February Article for The R.I. Catholic
The Statue of Liberty has been restored and reopened within the past few years. With all the patching and plastering, painting and preening, the pedestal still holds the famous poem by Emma Lazarus “The New Colossus.”
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
(Photo: Sister Patricia McCarthy, CND, pictured here with Sister Ann Broderick, CND (seated) and Sister Patricia Flattery, CND)
On January 16, students and teachers from Holy Cross Secondary School in Kingston, shared with the Sisters at Providence Mother House, their experiences of Mission in Jamaica and with the homeless people in Toronto. They spoke with warmth and enthusiasm of the time they spent with the poorest people in small villages near Kingston, Jamaica. They were impressed with the children’s joy and eagerness toward going to school. These children appreciate the privilege they have in getting an education and are so grateful for everything that is done for them. The students remarked how they often resist going to school themselves for some reason or another. This experience in so many ways has enabled them to not take so many things they have for granted. One activity that really engaged their energy and gave them a sense of accomplishment was helping to build a house.
The day of celebration began at the community Mass with the Sisters of Providence, RHSJ’s and CND’s united in praising St. Marguerite. We “sang out her glory” and listened as Sisters Emily Doherty and Eleanor Monahan shared some anecdotes from Marguerite’s life which typified her compassion and mercy as she responded to the needs of the young colonists and their families. In the afternoon the CND Sisters and associates of the city with the Sisters of the other two communities enjoyed a delightful harp concert given by Pat Marshall, someone many sisters will remember as a former CND, who has remained a friend of the community, especially of Sr. Mary Meagher. Pat travelled from Ottawa to entertain us in honour of St. Marguerite. The music included a variety of familiar Christmas Carols, including a French one for Marguerite, Irish songs and some classical renditions.