News from Visitation Province (Canada)
On Saturday, September 18/21, a sunny autumn day, the sisters of Kingston living outside the Providence Motherhouse gathered at Villa Consolata on Howe Island to celebrate the Jubilee of Grace of Sister Emily Doherty, CND. It was an afternoon of prayer, song, recalling of memories and lots of laughter both by Emily and by the group gathered. We acknowledged her years of teaching, her work as the Diocesan liturgist and as Bursar at Notre Dame, Wright Crescent. Someone also recalled that she did the first reading at the Canonization of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys in Rome. As often happens when Congregation de Notre-Dame Sisters get together there was a happy hour, pizza, gifts, cake and lots of gratitude to have Emily with us.
Rosemary Shannon, CND
Birthday 101 for Sister Charlotte Lockhart at Windsor Court in Fredericton! Party not permitted, but friends allowed to bring in a special lunch, with cupcake and candle. A Happy Birthday treat much appreciated!
Celebration of Life for Sr. Réjeanne Bourque
With great joy ten CND Sisters and eleven Associates, her brother Rheal and his family together with numerous friends gathered on September 16 at St. Mary’s Church (St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish) in Miramichi, NB, to celebrate the life of Sr. Réjeanne. The Mass concelebrated by Fr. Stanislas Paulin and Fr. Leon Creamer was a remembrance of a life well lived in service to the people of God. She was instrumental in the establishment and promotion of the French language and culture in schools and within the Miramichi community and was recognized for her dedication with the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
The Liturgy and music were bilingual. St. Mary’s Church Choir were joined by the choir from Église-de-L’Ascension of the Paroisse Notre-Dame-de-L'Esperance and performed music selected by Sr. Réjeanne.
Her unfailing support and commitment introduced many women and men to Associate Relationship. She embodied the spirit of Visitation and love of neighbour as demonstrated in all her relationships.
We were deeply touched by the joyful celebration of life and are honoured to have known her. The celebration ended with the song, “Lord of the Dance”. We can picture her dancing with Mary and Marguerite.
Marjorie Allison-Ross and Anna Rowley, Associates
The week of Sept 12-17 was a special one for Congregation de Notre-Dame Associates in New Brunswick: Our two co-coordinators came to visit. Theresa Ann MacNeil and Dianne MacAskill from Sydney, NS, have been waiting many months to meet with us; we worked with them to organize a “pilgrimage.” The adventure began Sunday evening in Bartibog at the Retreat House.
After a Monday meeting with Miramichi Associates, and home visits to shut-ins on Tuesday, the coordinators moved on to Skiff Lake to join Woodstock Associates for a retreat day on Wednesday. Thursday, we met with Associates in Fredericton for lunch and sharing time. On Friday, the final day, the coordinators went on to Riverview for a luncheon-meeting with Associates there. It was a fantastic week of relationship renewing (with Winnie) and relationship beginning (with Theresa and Dianne). We have been blessed!
Eleanor McCloskey, CND, with all the Associates who helped make things happe
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is September 30. It is also sometimes referred to as Orange Shirt Day and became a statutory holiday this year. It was created as an observance in 2013 and is designed to educate people and promote awareness in Canada about the indigenous residential school system and its impact on indigenous communities over the years.
Grace Manor, a long-term care residence in Ottawa where I volunteer, is having a soup, bun and dessert fundraiser that day with proceeds going to the Mamisarvik Healing Centre for Inuit peoples in Ottawa.
Kathy Kelly, Ottawa associate