News from Visitation Province
Visitation, Miramichi, NB
Sisters Eleanor McCloskey and Marie St. Coeur, along with Associate Marjorie, joined Miramichi Associates on Monday, May 29, for a day long Visitation Retreat. For over forty years, our group has followed a tradition of an annual retreat to celebrate the feast of the Visitation. We are gratefully and joyfully following this tradition for another year.
This year our retreat was directed under the capable leadership of Trudy who led us along our Sacred Path with the teachings of Scripture, Hildegard of Bingen, Teilhard de Chardin and Sister Ilia Delio, among others. Trudy also acquainted us with Qi Gong exercises, a help with prayer and contemplative practices.
It was a very enjoyable day filled with teaching, prayer, interaction, eating and laughter in warm fellowship. We enjoyed ourselves immensely.
Frances Connell, CND Associate, Miramichi, NB
West Kootenay Associates enjoyed a Visitation and Pentecost celebration while renewing vows and commitments and receiving Rhonda formally as a candidate Journeying towards 1st Commitment. Our Prayer Service was especially beautiful with contributions from many sources and ending with the very lovely Visitation Song by Aly Aleigha.
Maureen Wiley, Associate
Sisters and Associates Gather in Montreal
Feast Day Gathering in Montreal. Festal Mass, renewal of vows and promises, cocktail, and dinner at De Sève. (Charles Taker, Associate)
Visitation, Summerside, PEI, May 30
With flowers, (to take away), candles and smiling faces, we gathered to share a prayer time prepared by Dianne and Donna, Associate Coordinators. Dianne reminded us our Associate Relationship has celebrated over 40 years. “When people ask me what we do, we GATHER, PRAY, SERVE, and we are on MISSION to deepen our spirituality and respond to Christ’s call to end injustices,” she said. After our prayer, we had an animated open discussion…on books, on-line resources, gifts and ministries. The Renewal of Commitment by Associates was followed by dinner, lively conversation and a lot of laughter.
With gratitude, we carry on!
Eleanor McCloskey, CND
Jubilee Celebrations at Mary of Peace Community in Montreal
“For all that has been, thanks! To all that will be, yes!”
To highlight 70 and 60 years of religious profession the Jubilarians: Sisters Monica McKenna, Joan Foliot and Susan Cleevely were honoured. The first celebration was a more intimate “Jubilee Gathering” (a.k.a. The Pre-party) on Monday, May 29th, 2023 in our Community room. The theme was: Gratitude and Hope. Each Jubilarian was presented with a bouquet of “Marguerites” after they enjoyed coffee, cake and cookies.
On Sunday, June 4th, there was a special Jubilee Mass presided by Father Lavoie for all the Résidence Bon Secours’ Jubilarians. Following Mass, a more, formal celebration which included table-service, festive lunch in the cafeteria. The piano- playing, sentimental songs and pretty flowers which adorned the room added to the ambiance.
As the lyrics of one of the last songs sung goes, “So here’s to you! May your skies be blue, and your love blessed, that’s my best to you.”
Carmie Rizzo, Co-coordinator