News from Visitation Province (Canada)
A Special Visitation Moment in Kingston
On Tuesday, August 24, Congregation de Notre-Dame Sisters at Providence Mother House in Kingston received a special visit from Sister Becky McKenna. Sister Becky was on vacation in Ottawa and decided to come to Kingston to see us after such a long time had passed since she had been able to come. We all gathered in the gazebo on the spacious and verdant grounds on a very warm and humid afternoon. For us, it was an Emmaus moment as we listened to Becky describe to us her experience of the General Chapter. Among the facts and different topics of the Chapter discussions, Becky shared with us the spirit of the Chapter. As she spoke of the spirit of openness, and the expressions of joy, enthusiasm and hope that informed the experience, our hearts too were burning within us with same spirit. She explained to us that the meaning of interculturality was approached in a broader sense to include intergenerational living, inter community experience and our connection with international and multicultural persons within our own living situation. Needless to say, we all came away from this visitation encounter with deep appreciation and gratitude to Becky for having taken the time to come to us.
Eleanor Monahan, CND
Visit at Andrews, Charlottetown
Those of us at Andrews of Charlottetown were happy to be able to say "Hello" to Sister Becky and do some catching up when she came in last month to visit with Sister Réjeanne. We rarely have had an opportunity, for what seems like a long time, to chat with someone from “away” in person. We, of course, do see Sisters Ann and Regina on a regular basis and are very grateful for that. Each day is another day that we are grateful to be able to visit and chat and pray with Sister Réjeanne.
Anne T. Gillis, CND
Gather to Greet! Associates in Woodstock, NB, gathered to greet Sister Marijke Gerretsen, who was travelling through. Sister Marijke had met some of the Associates during the pilgrimage to Troyes. We enjoyed a meal and lively conversation at the Ross home.
Movie Recommendation
Our local movie house opened, with all necessary care and safety precautions. Their offerings have not been any I chose, but recently they showed Respect, the story of Aretha Franklin. Respect follows the career of this amazing singer from her childhood in her dad’s church through to her international prominence. Following Ms. Franklin’s request, Jennifer Hudson plays Aretha, and she does it so well we tend to forget we’re seeing an actress and not the real superstar. The movie is quite long, portraying family issues, control, betrayal, forgiveness, failure, success, truth-telling, spirituality, civil rights struggles – it’s extensive but not deeply detailed. I loved this film, and of course, the music.
Eleanor McCloskey, CND
Our Common Home
Recently, UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change wrote to the whole world with a “red code for humanity” urging us to encourage, promote, talk about and push for serious efforts and action. The forest fires, heat waves, floods, and droughts causing such disaster over the earth are calling out to us to pay more attention! The next major UN climate conference will be in Glasgow, Scotland in November. Canada needs stronger targets and more serious regulations for eliminating fossil fuels and developing alternate energy sources. The little things we can do individually and collectively still count, but we must push for serious larger projects with bold ambitious work and persistent efforts. Our common home is in crisis.
Eleanor McCloskey for JPIC Core Committee
Summertime at the Lake: A small group of Associates gathered for lunch on a summer day at Skiff Lake, NB. They brought along Father Martin Apparthum, who is still being introduced to the natural beauty spots of our province. Marjorie Allison-Ross was the hostess at their family’s cottage.
Eleanor McCloskey, CND
Virtual Feminine Mysticism Retreat facilitated by associate Alana Forrester takes place Oct. 1 to 3 from Loyola House in Guelph. The journey will focus on Hildegard of Bingen, Marguerite Bourgeoys and Etty Hillesum. Space is limited and registration deadline is September 24.
https://ignatiusguelph.ca/event/virtual-feminine-mysticism-weekend-retreat/
Mary Myers, Kingston associate