Ottawa celebrates Marguerite's 400th: On November 2nd over 120 gathered at St. Paul's University for a morning with Kathleen Deignan, CND to listen, participate and reflect on the theme, "Daring to Dream a New World into Being," followed by lunch. Using examples from Marguerite Bourgeoys's life we were each challenged to carry on this dream both now and into the future.
Kathy Kelly, Ottawa associate
The Women the Vatican Couldn’t Silence
Voices of Faith, We are Church Ireland and the School of Religion in Trinity College present two leading Catholic women in a public conversation on issues that affect Catholics today. A lively dialogue between Sister Joan Chittister and Dr. Mary McAleese was shared at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. November 2. The recorded session is available on YouTube. It is excellent, if you have opportunity to watch it.
The women are frank about our Church situation, and positive in pointing out signs of hope. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY2ZOD-08GE
Eleanor McCloskey, CND
Memorial Service
The afternoon of November 4 at Bon Secours Residence in Montreal, a Memorial Service was held for sixteen CNDs who died since November 2018. The service was prayerful and reflective as a sister from the community honoured each who died by placing a white rose in a vase near the bust of Marguerite in the chapel. A Scripture passage from Matthew was read in English and French. “You are the light of the world. A city on a mountain cannot be hidden…” Each of these sisters was a bright light as she carried out her mission and ministry.
Donna Kelly, CND
Monthly Birthday Celebration
A tradition at Bon Secours Residence is that once a month, sisters who have birthdays are celebrated with a special dinner in the main dining room, and each sister receives a bouquet of flowers. This month, Sisters Clare O’Neil and Gladys Hayward from Mary of Peace Community were among the honourees. A simple remembrance will be held at our local community dinner on their actual birthday.
Donna Kelly, CND
Kingston continues to celebrate Marguerite’s 400th
In October we began our series of outreach to the parishes in the Kingston area. The pastor and parishioners of Blessed Sacrament parish welcomed us with open arms and hearts. The evening began with the Mass of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys during which we were united in a spirit of thanksgiving and unity with all our sisters and associates throughout the world. We then met in the church hall where the PowerPoint prepared by Sr. Marijke Gerretsen was very well received. The conversations that followed were enriching, uplifting and joyful. They were eager to share how Marguerite’s spirit inspires them and also eager to share about the many sisters who had touched their lives. Those who had never heard of Marguerite wanted to know more. Added to their excitement was the presence of Sisters Takahashi and Tonari from Japan who were visiting in Kingston. Our outreach to other parishes will continue with sisters and associates responding to requests from parish groups in the future.
Mildred Chabassol, CND
Back to the news index All the news