Ten Years Later

It was quite a move when 44 Sisters of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame made the journey from our beloved convents to a new Retirement Living complex in November of 2011. By December 1, 2011 the new building, Parkland Cape Breton, was now occupied by sisters of the Congregation from Holy Angels Convent, Holy Redeemer Convent, Sydney Mines, Antigonish, Prince Edward Island, etc. Some of us were present when Sister Catherine MacNeil, cut the ribbon to officially open the new building.

Now, 10 years later, nine of the original sisters still call Parkland their home. Over the years our former companions either moved to the Health Care Centre in Sydney, or moved on to their eternal home. Other sisters have joined the Parkland Community, many of whom are also enjoying their heavenly home.

On December 3rd, a Semi Formal Gala celebration was held to mark the 10th anniversary of the opening. A special banquet took place, attended by the residents, staff and special guests, among whom were Sister Becky McKenna and members of the Province Leadership team, as well as, Sister Agnes Campbell. Ten-year staff members and the ten-year Congregation de Notre-Dame sisters, wearing beautiful corsages of red roses, were formally recognized. We were literally wined and dined and then toasted with champagne.

Sister Agnes Campbell, our former Congregation Leader, who now resides at Parkland, gave a brief history of the Congregation involvement in the creation        and realization of Parkland Cape Breton. As a member of the planning committee from the outset, her intention had been to take up residence with the rest of the sisters. However, as we know, her life took a different turn which included Congregational Leadership. It took Sr. Agnes 10 years to arrive at Parkland.