Westport celebration
On Sunday, September 18, 2016 many Congregation of Notre Dame Sisters attended Holy Mass and the dedication of a memorial monument in Westport, Ontario. The memorial, on the site of the former Notre Dame Convent next to the church, recognizes the CND Sisters' great contribution to Catholic education, as well as to parish and community life, in Westport and area for over a century.
The Plaque reads:
TO THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME CONVENT, WESTPORT, ONTARIO
This memorial was created from foundation stones of Notre Dame Convent and St. Edward's Roman Catholic Continuation School. The two-storey red brick buildings were constructed on this site in 1886 by Father Michael J. Stanton and the parishioners of St. Edward's Parish, Westport. The convent was home to a total of 106 Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame until their departure in 1987, after which it served as a centre for parish activities until its demolition in 2011. The high school closed in 1967 and the new St. Edward Catholic School was constructed in 1970. The CND Sisters were central to the life of the school, parish and local community throughout those 101 years. This memorial was dedicated on September 18, 2016.
Surprise Benefit!
Thanks to all who sent birthday greetings … it was a fun day! The sisters took me out for supper after Mass on Saturday, proposing to pay for my meal. When it came time to pay the bill, the waiter said, "Oh, it's your birthday? What's the number? That's the percentage we take off the cost of your meal." The sisters laughed, spontaneously and heartily, thinking BIG discount. I told the waiter: "It's 96." My bill came to sixty cents. I think the sisters should still take me out and give me dinner!
Anniversary in Renous, NB
On August 21st, I was fortunate to accompany my two sisters, Ann and Veronica, and our cousin Mary to attend the 100th anniversary of the official opening of St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Renous, NB. On a beautiful sunny day, Bishop Harris concelebrated mass with a number of priests including Father Vincent Donovan, born in Renous. Eight Renous women entered religious life, four of them Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame: Sisters Sadie and Alvera Donovan, Sister Elizabeth Hayes and myself. As the only surviving sister, I was presented a plaque in honour of the occasion. A large number of parishioners attended, some of whom I knew. It was a happy occasion for us.
