On December 6, Norma Gallant, CND, together with Tammy Fox and Maureen Wiley, Associates, participated in the Vigil held to commemorate the massacre of 1989. Our annual participation seems to take on a deeper sense and urgency each year. Perhaps it has something to do with our role at the Vigil, which is to very slowly and respectfully announce each of the names of the young women. Perhaps they and their story are becoming more and more deeply known to us. Many people spoke briefly, but one person, the Constable, spoke eloquently from the perspective of his profession, and also shared very deeply from his own painful experience of an abusive situation in his own family. He, however, even in the light of that pain and while still acknowledging that the many forms of abuse still abound all around us, feels that optimism and hope from past years have now brought him in this day and age to a place of faith that we as a people are moving forward in another direction. He gave many examples of advances, while citing the many voices that are daily now raised in support of issues, ie, “me too,” obvious racial and gender discrimination, etc. His sharing was most inspirational.
Wednesday, Dec. 8th, 2021, sisters and associates, along with residents of Parkland Cape Breton, Sydney, NS, came together for Rosary, Christmas Carols, Skits and Christmas Poems. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as Sister Simone Abbass, New Associate Lorette and Sister Mary Corbett sang Christmas Carols, while the rest joined in. New Victoria Associate group performed a skit called, “The True Meaning of the Candy Cane,” while Dianne and Theresa Ann read Christmas poems. It was wonderful to come together for such a joyous Christmas celebration. A festive lunch was served afterwards.
Carty House in Ottawa has a long-shared history with the Congregation de Notre-Dame. It provides transitional housing and support for female refugee claimants and convention refugees as they move through the refugee system and build the resources necessary to live integrated and independent lives in Canadian society. You can read more about its operations including the stories of some residents at https://cartyhouse.org.