News from Visitation Province
Movie Matinees at Mary of Peace Community in Montreal
Carmie Rizzo, co-coordinator at Mary of Peace Community, shared some photos of the sisters giving a thumbs up to the movies they have enjoyed. Carmie keeps an eye out for movie recommendations which she thinks they might enjoy and orders the DVDs from the library.
CND Presence at the RAC/JPIC Gathering in Halifax
The May long weekend saw Sisters, Associates and our Lay Collaborators gather at Mount Saint Vincent University for a combined RAC/JPIC session. Our speaker was Ilia Delio, OSF, on “Seeking Wholeness in an Age of Fragments.” Saturday evening gave opportunity for interaction between two Teillhardians! Great collaboration!
Sue Kidd, CND
JPIC visits the Atlantic
Last week I was lucky enough to experience more of Visitation Province and meet sisters and associates in the Atlantic. Beginning with the JPIC/RAC conference in Halifax, where CND sisters and associates gathered with members of many other religious congregations from Atlantic Canada. We were blessed to have Ilia Delio give a truly transformative day of talks on science, religion, and cosmology.
Then, onto PEI where I was met with warm hospitality by the sisters at the Marguerite Bourgeoys Center in Summerside as well as sisters, Ann Broderick, Phyllis Gallant, and Libby Osgood in Charlottetown. The sisters and associates I was able to present to in Summerside, Rustico, and Charlottetown humbled me with their continued passion for JPIC work. A big thank you to Sr. Shelley Grant for hosting and transporting me around the island, this trip wouldn’t have been possible without her. I am so grateful to have met and connected with so many wonderful sisters and associates and to share in the work of JPIC. I am excited to continue this work with the support and direction of the JPIC Committee and look forward to getting to know Visitation Province and the greater Congregation de Notre Dame community.
Ruva Gwekwerere, JPIC Coordinator
An Honour for Sister Margaret A. MacDonell
On May 25th, we were honoured at the CND Health Center in Sydney to have Sr. Margaret A. MacDonell presented with the Queen’s Jubilee Medal by Edward MacDonell and Michael Linkletter.
For 70 years the Queen exemplified the true meaning of public service. The Platinum Jubilee is an occasion to highlight Nova Scotians who, like Her Majesty, have devoted themselves to service of family, community and country. Sr Margaret is among this distinguished group of Nova Scotians. Her contribution to the advancement of the Gaelic language is both recognized and admired.
Arlene Rutledge, Coordinator
Sisters and Associates in Ottawa Celebrate Pentecost/Visitation
On a beautiful, warm, sunny Sunday afternoon, May 28, two sisters and eight associates from the Ottawa area gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Visitation and to renew our vows and commitments. It felt very good to meet again in person, to pray together, and share deeply on how the story of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth inspires us today. An abridged version of the presentation that Debie Thomas gave on May 24 provided a context for our sharing. Wendy Brown was our gracious host and she arranged a delicious catered lunch, supplemented by some excellent home baking, to complete our afternoon together.
Bill Fehlner, Associate
Kingston CND Sisters and Associates Visitation-Pentecost Celebration
Kingston CND Sisters and Associates gathered at St. Joseph
Church Hall to celebrate the Feast of the Visitation and renew vows for sisters and commitments for associates. As it was Pentecost Sunday, all were encouraged to wear red which added a colourful spirit to the group. The Marguerite doll displayed offered a reminder of our special day.
After an introduction and land acknowledgment by Kathi , the prayer service with time for personal reflection was led by Barb. A time of sharing Visitation and Pentecost experiences are lived in our personal journeys.
Mary Myers, Associate
Kingston CND Community Celebrates Jubilees
On Saturday, May 27th, the Kingston CND community gathered at Providence Motherhouse to honour our Jubilarians. Sister Mary Meagher celebrated 80 years of profession and Sister Rosemarie Kennedy 70 years. Sister Norma Millan, who was unable to be present, was also remembered for her 70 years, as was Sister Elaine O’Grady who had gone home to God in March of this year. The words that come to mind in describing this wonderful event are JOY, GRATITUDE, and FUN. Joy, because we were so happy to be together after the long hiatus of Covid. Gratitude, for the lives and service of our delightful Jubilarians. Fun as we shared memories of years spent with Mary and Rosemarie on different missions. To complete our celebrations we enjoyed delicious treats while seated together at beautifully decorated tables. Thank you to Sister Pat Arsenault and her helpers for the lovely décor and for organizing the celebration.
Eleanor Monahan, CND