In the past week, the first week of 2018, two different sources gave us words of wisdom that can challenge all of us to the core of our moral sensibility. The two sources are separated by eighty years: Pope Francis and a three year old boy.
On January 1st, Pope Francis said: “Let us nurture the seeds of peace as they grow and let us transform our cities into workshops of peace.” For so many of us, the measure of progress in our cities is a lower unemployment rate, higher school test scores, fewer high school drop-outs, a decrease in violent crimes, fewer traffic fatalities, safety in public places, adequate public transportation. Each of these measures is a good goal and a real achievement when reached. But Pope Francis is imagining far greater accomplishments. He is encouraging us to make our cities “workshops of peace.” Where would we begin? Schools? Churches? Police Departments? Public Institutions? Families? Housing?
On December 15, 2017, Sisters from Parkland Cape Breton, CND Health Care Centre and those living in the city, joined the Sisters at Holy Redeemer Convent for a pre-Christmas Celebration. They were welcomed at the door and ushered into the community room for a meet and greet. This was followed by a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings. The best was yet to come, Colleen’s decadent plum pudding and heavenly sauce for dessert! Before leaving the dining-room, there was a spontaneous chorus of “Here Comes Santa Clause” as each one received a small gift bag. In closing the celebration, all gathered in the chapel for a beautiful Advent Prayer Service. To the delight of all present, the hymns were accompanied by Sister Elaine Hawrylak on the organ.
*Before beginning, place a cloth on the prayer table. Items will be added as we pray.
Introduction
Leader: Today we celebrate the Feast Day of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, the foundress of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal. (Place a picture or statue of Marguerite on the prayer table) In 1653, Marguerite Bourgeoys, a native of Troyes, France, came to a tiny and beleaguered Ville-Marie, (now Montreal, Canada) still undergoing its birth pangs. In 1659, when Marguerite's first companions joined her on a return voyage, her Congregation of Sisters began to educate and guide the children and women in New France. Marguerite, an Extern (type of Associate) with the Congregation of Notre Dame Sisters in France taught poor children and brought the spirit of that movement to the women in New France