The first impressions tourists have when visiting Quebec is admiration for our wide-open spaces. The Saint Lawrence River is immense, forests are innumerable, the North and Far North are fascinating. Everything is vast, open and spacious. Our eyes are accustomed to seeing big! We can allow ourselves the comfort of “social distancing” since we do not step on each other’s toes. When we scan the horizon, we see further still, and when we look up, we see the highest star. Yes, in this our nation, we are accustomed to a full-sized life!
This beautiful illustration of St Marguerite Bourgeoys was created by a 15 year old artist from Cameroon. His artist name is zac’art and he gave his permission for us to use it in this Newsletter. He is the son of Cameroonian Associate Mary Chimy. Zac’art drew Marguerite wearing a face mask during this year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 400th anniversary of her birth. On Marguerite’s first voyage to Canada in 1653, Marguerite cared for very ill people on the ship and a mask would have been helpful for her. Thank you zac’art for this beautiful painting of St Marguerite.
It is with great sadness that the Sisters of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame announce the passing of Sister Louise Côté (S. S.-Claire-des-Anges) at Résidence Bon-Secours in Montreal on May 1. At the age of 90 years and 10 months, Sister Louise Côté had more than 70 years of religious life. During this beautiful and long life for which we give thanks, Sister Louise held many positions in service of the Congregation – first as devoted teacher and later as Councillor and Bursar – before being elected Superior General from 1974 to 1984. She was also president of the Canadian Religious Conference (CRC), and Councillor and then Secretary General of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) in Rome.