St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Feast Day. Innisfail, Alberta

Sister Marie Clarkin and Sister Paula Maher, at Marguerite Bourgeoys School in Innisfail, Alberta (Jan. 16, 2023, The Albertan, newspaper owned by Mountain View Publishing by staff writer Johnnie Bachusky. Photo by Johnnie Bachusky. With permission. See link below for entire article.)

Minutes before the start of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Feast Day, Sister Marie Clarkin pulled out a piece of paper she brought for the annual celebration and read a special message from the 17th century French missionary. “All I have ever desired most deeply and what I still most ardently wish is that the great precept of the love of God above all things and of the neighbour as oneself be written in every heart,” read Sister Marie. Sister Paula said they come to the local Catholic school as often as they can. “It depends when they have certain activities, or we will drop in and ask staff how they are doing, but we are aging now,” said Sister Paula, whose mission in Innisfail with Sister Marie includes visiting the sick and elderly and helping families living in poverty. “We are the last two sisters that are here unless other sisters are sent. We continue to do what we can as we age and we work with children and help them out,” she added.

While the future of the Congregation of Notre Dame sisters in Alberta and Innisfail remains uncertain, the depth and commitment of the sisters is never in doubt. They are revered by students and staff, especially on January 12 when the school honours the legacy of Canada’s first canonized female saint.

https://www.mountainviewtoday.ca/innisfail-news/honoured-sisters-make-their-mark-on-feast-day-in- innisfail-6375011