There is much news about the opioid crisis in this country, especially the lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and Purdue. However, Sister Beth Davies and several others launched that fight way back. The journalist Beth Macy published her book back in 2018, Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America.
Throughout her work, the author often refers to the work of Dr. VanZee and Sr. Beth Davies' struggle with the ever-growing menace of the opioid epidemic, especially in rural VA. Macy often mentions Beth's struggles in the coal mining scourge and then with the drug addiction. I highly recommend this book. All age groups need to be involved in the struggle to overcome this addiction. Thank you for letting others know about Macy's timely book.
Nearly 2 months ago, on July 28th, I was surrounded by sisters from PEI, Nova Scotia, Ontario, New York, and Connecticut, as well as my very close family and friends, and internationally through the power of the internet and Facebook live, to profess my first vows. I only remember joy and celebration, and still I know a lot of people put a lot of time planning and preparing for the big day. I’m grateful to Sisters Becky, Maco, and Sue for the time they spent and their role in the ceremony, as well as to Sister Elaine and the melodious choir, to my former community members in White Plains, and to my two celebrants, one of whom has since passed from this world. The outpouring of support from sisters in the Visitation and Blessed Sacrament provinces through emails, cards, and hugs in person have been constant throughout my time in formation, and have been the backbone of support, helping me during so many times and showing me just how big Congregation de Notre-Dame can be. So many times I’ve wanted to submit something to the newsletters to say “thank you” – after my entrance to the novitiate, the completion of the canonical year, when I was on my apostolic missions, being at the border, and especially now, as a newly professed sister, I get to thank you all, and let you know how much your prayers and reaching out have meant to me. Thank you.
On September 24, Sisters Agnes Campbell and Ona Bessette came to Innisfail for their Leadership Team visit. They shared with us their wonderful contemplative reflection. We had great sharing. The following evening, they joined us for our fall parish supper which was a fundraiser for our new church. On the evening of the 26th, we were happy to have the team meet with our associates. After enjoying a delicious meal, the members of the Leadership Team shared their special reflection. All were very inspired by their presentation which broadened our awareness of the whole Congregation de Notre-Dame. We were most grateful for Sisters Agnes and Ona's visit.
Sisters Marie Clarkin and Paula Maher