Visitation East October Newsletter 2023
Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Coordinator Ruva Gwekwerere met with Congrégation de Notre-Dame Sisters and Associates in Sydney Nova Scotia in September. Her informative presentation on human rights and climate justice was well received. She called us to reflect on what decisive action we can take to protect our planet. Her video on sustainability and integral ecology followed a question and answer session.
Following in Elizabeth and Mary’s footsteps, the mission of Visitation was obvious when CND Sister Eleanor McCloskey and Marjorie from New Brunswick joined the honor guard for the late Margaret MacDonell, CND. A visitation with the CND Sisters was especially enjoyed by the Sisters and Associates at the Health Park.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE-CARITAS Canada
A fall Campaign theme is “Create Hope – Stand for the Land”. We strive to bring awareness to Justice and Peace for all through the Honduras petition, awareness of the needs of our neighbors in the Global South, and our fall action.
Thank you for your continued support. For more information visit devp.org/shareyearround website.
A Mini-Regional Assembly took place in Amherst at Between The Hearts on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Associates from Woodstock and Sydney attended this kick off for the fall campaign.
Mini-Retreat, “The World, the Church, the Pope and all of us” opened with the Land Acknowledgement. The retreat was held at Holy Redeemer Convent on September 27, 2023 with Congrégation de Notre-Dame Sisters and Associates participating. The facilitators were Sr. Eleanor McCloskey and Associate Marjorie who were extremely informative and thought provoking. The group participated in songs and a beautiful litany of prayers and reflections. Sr. Eleanor talked about The Synod, how it is evolving with women and laity attending for the first time. She suggested we listen and talk about our world, the Church, the Pope and decide what is important to ourselves and collaborate with others. She spoke about looking through a different lens(she encouraged participants to put on her groovy sunglasses and focus and question our future church.) Marjorie contributed sharing on this theme expressing the hope that Pope Francis has in this Synod for Synodality.Sisters and Associates appreciated the experience, knowledge and wisdom of Sr. Eleanor, and Marjorie. Ruva (Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation Coordinator) was also greatly appreciated by everyone. The CND Sisters and staff at Holy Redeemer were most hospitable.
ANNUAL SKIFF LAKE RETREAT September 8, 9, 2023
Dianne and Donna visited the summer home of Marjorie on the beautiful Skiff Lake in New Brunswick. We participated in the Zoom Howe Island retreat on the theme “All who are Thirsty,Come” which was organized by the Howe Island Planning Committee of Ontario. The retreat was a prayerful and a meaningful reflection of water as a sacred gift and a human right. The Associates of Woodstock and Sr. Eleanor McCloskey were most hospitable, we enjoyed music and laughter and an amazing view of the lake. We are planning our 2024 visit. Thank you Marjorie!
VISITATION CONTINUES
Sr. Eleanor and Marjorie Allison-Ross visit the Religious Emmaus Centre at Membertou where Sr. Eleanor and Fr. Bill Burke discuss spiritual books, Jeff Ward, Mi’kmaq Knowledge keeper/sharer at the Heritage Park in Membertou, Cape Breton, took time to discuss Indigenous and Reconciliation issues with Ruva Gekwerere, the CND Coordinator of Justice, Peace and Integrity. A visit to Sydney’s Boardwalk would not be complete without a photo at the Famous Fiddle. There are ‘no friends like old friends’ and Sisters Eleanor McCloskey and Ruth Carr caught up on some hometown stories from Boiestown, N.B.
BEINN MGABU GAELIC COLLEGE
The long-awaited grand opening celebration took place on Friday, September 15th, for the first post-secondary institution Beinn Mhabu Gaelic College in Mabou Cape Breton. Sister Catherine MacEachern, CND spoke of St. Joseph’s Convent and its history as a school and the home of the Congregation of Notre Dame Sisters. It was her home for 24 years. “All the sisters used their gifts to educate the young people. I am happy to be here to celebrate the opening and to congratulate the Honorable Rodney MacDonald and his staff,” said Sister Catherine. “May those who have gone before us intercede for Beinn Mhàbu and their staff,” she added. “I consider it a privilege to be here today,” she added. Sister Catherine reminded all those in attendance – including MLA and Deputy Premier Allan MacMaster – that she actually taught him in school in Judique when he was in grade two. “I’m happier still to know he got a good job with the government,” she laughed, and everyone who attended joined in.