News from Visitation Province (Canada)
Living Internationality
The Epiphany reminds me of internationality. Jesus manifested himself not only to one race, but to wise men from afar. How proud and grateful we are for the international character of our community! We pray daily for our young members in formation and for those who guide them; and what an opportunity we have to live internationality! Besides Canadians, our staff members are from the Philippines, Nigeria, China, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Kenya and Jamaica. We love them and they love us. They are so eager to help and serve us! They brighten our life! We thank God for the gift of internationality they bring to us. Let us pray for peace and harmony among nations.
Réjeanne Bourque, CND
A Guided Retreat is being offered at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Centre
67 Reid Road, RR#1, Stanley Bridge, PE
Date: June 8-15, 2020
Theme: My Life – My Gift
Director: Michelle O'Rourke
This retreat is jointly sponsored by the Congregation de Notre-Dame and the Sisters of St. Martha.
Michelle is a native of Chatham, Ontario. She has years of experience in nursing, parish ministry, hospice and more recently in facilitating workshops and retreats. She and her husband are parents of four grown sons.
Joan Marie Chaisson, CND
Movie Recommendations
The Farewell is a recent comedy-drama set in China. Upon learning of the advanced cancer diagnosis of their mother and grandmother, two families return from where they live in Japan and the US under the pretext of a planned wedding in order to prevent her from becoming aware that she is dying as is the custom in her culture. It is a well-acted look at life both in China, and for those who have migrated to other countries involving many family complexities. It's available on pay-per-view [PPV]. – Kathleen Kelly, Associate
It’s been a few days since I had the opportunity to see The Two Popes; I am still thinking about the scenes, the conversations, the revelation of the life-journey and the self-knowledge of these two men, Benedict and Francis, so different and so real as persons! Anthony McHarten, the writer, and Fernando Meirelles, director, present an entertaining dialogue and stir-up many questions that enlarge our thinking about actual events we have experienced in following our church leaders. If this film does not make it to local theatres, it is available on Netflix. The book (screenplay) is available in paperback ($20); Flatiron Books, NY). – Eleanor McCloskey, CND
Christmas at Bon Secours Residence
Christmas is always a special time for family and friends and the Congregation de Notre-Dame Sisters of Mary of Peace community and all of Bon Secours residence had a number of special events. One was a special Christmas Dinner on December 19. The sisters of Mary of Peace Residence were blessed with the presence of Monsignor Wingle, retired archbishop and chaplain at their table. Santa Claus and the Christmas Angel also visited the sisters giving them goodies and treats.
On December 23, the sisters were entertained by a beautiful classical trio of violin, piano and cello playing traditional Christmas favorites as well as several classical renditions. It was a beautiful way to begin the festive week of Christmas.
Donna Kelly, CND