News from Visitation Province (Canada)
Last Sunday we celebrated Mary Meagher and Monica Branchaud’s Birthdays in grand style! This time the “invited guests” were the sisters from Marian 1 and 2. It was wonderful being together sharing stories. Mary recalled with much delight some of her childhood memories on the farm. Monica was happy to be there with everyone. It was one of her first celebrations in Kingston. We kept our distance as we chatted and enjoyed some cheer and cake. When it came time for the photo, we momentarily got a little closer and took off our masks! Yet, in spite of these restrictions, as always “a good time was had by all”!
Marijke Gerretsen, CND
How would one celebrate the gift of 100 years of living? What would one expect to happen?
Perhaps phone calls, beautiful greeting cards, flowers, a cake to share with lots of people, visits from friends, visits from staff and other residents of the retirement home, recognition from colleagues and public figures. In these, “Covidian” times, Sister Margaret MacDonell experienced these and more while keeping within the Covid guidelines. Through the wonders of media, Sister Margaret was able to see and be with loved ones. The posting from St. FX University on Facebook, resulted in hundreds of comments and reactions from former students and colleagues from all around the world. In our own quiet way, the CND sisters made their way to greet Margaret in her room in groups of two or three. It was a wonderful day which saw a very grateful Margaret at the end of the day.
Congratulations Margaret, ad multos annos!
Simone Abbass, CND with sisters of Notre Dame Parkland community
The days will get longer…
This time of year reminds me of a story from my childhood. There are six children in my family and we are just seven years apart.
Around this time of year, my mother would often say “I can’t wait for the days to get longer.” I was in Grade Three and had just learned there are only twenty-four hours in a day. I can remember thinking I do not like to tell Mom, but the days are not going to get longer… just twenty-four hours!! She will be so disappointed!
I never did tell her, but I now often say “I can’t wait for the days to get longer.”
The days will soon get longer!!!
Frances MacDougall, CND
Readings this weekend are about Mary. In praying about and with Mary, I have been thinking about the poem Sister Della shared some years ago.
WOMAN – CND
To become a woman
like the WOMAN
who brought God forth.
To stand strong
like the WOMAN
who stood at Calvary.
To be gentle, tender, compassionate
like the WOMAN
at Cana.
To be IN Church
like the WOMAN
In the upper room
after the resurrection.
To be WOMAN . . . Letting her live again
through me, in me.
That is my identity.
That is who I am.
Della Gaudet, CND