Feast Day Celebrations in Visitation Province
Miramichi, NB
On January 12th, Miramichi Associates and friends, along with our dear Sister Marie St. Coeur, gathered with pastor Father Cornelius. Mass was celebrated at our parish church of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys. Afterwards we had a festive pizza lunch!
Everyone had a happy and enjoyable time celebrating our foundress and recalling the many CND Sisters who went before us, affectionately and gratefully remembered and leaving a great legacy of inspiration that lives on today.
Frances Connell, Associate
Fredericton, NB
On January 12th, a small group of Associates and our guests met for a time of prayer and storytelling. We shared our own stories, followed by a faith-sharing on the Epiphany story, and connections with St. Marguerite Bourgeoys’s story. We had stimulated conversation and a simple snack time, laughter and we made new friends.
Eleanor McCloskey, CND
Kingston, ON
On January 11th, at St. Joseph’s Church, Kingston, CND sisters and associates celebrated St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Feast Day with morning Mass celebrated by Monsignor Joe Lynch. Parishioners in attendance were invited to a reception of coffee and treats in the church hall. CND Sisters hosted 8 parishioners who were offered information about St. Marguerite’s life and charism.
When asked for comments about the special day, here are some of the comments: “The pictures speak volumes. Everyone looks so happy.”; “Old friends renewed, and new ones made. I certainly did anyway…especially the “old” ones renewed.”; “Celebrating St. Marguerite with a feast of Visitation, sharing Pentecost as beacons of HOPE, with our local community.”
Kathi Colwell, Associate
Sydney, NS
Beverley made her first commitment as a CND Associate on the Feast Day of St. Marguerite at Parkland Sydney Chapel.
Dianne MacAskill, Associate Coordinator
Ottawa, ON
On Sunday, January 14th, Ottawa sisters and associates gathered to celebrate Marguerite’s Feast Day and learn more about JPIC 9Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation). Sr. Nina Glinski provided a wonderful and insightful reflection on Marguerite’s many journeys. I was deeply encouraged by the ways Marguerite’s journey connected with all our own journeys, separated as they are by time and purpose. Following this, I gave a presentation on our JPIC work and we discussed our own journeys and how our everyday lives and missions connect to the JPIC work and priorities. We finished the day with a potluck supper and a wonderful sense of community. I am very grateful to the Ottawa sisters and associates for their hospitality, especially to Patricia who hosted us in her home.
Ruva Gwekwerere, JPIC Coordinator
Woodstock NB
Associates celebrated the Feast of Saint Marguerite on January 12th. The group attended Mass together and followed this with lunch and the Associate Gathering. Each year, a CND Sisters / Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys / Associate Relationship Exhibit is on display at the entrance of St. Gertrude’s Church. A short presentation about St. Marguerite, her congregation and the Associate Relationship is made by an Associate at the weekend masses.
Marjorie Allison-Ross, Associate
Charlottetown, PEI
Following mass celebrated by Rev. Praveen Chattumala, Assistant Pastor of Lady of Assumption church, Sisters and Associates gathered at Sister Anne H. MacDonald’s apartment. There was sharing and reflection to honor Saint Marguerite on January 12, 2024, enjoyed by all present.
Shirley Gormley, Associate
Toronto, ON
On January 14th, 4 sisters and 17 associates of Toronto and Beyond, gathered to celebrate Marguerite’s Feast and to witness and affirm Frankie’s First Commitment to Associate Relationship.
Inspired by the talk given by Sr. Patricia Simpson to the golden jubilarians in 2017, our theme came from a custom of the Navajo Indians of North America, who relate stories from their past for the purpose of offering a message for the present. At the end of each telling, the listener is invited to ‘Take courage from the story.”
Following this model, we retold 3 important stories from Marguerite’s life; 3 instances where she said “yes” to God’s call. Reflecting on these examples of trust and determination, we explored through moments of silence and in small group conversations, how we could “take courage from the story”.
This was followed by the formal ceremony of First Commitment, during which we joyfully acknowledged Frankie’s “yes”, blessing her and welcoming her as an Associate.
Ann Gotfryd, Associate
Montreal, QC
I was fortunate to be in Montreal to share in the celebration of the Feast of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys on January 12th. I attended mass in the Motherhouse Chapel, followed by an excellent lunch, where I met CND sisters who had been missionaries in different countries in the CND world, along with sisters who were from some of those countries. These encounters gave me a better understanding of the scope and magnitude of the ministry of the organization.
Sunday, I went to mass at Bon Secours in old Montreal. This was another exciting experience. I met other sisters and associates from the Montreal area.
We were blessed to have a passionate celebrant who could flow from French to English without a pause. The choir in unity with the congregation gave us an inspiring experience. Some sisters and local associates walked a couple blocks to a neat old restaurant which was another enjoyable event.
I thank everyone for being so kind to this visiting associate from the west. It makes me want to come back!
Ken Wiesner, Associate, Christina Lake, BC