News from Visitation Province
On June 14th, the Kingston area Sisters and Associates met for a year end dinner
There was much visiting, laughter, and conversation while enjoying a lovely meal together at Ramekins Restaurant. We appreciated the staff who provided excellent service. Sisters and Associates found joy in one another while sharing life stories and we missed everyone who was unable to attend.
Mary Myers, Associate Coordinator
A Tea and Talk Event at Holy Redeemer Convent, Sydney, NS, on June 13th
This was an opportunity to gather after COVID restrictions and those in attendance enjoyed the conversations. Sister Eileen Roach informed those attending of the history of Holy Redeemer Convent.
Thank you to Sister Agnes Campbell and her committee for organizing this event.
Dianne MacAskill, Associate Coordinator
JPIC (Justice peace and Integrity of Creation) Committee Zoom Gathering on June 19
Members reviewed recent projects and events. Ruva shared her positive experiences having met Sisters and Associates in Halifax last month at Atlantic JPIC and the Ilia Delio session, followed by visits on Prince Edward Island. Ruva joined Associates and Sisters during their annual retreat days in the West and has agreed to return there next year.
Committee members discussed plans and possibilities for future opportunities for Ruva to get to meet more Congregation de Notre-Dame contacts in the coming months.
We find that many current issues and concerns call out for our attention. We are continuing our work and ongoing education on these priorities: protection of our Common Home, reconciliation, and defending refugees.
Specific topics and concerns are in the news constantly, locally and universally. Integral ecology and climate justice are timely, and we will be continuing our efforts towards becoming a Blue Community (i.e. attention on water).
Eleanor McCloskey, CND for JPIC Committee
Dining Al Fresco at Mary of Peace Community in Montreal
Terrasse season officially launched at Montreal’s Résidence Bon Secours on June 20th as the sisters celebrated Sr. Maureen MacIsaac’s birthday on the east-wing porch. The lush grounds from a different vantage point served as a refreshing change of scenery. The impressive trees as a backdrop, sunshine, gentle ‘almost’ summer breeze and great company made for a delightful afternoon. Simple pleasures. Carmie Rizzo, Co-coordinator
Reunion of OK Clean Water Project Committee in Ottawa on May 18th
The OK Clean Water Project Committee met in Ottawa for a reunion after having to discontinue the support of the Water Project in Cameroon due to the difficult situation there. The group here in Ottawa consisted of Sr. Cathy Molloy, George and Louise, Jim and Maureen, Jim and Rose, Peter and Joan, Sr. Bernie O’Neill, Susan, Kathy and Andrew, Jessie, Sr. Cécile Buote and Carmel.
It was a very joyous occasion for all of us to be together! We shared a lunch together at the Canal Ritz right on the Rideau Canal and had the opportunity to view the tulips during the Tulip Festival. We were very glad to have Sr. Cathy Molloy who had lived in Cameroon.
Carmel Horan
World Refugee Day March
This week leading up to World Refugee Day on June 20th I was able to join staff from Citizens for Public Justice, Refugee613, and Migrante Ottawa and our old friend Joe Gunn from Centre Oblate for a solidarity march from the Centennial Flame to The Supreme Court building to show support for migrants and refugees after the Supreme Court ruling on the Safe Third Country Act. This march was just one of many across Canada including a 3-day march from Montreal to Roxham Road. Showing solidarity with refugees and migrants as we demand the right to asylum for all those in need. Visitation Province has also signed onto the Canadian Council for Refugees open letter demanding an end to the Safe Third Country Agreement along with civil society and faith organizations from across Canada.
Ruva Gwekwerere, JPIC Coordinator