Usually articles in the Catholic Press during Advent start with quotes from the prophets Isaiah who promised a light will shine in the darkness or Amos who foretold that Bethlehem would be the birth city of the Messiah.
This short reflection begins on the seaside in Ireland, a strand as it is called there. James Joyce, one of Ireland’s best and most challenging authors, eloquently writes of the innate longing in every human heart for the absolute, the unknowable, the eternal, the ultimate.
Mayor Jim Watson of Ottawa announced the 15 residents who will be inducted into the Order of Ottawa this year.
“The Order of Ottawa honours remarkable residents for their service in both professional and civic-oriented endeavours,” said Mayor Watson. “It is a privilege to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of these influential people who enrich our city and have made a difference in the lives of others in our community.”
Our congratulations to Sister Louise Dunn, CND, who “co-founded Serenity Renewal for Families, a charitable organization opened in 1983 providing a wide range of educational and counselling services. She has accompanied countless individuals on their recovery journey and has helped thousands of individuals and families to live in a spirit of health, hope and self-awareness.”
This year’s Order of Ottawa ceremony took place at City Hall on November 17.
The closing of the Year of Mercy and the 175th Anniversary of the arrival of the Congregation of Notre Dame sisters in Kingston did not go unnoticed by the associates and sisters in Kingston. Through a process of prayer, reflection and contemplative dialogue, Mary Cockburn helped us to stir up and renew our resolve to keep the fruits of the Holy Year alive within us. Following this, we were entertained and inspired by a small group of Sisters who mimed the story of SS Edward and SS Alexander, who came from Montreal to Kingston, as Rosemary Shannon read from a script she had prepared. In a humourous way this tremendous story of courage and resolve was recalled. Cake and beverages followed, and by the way, the two Sisters and the stagecoach in which they rode, stood bravely atop the beautifully decorated cake.
