150th Anniversary In Waterbury: On September 8, Cathy, an associate from Chicago, attended the 150th anniversary of five CND sisters coming to Waterbury, CT from Montreal. Cathy is a graduate from Waterbury Catholic High School and was asked to speak during the celebration dinner. Below is an adapted excerpt from Cathy’s speech talking about her gratefulness and joy in knowing the Sisters of the Congregation de Notre-Dame and her mission as an associate to carry on their spirit.
Recently the planning committee for the 150th anniversary celebration gathered one more time to celebrate the success of our Sept. 8th event. Over 400, mostly alum, came together at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury to express gratitude for the five Congregation de Notre-Dame Sisters arrival in Waterbury 150 years to the day. Sr. Agnes Campbell, coming from Montreal, graced us with her presence and her thoughtful words. Bishop Leonard Blair was the celebrant and Monsignor Joseph Donnelly, a friend of the Congregation, was homilist. The palpable sense of joy, the sense of gratitude, and the power of singing with one voice added to the beauty of the Eucharist.
The spirit of joy and gratitude continued at Bella Vista as classmates were searched for. The excitement of once again meeting old classmates and teachers added to the very festive atmosphere. Friendships were renewed and strengthened, reflections on the liberating education received were voiced and sincere gratitude to teachers expressed numerous times. People left wanting more time together. Future reunions for all kinds of reasons were planned by many classes.
Deo Gratias for all that has been these past 150 years at Waterbury, CT. Marguerite Bourgeoys’ charism continues in Waterbury.
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.