Visitation East Associate Newsletter
This beautiful illustration of St Marguerite Bourgeoys was created by a 15 year old artist from Cameroon. His artist name is zac’art and he gave his permission for us to use it in this Newsletter. He is the son of Cameroonian Associate Mary Chimy. Zac’art drew Marguerite wearing a face mask during this year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 400th anniversary of her birth. On Marguerite’s first voyage to Canada in 1653, Marguerite cared for very ill people on the ship and a mask would have been helpful for her. Thank you zac’art for this beautiful painting of St Marguerite.
April 17, 2020
Dear Marguerite, What a joy for me to be here in your city of Ville-Marie for your 400th birthday. Although plans do not work out as planned, I find this is an unexpected and undeserved gift from Divine Providence, to be here on such a historic day for Canada, Montreal and for each of us, your daughters who see you as dear Mother, Model and Inspiration.
You continue to be Mother of the Colony. I look out my window and see the Cross on the mountain first erected in 1658 by you and your good friend, Sieur de Maisonneuve. Each night it shines brilliantly lit from atop your beloved Montagne.
Spring is bursting forth in your land with song of birds, swelling buds on trees and blossoms about to open. Long ago you were here celebrating other birthdays and important events. Today I am here calling you to help us in our present trials and tribulations and showing us once again how to keep our little piece of charcoal burning bright in a dark time.
With love from all of us,
Peace and Joy and Easter Alleluias,
Written by Miramichi Associate,Frances Connell Enriquez
Zoom Birthday Party/Meeting Celebrating St Marguerite’s 400th Birthday
Submitted by Marjorie Allison-Ross
We weren’t able to gather in person so we did the next best thing… gather virtually online to mark this special occasion. We’re sharing some photos from the virtual St Marguerite Birthday Party/Associate Meeting on April 17th. Associates and Sisters from Truro, Fredericton and Woodstock met by Zoom. At first we worked out the glitches of getting 18 people into Zoom! This was a new experience for many of the participants. Anna Rowley prepared the Agenda and facilitated the gathering for us. Bev Brazil read the poem “Guidance” by Joyce Rupp. Ellen Culbert-Johnston read the Visitation Story. While viewing the painting, “Setting Out” by Victoire Roy, CND, we listened to the new Marguerite song, “Let Us Hurry On The Way”. Sr. Eleanor McCloskey gave a presentation on “Marguerite, The Woman”. We reflected on some questions and we were encouraged to share our ideas. Anna led us in Prayer Intentions. Marjorie read the Chapter 2021 Prayer. We closed the meeting with the song, “Touch the World with Gentleness” by Kathy Sherman. Then we sang Happy Birthday. Anna and Marjorie both made birthday cakes and invited people to drive by for a piece if they wanted one. Many positive comments were ex-pressed about being able to meet online during this time of pandemic.