
Book Recommendation
If you have not already read Graced Crossroads by Ted Dunn, you might find this book well worth reading. Fruit of Dr. Dunn’s extensive research and his experience working with individuals and religious communities over the years, Dr. Dunn challenges us to embrace a journey of deep change and transformation. Literally easy to read prose and clear presentations, belie the book’s very challenging material and questions contained within.
Lorraine Costello, CND and Sheila Sullivan, CND
December 10 – Human Rights Day
On December 10, Human Rights Day, UN Human Rights will launch a year-long campaign to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This
year’s Human Rights Day slogan is Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for
All and the call to action is #StandUp4HumanRights. Canada played a central role in drafting the Declaration of Human Rights (1948). Available in more than 500 languages, it is said to be the most translated document in the modern world. Learning more about human rights helps us understand why people are prepared to make huge sacrifices for rights.
Eleanor McCloskey, CND
Biodiversity Conference
As stewards of creation, we are called to reflect on God’s creation and live in harmony with nature. This month, Biodiversity COP 15 will be held from 5th -18th December, in Montreal, Canada, where leaders and climate justice communities will gather in a bid to secure urgent ambitious action to address biodiversity collapse. The food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the honey we eat and much much more rely on biodiversity.
So what is this biodiversity? This term biological diversity refers to all varieties of life; plants, animals, fungi and little microorganisms that we do not usually see with our naked eye. It also includes ecosystems and habitats of all varieties of life forms.
This is a momentous conference that will enable the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework to be adopted. This document will aim to give biodiversity and ecosystems the same international protection as the climate. Biodiversity loss is ranked as one of the biggest threats facing humanity. Experts say the rate at which species are becoming extinct is accelerating.
As we approach COP15, we are urged to be more conscious of our interaction with our common home and take steps to ensure that we commune with creation.
Maura McGrath, for JPIC