Special Day, Special Event in Kingston, ON

On June 7th, Sisters and Associates of the Congregation of Notre Dame were invited back to the site of the former Notre Dame Residence on Wright Crescent, which has been replaced by the E-Leven Apartments owned by the Blommestyn Family, former CND students.

In the presence of friends, members of the Kingston Community, the Sisters of Providence and the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph, the Common Room of the New Building was named St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Place in honour of the more than forty years that the CND Sisters lived and worked on the site.

There were greetings read from the CND Provincial Leadership Team in Bedford, NS, and Sister Marijke Gerretsen brought a message from the Congregational Leadership Team in Montreal. Mark Gerretsen, MP, sent a message which recalled the CND Commitment to promote affordable housing, while Ted Hsu, MPP, spoke about the long history of service through education by the CND Sisters in Kingston.

A plaque marking the occasion was unveiled by Carolyn Blommestyn and Sister Rosemary Shannon CND. The room was blessed by Monsignor Joseph Lynch and gratitude was expressed to the Blommestyn Family by CND Associates Kathi Colwell and Alice Gazeley.

Plaque Reads:

This room is dedicated to the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame that lived in this location for over 40 years.

May the spirit of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, a spirit of welcome, hospitality and visitation permeate this building.

May it be a place where residents will feel welcome, safe, and at home. May a spirit of community and friendship develop among the residents.