On a beautiful Fall morning on October 18^th Sisters and Associates travelled from Antigonish, Sydney Mines, Sydney, Lingan and New Victoria for the Annual Associate Retreat in Mabou with Sister Della Gaudet, CND. The welcome mat was out for our arrival as Associate Peg Madigan opened our day with the warmth of her own heart reaching out to Sister Della and to each of us.

Our Mission & Vision Statement states that “In a spirit of openness and mutuality with the sisters, we share the charism of Marguerite Bourgeoys and the mission of the Congregation of Notre Dame ~ together, we lived those words to the full to-day. It was truly a blessing to witness the love, respect and admiration that was present in our gathering for our Foundress.

Sister Della gave us “new glimpses” of Saint Marguerite that began in Marguerite’s hometown where she lived for over 7 years; she really has walked in the “footsteps” of Marguerite. I was not blessed to have visited Troyes but today I feel I was there and in many beautiful ways, in the company of Marguerite.

As we gathered the “graces” of the day I feel that I express the sentiments of each and every participant when I say that we were nourished to the brim by Sister Della.

On Wednesday, December 3, the Montreal CNDs and associates met at the deSève residence to a twilight reflection. Two visitors joined us, inquiring about associate relationship. Sister Joan Foliot led us in the theme of the Journey to Mount Zion. Following a well-researched presentation, we were invited to spend 30-minutes in silent prayer considering several questions relating to the mountain experience and the extended hand of God. During a second section, we considered Trust and Light. In the finale the lights were extinguished and one central candle was lit representing the Pascal candle; and each participant lit a small light as we contemplated our call to light the world. On the suggestion of Gloria Schneike, associate, all were invited to contribute food for the poor, a gesture to symbolize our solidarity with those in need. During this Advent season, we were privileged to have access to an intimate evening of prayer and sharing prepared and presented so lovingly by Sister Joan. Many thanks! 

Every year, on December 10, Human Rights Day is observed to mark the date on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proclaiming its principles as the “common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.”

“This year’s slogan, Human Rights 365, encompasses the idea that every day is Human Rights Day. It celebrates the fundamental proposition in the Universal Declaration that each one of us, everywhere, at all times is entitled to the full range of human rights, that human rights belong equally to each of us and bind us together as a global community with the same ideals and values.”

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/HRDay2014/Pages/HRD2014.aspx