News from Visitation Province (Canada)
CND Sisters and Associates attended the CTV Mass for Shut-Ins, January 10,2021 at Our Lady of Fatima Church to honour the Feast day of Saint Marguerite. Mass was celebrated by Fr. Bill Burke and Deacon Lorne MacNeil, New Victoria Associate Mary MacKenzie was the lector and Pat Moore was the music minister. If you missed viewing this mass on CTV, it can be viewed on YouTube Diocese of Antigonish.
Charlottetown, PEI, Covid-19 could not stop the Sisters &Associates, from the Marguerite – Charlottetown group, from gathering “Together, safe at home.” One of our associates calls each of us on the Sunday before our monthly meeting to remind us of the up coming session and to let us know what chapter to read. We are currently studying Fr. Paul Coutinho’s book “Just as You Are.” In the comfort of our own homes, we safely pray, read the required reading, and contemplate what we have read. Some of us listen to soft music during a period of contemplative prayer. We close each session with St. Marguerite’s prayer for our families. It has become a way to stay connected with each other. We do, however, long for the time when we can once again gather in person to pray, study, and to enjoy a social time as we, in this time of uncertainty, draw ever closer as Sisters and Associates.
Submitted by Susan Peters, Marguerite Group, PEI.
Sisters and Associates gathered Jan 12, 2021, in honour of St Marguerite’s Feast Day, to hear a presentation by Sr. Eileen Roach, CND, on Pope Francis’s Encyclical Laudato Si’. The workshop took place at St. Leonard’s Pastoral Centre in River Ryan, NS and was hosted by the New Victoria Associates. Dianne extended a thank you to Sr. Eileen and also a Happy Feast Day message to all in attendance from Anna Rowley, Associate Coordinator, Central Office. A warm welcome to Sr. Eileen and to those present was also extended by organizer Winnie. Throughout the presentation we were reminded of our responsibility to respect and care for our Common Home. We are a gift from God and Creation is a gift from God. Pope Francis is making us aware of the urgency and need to care for our Common Home. Where God is present that is what is Holy. We are on Holy Ground. Lorette shared her gift by singing ‘We Are Standing On Holy Ground’. It was beautiful. Scripture readings were read by Marilyn. After the presentation, Theresa thanked Sr. Eileen Roach and advised two more workshops will be held on March 9th and May 11,2021 on Laudato Si’. A light lunch was prepared by Mary. Winnie prepared the beautiful display shown in this picture. All protocols for Covid-19 were followed.
Submitted by Theresa Ann MacNeil NS Associate
Truro Associates Celebrate the Feast of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys
“In years past, we celebrated the Feast of Saint Marguerite with a mass at Immaculate Conception Church. We would give a presentation about Marguerite and set up a display about her life and Associate Relationship. The pandemic has altered many plans, and we have all had to find new ways of doing things. This year, four Associates gathered at the home of Joan Fraser on January 12th to celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Marguerite. Respecting social distancing, we gathered in faith and friendship. Prayer coupled with the 400th anniversary song, Let Us Hurry on the Way, was the bookend to our time together. The beautiful melody, rich story and Sister Violaine Paradis’ voice set the stage for a wonderful afternoon of sharing. We read Sister Patricia Simpson’s article, “She Went on Her Way Rejoicing” Marguerite’s Gift of Joy to Us. No matter the event in Marguerite’s life there was joy to be found. In light of our individual and collective circumstances, this message resonated and touched us deeply. We are so very blessed to have Saint Marguerite’s example.”
Sister Joanne MacFarlane was very pleased with a visit from Coordinator, Dianne. Sister Joanne is celebrating her 60th year professed as a Congregation de Notre-Dame Sister. She told me she has been very blessed in her journey as a CND Sister and the wonderful care provided by the Health Care Centre. Congratulations, was extended on behalf of the Associates.
Coordinator Theresa Ann enjoyed a visit with Sister Ann Marie McDougall on Feb 1, 2021. Sister Ann Marie was happy and well. She expressed appreciation for the wonderful care she is receiving. We are blessed our Sisters are so healthy.