News from Visitation Province (Canada)
The fall is a wonderful time for a walk in the woods, and on Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11, almost 30 sisters and associates did just that, although virtually. “Roots and Fruits: Growing Together for the Life of the World,” was the theme of this year’s Howe Island Virtual Gathering. Based on inspiration from the TV Ontario documentary, “Borealis” and facilitated by Ann Gotfryd, we considered the trees and most especially the forest and how mystically amazing its unforgettable music sings to us of the interconnectedness of creation. We reflected on what motivates and nourishes us and how that nourishment can be brought to the world. We considered how a forest cultivates new growth. Jacqueline Fehlner and Mary Myers provided insight into the General and Provincial Chapters and we spent time considering the new orientation and the growth and change we must consider as a result.
The time together culminated in our shared and personal reflections on safeguarding the harvest and what we are called to do in order to be fruitful in our work, prayer life, Sister and Associate relationships and to fulfill the orientation as we are life for the World. The gathering combined personal meditation, small and large group sharing, prayer and of course, it wouldn’t be Howe Island without some social time too. We look forward to gathering once again in person in September 2022.
Wilma de Rond, associate
And time goes on … but another year did not bother Sr. Nancy Tallmire as she celebrated yet another birthday on September 11. For various reasons it was a small gathering, however a joy filled one. Sr. Marijke’s shared with us her experience of the funerals of Srs. Mary Catherine Cameron and Katherine Coltart at St. Patrick’s Basilica in Montreal. Many tributes were made to each of them acknowledging the gifts they shared in their various ministries. This triggered the sharing of many memories both solemn and amusing with respect and love of these wonderful Congregation de Notre-Dame women. More chatting, luncheon and gift giving took place while time marched on and we left this gathering joyful and happy to have been together thanks to Nancy’s birthday!
Sr. Barbara Prior, CND