News from Visitation Province (Canada)
Capsule unearthed at former Notre Dame Convent, Kingston
As the Sisters of the Congregation de Notre-Dame in Kingston gathered to celebrate Sr. Anne Coffey's birthday, little did we know the treat that was in store. The capsule that had been contained in the 1968 cornerstone of the new residence on Wright Crescent was opened for us to view. Found inside the copper tube were newspapers, a book about the Grand Trunk Railway, some religious medals, a small statue of St. Marguerite and one of St. Joseph. Recorded were the names of all the Sisters involved in the move from Johnson Street Residence. Along with these treasures was the brass plaque, which had graced the door of 130 Johnson Street, "the Convent." The Sisters are grateful to the demolition crew who recognized the historical value of the capsule and made sure it was not damaged so that it could be placed in the hands of the Sisters. In due time the capsule will be placed in the Archives at the Motherhouse.
Anne Coffey, CND, Emily Doherty, CND and Barbara Prior, CND
World Day of Consecrated Life 2020
On the Feast day of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (February 2nd), we celebrate the World Day of Consecrated Life. Thanks be to the Father for the presence of all consecrated people in Canada and for the mission carried out by these women and men of faith! May the Spirit sustain us in our primary mission: to manifest to the world the passionate love of God. This is how we become more and more artisans of his Reign! Happy Feast Day of Consecrated Life! https://www.crc-canada.org/en/world-day-of-consecrated-life-2020/
Rebecca McKenna, CND
Greetings members and supporters of Development & Peace
Please join us as we reflect on the theme “For Our Common Home” with a focus on the Amazon region and the threats that the mining and other extractive industries pose to its’ inhabitants. We hope to exchange ideas by working together to be in solidarity with the Indigenous people who are the guardians and protectors of the Amazon and its’ vital eco-system and to help all of us protect “Our Common Home.”
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada
SHARE LENT WORKSHOP
Saturday, February 8th
(snow date February 9th)
St. Leonard Pastoral Centre
5310 Union Highway
New Waterford, NS
Pot-luck meeting 10 :00 am – 2 :30 pm.
Please respond to twinnieodo@seaside.ns.ca or call 902-862-2330.
For more info contact aogbe@devp.org
Winnie Odo, CND associate
400th Anniversary candles
The Sisters at Mary of Peace Residence in Montreal received the candles commemorating the 400th Anniversary of Marguerite Bourgeoys's birth. A prayer service (prepared by Srs. Becky McKenna and Catherine Walker) spoke of the importance of God's light within us and around us, as well as our being called to bring peace, courage and compassion to others. The invitation to the sisters is that we are given the gift of light for ourselves and for others. The response when the sisters were given the light was, "I will be the light I came here to be. I will shine for You and for many all the days of my life." What a beautiful sentiment as these sisters are called to be light for one another in their daily living.
Donna Kelly, CND
Movie recommendation
Harriet is the story of Harriet Tubman, who escaped from slavery in Maryland and set out alone to find freedom in Pennsylvania. Eventually she succeeded in leading hundreds of slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Harriet is portrayed as brave, strong, indomitable – a feisty leader. She also is tender – a woman who loves, places a high value on family, and feels guided by a strong faith in God. The film gives a priority to showing us the inspirational character of Harriet rather than dwelling on the hardships of the slaves. A powerful biography that wakes us up to recognize what one person can do.
Eleanor McCloskey, CND