Last week over 10,000 people from many different countries and religious traditions gathered in Toronto for the Parliament of World Religions. I was there on behalf of JPIC to present a workshop featuring the dance performance we had commissioned for the 2016 World Social Forum. The title of our session was "Climate Change: Hope in Action through the Arts". Over 15 keen people were present, several sharing their contact information and asking for copies of the DVD of the dance. Many seeds were planted with this invitation to nurture caring for our common home in new and creative ways. Many thanks to Toronto Associate Karen Volpe who was on hand for tech support.
From the beginning, Visitation Province of the Congregation de Notre-Dame has been supporting PeaceQuest in its goal of creating an alternative recognition of the First World War. Following the four streams of faith, culture, education and policy, for five years events, resources and advocacy actions have been organized across the country. On the occasion of the centenary of the Armistice from WWI, over a hundred people gathered in Kingston last week-end to express gratitude for all that was accomplished and to reflect together on how to continue the vision and momentum of PeaceQuest as it takes on a new form apart from the WWI connection.
“Word on Fire” Retreat Held at Our Lady of Hope Centre
Twenty-four Sisters, Associates and Friends of the Congregation de Notre-Dame attended the Associate Retreat held at the Our Lady of Hope Retreat Centre in Breadalbane, PEI from October 29-31. The Retreat Facilitator was Fr. Bill Brennan, Parish Priest at St Dunstan’s, Fredericton, NB. The theme was “Word On Fire”. Our time during the Retreat included educational sessions, quiet time for reflection and prayer, communal prayer, social time and networking with those attending the retreat, walking on the grounds, enjoying the facility and scenery and eating great food. While there, we celebrated 2 birthdays – Sr. Phyllis Gallant and Anna Rowley. We enjoyed the “extravagance” of God’s love during our 3-day Retreat experience. We heard many positive comments from the participants saying that they learned so much and thought the Retreat Centre was a very restful place.
Marjorie Allison-Ross, associate