Associates in the Maritimes Are Involved with the Resettlement of Syrian Refugees
In early January, we asked associates to let us know if they were part of any preparations to receive the Syrian Newcomers to Canada. We heard from a few groups.
In Woodstock, NB, 2 associates are part of the Planning Committees for their local areas (Finance and Health & Wellness). The overall Planning Committee is a partnership of churches, organizations and individuals working together to submit applications to receive approximately 6 families in Carleton County. Many associates have donated money, clothing and household items. Some have assisted with sorting clothing donations. One of the homes that a Syrian family will be living in is the former Congregation of Notre Dame Convent where sisters lived for 27 years. Some of the associates have been asked to clean it and prepare it to be ready to receive the new family. One picture shows volunteers sorting the clothing donations. Other photo is the Convent on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Congregation of Notre Dame Mission in Woodstock in 2003. The Committee has just been informed that it may be March before the families arrive.
Woodstock Associates Celebrated Feast Day
Woodstock Associates celebrated on January 14. The weather interfered with the Fredericton Sisters and Associates joining them. Fr. John Keoughan, Parish Priest at St Gertrude’s in Woodstock joined them for lunch.
Celebrating Marguerite’s Feast Day in Mexico
On the feast of Marguerite, I found myself at daily mass in our old mission church. I am a lone Congregation of Notre Dame presence in this town in the hills of central Mexico. Around me were the beautiful Mexican people so steeped in faith and love, joy and courage. These are the poor, the little people who are ignored and have no voice... they are the elderly with no income, the children who cannot get an education, mothers who give their food to their children before they eat. So many struggling poor families yet brave and happy with the little they have.
Before communion they turn to me. La Paz del señor este siempre contigo.
"The Lord hears the cry of the poor, blessed be the Lord". Psalm 34
Frances Connell, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
