Toronto Celebrating!
Sisters and associates have been visiting schools and parishes to speak about St. Marguerite’s life as we celebrate her 400th birthday. Here are a few of those experiences:
On January 10th Notre Dame High School celebrated St. Marguerite’s Feast Day: As part of the 400th celebration, Sr. Eileen Power spoke at the school Mass of Marguerite’s history and legacy. The Mass and reception which was attended by Congregation de Notre-Dame sisters, associates, staff, students, alumni and donors, celebrated “her spirit, courage, determination, love, light and compassion have been beacons for each of us as we navigate our careers either high school or professional.” (Sandy Soave, school chaplain)
"The St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Mass was an amazing experience that reinforced our school theme for this year "Do something." Sr. Power's speech gave me newfound motivation to keep helping others in 2020.” (Grade 11 student Maria Petersen)
St. Valentine’s Day seems to have been taken over by the greeting card companies, the candy-makers, and the florists. Even when we live with people who know we love them, there is something special about a card or a gift of flowers to express the specialness of a relationship.
In Holland during World War II, there lived a woman who understood the need to speak words of love and to bring flowers to the one loved. A Dutch Jew, she was killed in Auschwitz in 1943 at the age of twenty-nine. Her name was Etty Hillesum.
Capsule unearthed at former Notre Dame Convent, Kingston
As the Sisters of the Congregation de Notre-Dame in Kingston gathered to celebrate Sr. Anne Coffey's birthday, little did we know the treat that was in store. The capsule that had been contained in the 1968 cornerstone of the new residence on Wright Crescent was opened for us to view. Found inside the copper tube were newspapers, a book about the Grand Trunk Railway, some religious medals, a small statue of St. Marguerite and one of St. Joseph. Recorded were the names of all the Sisters involved in the move from Johnson Street Residence. Along with these treasures was the brass plaque, which had graced the door of 130 Johnson Street, "the Convent." The Sisters are grateful to the demolition crew who recognized the historical value of the capsule and made sure it was not damaged so that it could be placed in the hands of the Sisters. In due time the capsule will be placed in the Archives at the Motherhouse.
Anne Coffey, CND, Emily Doherty, CND and Barbara Prior, CND