Kingston Providence Motherhouse News
If one is good, two is better according to the Sisters of the Congregation de Notre-Dame at Providence Motherhouse. Seventeen sisters gathered to celebrate Patricia McCarney’s 92nd birthday and to anticipate the Feast of the Visitation. This was the first gathering of the group since COVID-19 claimed a part of our lives. We very much regretted that three in our group were unable to join. Our attention was drawn to a beautiful center piece featuring Mary and Elizabeth and the traditional marguerites arranged by Marijke. Patricia Arsenault called us into a short period of reflection centered on appropriate words from the Constitution before we renewed our vows. A tasty and delicate luncheon prepared by Marijke was enjoyed. Next there came the birthday gift, greeting cards and yet another Happy Birthday song. There was a wonderful feeling of unity and love among us and a sincere thank you to God and Our Lady for many gifts we receive as CND’s. – Barbara Prior, CND
On May 31st, the Feast of the Visitation was celebrated at the CND Health Center in Sydney. A prayer service was held with Sr. Ann Marie McDougall reading the gospel, Sr. Evelyn McNeil led the sisters with the renewal of their vows, and Sr. Catherine MacDonald gave the closing prayer. We were also fortunate to honour Sr. Bernardine Burke on her 70th Jubilee and Sr. Joanne MacFarlane on her 60th Jubilee. Sr. Margaret MacDonell gave a beautiful toast to commemorate the jubilees which was solidified with champagne and cake. The special day concluded with a lobster supper. It was wonderful to be together for a beautiful feast day. – Arlene Rutledge, Coordinator
Declaration of solidarity by the Congrégation de Notre-Dame with the First Nations people following the discovery of the unmarked graves at the Kamloops Indian Residential School
The Congrégation de Notre-Dame offers its deepest sympathies to the families and communities whose children died and were buried in indignity, without the knowledge of their family members, at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on the territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation.
We want to acknowledge the devastating consequences of colonialism on the Indigenous peoples of Canada. We deplore the participation of the Church in the colonial movement. We are also aware that these past situations continue to have destructive effects on individuals, families, communities and on all First Nations people in Canada, seriously undermining justice and social peace in our country.
Zoom Retreat with Sister Lorraine Caza, CND
Saturday, May 29th, 2021, via zoom, Sr. Lorraine Caza, CND, presented a Mini-Retreat to Sisters and Associates of Visitation Province. Theresa MacNeil, VP East Co-Coordinator welcomed the participants to this retreat and Dianne MacAskill opened with the General Chapter prayer 2021 Together for the Life of the World. Alexa Smith, Associate, introduced Sr. Lorraine Caza. The retreat was an inspiring presentation which focused on: WHAT IF WE REASSESS OUR FULL YEAR OF COVID-19 EXPERIENCE?
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? WHAT ARE WE GRATEFUL FOR? HAVE WE ANY REGRETS?
Sister Loraine Caza ended her retreat inviting each one to write their own personal Magnificat. She shared a Magnificat written by Jacqueline Fehlner, Coordinator VP Central. We were blessed to have Associate Dolores MacGillivary share a Magnificat she wrote and shared. Prior to the retreat ending the Sisters and Associates in attendance renewed their Vows/Commitments. Sr. Connie MacIsaac read the Vows for the Congregation de Notre-Dame sisters who were present while Theresa MacNeil led the Associates in their commitment. The concluding prayer was read by Associate Karen Volpe. Sister Connie MacIsaac expressed heartfelt appreciation to Sr. Lorraine for giving of her time and leaving us with a most memorable experience. The 400th Anniversary song “Let Us Hurry on the Way”, was played to end this retreat.