News from Visitation Province (Canada)
Central Committee Gathering And Meeting
The Theme “SEASONS OF THE HEART” gathering and meetings August 4-7, took place via Zoom with participants from Japan, Cameroon, USA, France, Guadalupe and Canada. The discussions were led by Anna Rowley with Interpreters and Christine Holland playing a key role in the success of this gathering. Prayers and discussions assisted with the group participation. All participants were united with Saint Marguerite in prayer and service for our world.
40th Anniversary
Associate Relationship
Can you believe that Associate Relationship will celebrate 40 years!!!! in 2021. With everything that’s going on right now, it takes some effort to look back and remember all that happened over the past 40 years in the Associate Relationship with our Congregation de Notre-Dame Sisters. The Associates will be celebrating this milestone. Relationship years. Everyone has a personal story to tell, something to share that may inspire someone or give another person hope.
Fortress Of Louisbourg
Sister Constance MacIsaac reports that the call has come from Louisbourg. They are open for the season. The De La Perrelle house where the Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys exhibit is located is one of the buildings they have opened. Sister Connie is extending an invitation to the Sisters and Associates interested in volunteering this year. Parks Canada is taking steps to ensure the safety of their employees, volunteers and general public. Inside the De La Perrelle house the right side is roped off to allow social distancing. There is also a sanitizing station as soon as you walk in. Parks Canada has also posted employees at the front and back doors ensuring one-way traffic and limiting the number of people inside the building at any given time. In the first week of being opened, an average of 120 visited the exhibit and mostly from within the Atlantic bubble.
In the Garden of Our Common Home with Marguerite
Teresa McKerral, Co-Coordinator Visitation West followed-up with a second retreat on the 400th Anniversary of the birth of Marguerite Bourgeoys. “The theme of the congregation-wide retreat for the 400th anniversary is In the Garden with Marguerite – the garden being as much the garden of creation as our common home. It is a retreat that encourages a prayerful and sharing approach between sisters and brothers, communion and united action. The Retreat for the 400th anniversary of the birth of Marguerite Bourgeoys is therefore in four movements that together form a whole but which can also be followed one movement at a time, depending on the time and energies of each group or persons. It is possible to follow this retreat individually or in a group.
Season Of Creation
Pope Francis is inviting us to celebrate the Season of Creation from September 1, the World Day of Prayer for Creation, to October 4, the Feast of St. Francis, who is the patron saint of ecology. This season is a special time for all of us. Some of us pray, some of us do hands-on projects, some of us advocate. We are all called to protect creation. The momentum continues long after the season ends. By seeding ongoing prayer, changes in lifestyle, and advocacy, the season grows hope in our communities each year. It’s powerfully good work that’s urgently needed. Many parishes have joined the Season of Creation this year by offering specific Prayers of the Faithful and hymns for Creation during Masses in the month of September.
Woodstock News Updates
On Wednesday evening August 19th, the Woodstock Associates did something new – they gathered for an outdoor meeting at the home of Helen. Our last meet was held on March 3rd, just before COVID-19 was declared a health emergency in NB.
Sr. Eleanor McCloskey, from Fredericton, also joined with us in celebrating and welcoming two women who have been journeying for the past two years to become Associates. Myrna and Ellen made their First Commitment and were presented with their Associate Pin by Sr. Eleanor. Marg gave them a copy of the Writings of Marguerite Bourgeoys. Doris presented them with statues of St. Marguerite. Anne gave them their 400th Anniversary Marguerite candle. Helen gave them each a bouquet of daisies.
We also acknowledged that in 2020 that two Associates celebrated their 35th Anniversary – Mary and Helen. The Group is planning to have a Zoom Meeting/ Retreat later in the fall.
A guest at our meeting was Woodstock’s new Pastor, Fr. Martin Arputham. He was pleased to learn about St Marguerite and the Associate Relationship.
Submitted by Marjorie Allison Ross, Woodstock Associate