News from Visitation Province (Canada)
Retreat at Andrews of Charlottetown
We spent three grace-filled days of retreat with Sister Denise Bérubé from May 22-24. The theme dealt mainly with the compassion of Jesus, our call to compassion and the ministry of presence. Denise’s gentle, reflective approach, her use of sacred music, appropriate handouts and a well-balanced schedule all contributed to a prayerful experience. We were fortunate to have daily Mass with our chaplain, Father Bob Coady. We are grateful to God and to Denise for her precious ministry.
Réjeanne Bourque, CND
Sr. Libby Osgood Accepted to Profess First Vows
It is with great joy and gratitude that we share with you the news that Sr. Libby Osgood has been accepted to profess First Vows in the Congrégation de Notre-Dame of Montreal.
Please continue to hold Libby in prayer as she prepares to deepen her commitment to live the mystery of the Visitation as a professed member of the CND.
Meeting of women in the parish of Santa Bárbara, Honduras
This meeting was a collective experience lived from a perspective of the faith and the daily reality of women.
Five years ago we began to meet once a month with some village coordinators. We also meet, once a year, with eighty to one hundred women from different villages to celebrate and share our rural women ministry.
Angels In Our Midst - Going To The Peripheries
On a Tuesday, a friend invited me to accompany her to the Friendship Room, which is an outreach of the Salvation Army. They serve coffee, donuts, muffins, etc. to people who drop-in. I knew very little about this ministry and was eager to learn more so I accepted.
Anniversary Of First Visitation Province Associate Assembly
The first Visitation Province Associate Assembly became a reality one year ago and is now part of our Associate Relationship history. Forty-six associates and fourteen sisters from across Visitation Province as well as two associates from Blessed Sacrament Province participated in this special Gathering.
We chose as the theme, “On Fire for Mission,” which was so appropriate for the gathering that was held on Pentecost Sunday. It was also close to the Feast of the Visitation so sisters renewed their vows and associates their commitment to Associate Relationship at Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel.
Celebration Of The Eucharist
The Sisters and Associates invite you to join them in the Celebration of the Eucharist in anticipation of the 400th birthday of their foundress, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, on Sunday, June 16 at 10:30 am at St. Dunstan’s Basilica in Charlottetown.
First Annual Sister Margaret MacDonell Prize In Gaelic Poetry Awarded
The Department of Celtic Studies at St. Francis Xavier University, in partnership with the Clan Donald Lands Trust, is pleased to announce an annual Gaelic poetry competition named in honour of Sister Margaret MacDonell, CND, former chair of the StFX Celtic Studies Department and lifelong champion of the Gaelic language. An award ceremony was held May 10th, 2019 during Gaelic Month in Nova Scotia.
The inaugural recipients of the Sister Margaret MacDonell Prize in Gaelic Poetry were first prize Brìan MacLeòid, second prize Goiridh Dòmhnullach, and third prize Deborah Moffatt. StFX Celtic Studies Department Chair Dr. Michael Linkletter presented the prize.
Presentation of the Mosaic at the Motherhouse
On Wednesday, May 15, during the regular afternoon coffee break, the Mosaic art piece, the contribution of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame to the international Sowing Hope for the Planet project was unveiled to a full and expectant dining-room. The Congregational Leadership Team was present along with Motherhouse staff, Montreal area Sisters and Associates from Visitation Province and Becky McKenna and Catherine Walker who were visiting Montreal and area this past week. We were joined by the artist, Claire Jacmin-Park who shared some reflections about her creative process. CND Social Justice Coordinator Bineta Ba introduced the project. Project Committee member Monica Lambton also spoke, along with Congregation Leader Sr. Agnes Campbell who had just returned from UISG meetings in Rome. She shared with us her joy in seeing an image of the Mosaic and the name of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame in the slide presentation during the plenary there. The original Mosaic will be on display at the Motherhouse. It is hoped that this will be a resource for us long term as we draw on what we encounter in the images and meaning portrayed there.
A Celebration of Visitation
Leader: As we come together today to celebrate the Feast of the Visitation, we call upon Mary, our mother in Faith and our Foundress, and ask her guidance as we strive to incarnate the Word in our world.
Opening Song: In the Footsteps of Mary (from Visitation – K. Deignan, CND and M.A. Foley, CND)
In the footsteps of Mary we love to find the inspiration of our lives, hidden with Christ in God.
The life Mary led throughout her time on earth was the life of poverty: a way of mystery like the Pasch of Jesus.
The life Mary led throughout her time on earth was a life of incomparable love—unified, transparent, and deep.
The life Mary led throughout her time on earth was the life of an apostle, first herald of the gospel.
News from Visitation Province (Canada)
Congrégation de Notre-Dame Receives Honorary Degree At Stfx Spring Convocation
Sr. Rebecca McKenna, CND, was at the StFX University Spring Convocation on May 5th to receive an Honorary Degree on behalf of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame for its work in liberating education.
This award acknowledges that the lives of the sisters truly made a difference, and contributed to the common mission at StFX, Sr. Rebecca says. It recognizes the part the CND played in the larger story, especially in expanding the parameters of education for women. You can watch the live-streaming of the convocation at:
https://www.stfx.ca/student-life/convocation/spring-convocation
The presentation to the Congrégation de Notre-Dame is in the afternoon ceremony. [Approximate time 1:40:16]
Catherine Walker, CND, with members of the administration team
Pastoral Services Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel - Spring-Summer 2019
Photo: Marie-Claire Dugas
Group activities (minimum 15 persons)
Guided visit
Guided visit of the chapel with someone from the pastoral team, guided visit of the crypt, the Museum, the chapel up in the clouds and the belvedere. Visit of the temporary exposition at your own pace. We can modify your visit to meet your needs.
Take advantage of your group visit to discover our new temporary exposition starting June 21st, 2019: COLLE PAPIER CISEAUX: The life and works of Claude Lafortune. Come admire, for the very first time at the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum, the paper sculpture representing Jesus as well as L’Évangile en papier !
Mothers
Photo: Marie-Claire Dugas
God, you have created and nurtured us as a mother, we bless you and give you thanks.
Mothers living here or in eternity, bless our God.
Mothers of happy, healthy children, bless our God.
Mothers of ill or troubled children, bless our God.
Mothers of well fed and cared for children, bless our God.
Mothers of abused children, bless our God.
Mothers of hungry children, bless our God.
Mothers of children of freedom, bless our God.
Mothers of children of oppression, bless our God.
News from Visitation Province (Canada)
Mosaic by Claire Jacmin-Park
Congrégation de Notre-Dame Contribution to Sowing Hope for the Planet Campaign
With a desire to highlight and share with each other how Religious Communities are bringing the message of Laudato Sí to life, the UISG in Rome initiated the Sowing Hope for the Planet campaign.
By participating in the Campaign, we are continuing in our commitment to care for our Common Home. The Campaign will enrich our reflection, consolidate our actions and initiate new actions.
UPEI heads to KAIROS Atlantic!
Photo: Lois, Dawne (KAIROSAtlantic planning committee and UPEI Mawi-omi staff), Seanna, Alexia
Streams of Justice: KAIROS Atlantic Gathering 2019, May 2 – 5, 2019 at Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB.
Follow the adventure on social media using #KAIROSAtlantic and #KAIROSAtlanticPEI
Also our delegates are publishing a blog. Click here to follow along!
News from Visitation Province (Canada)
Earth Day Celebration
On Monday evening, several Sisters of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame attended a Musical Evening to celebrate the beauties and wonders of Our Common Home, Planet Earth. This was presented by the Martha Spirituality Centre, and included a variety of music, song and dance, all related to Mother Earth. The program was inspirational and thought-provoking, and was much appreciated by an enthusiastic audience.
Marie Hagen, CND
Honorary Degree For the Congrégation de Notre-Dame
St. Francis Xavier University Spring Convocation to celebrate new milestones for graduates, honorary degree recipients and award winners
Antigonish, Nova Scotia – It is one of the biggest celebratory days of the year at St. Francis Xavier University. After four years of hard work and dedication, a new generation of leaders will leave St. FX to carve out new pathways.
On May 5, more than 900 St. FX graduates will receive degrees. Morning and afternoon ceremonies will be celebrated with family, relatives and friends.
Two honorary degrees will be bestowed during Spring Convocation. During the morning ceremony, Dr. Stan Kutcher, a leading psychiatrist and professor, will be honoured for his work in helping manage major mental illnesses in youth. In the afternoon, The Congrégation de Notre-Dame will be recognized for its work in the value of liberating education to create a more just society.
Social Justice News from Visitation Province
The “Periphery” Reaching Out To The Periphery
“They still bring forth fruit in old age, they are ever full of sap and green.” (Psalm 92:15)
We are certainly part of the “periphery!” We live in a seniors’ retirement home. Our average age is 85. Braces, canes, walkers and wheelchairs are part of our every-day reality. Some of us need help in personal care to various degrees. Some have physical or mental disabilities. Our sisters remain here until death. Yes, we fit into the peripheral category! “How then shall we live?”
News from Visitation Province (Canada)
Vocations
“God’s call makes us bearers of a promise and at the same time, asks of us the courage to take a risk.” Doesn’t that sentence capture the experience of our lives? The quote is taken from Pope Francis’ message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations 2019.
The Vocation/Formation Committee would like to invite all of us to participate in any way that we can in this year’s world-wide prayer for Vocations on Sunday, May 12.
- Reflect upon our own lives and recognize the many promises and risks that have been enfolded into the years;
- Highlight this day by prayer in our communities;
- If possible, raise awareness of the day in our parishes;
- Participate in parish/diocesan activities;
- Read the Holy Father’s letter, The Courage to Take the Risk for God’s Promise. (https://zenit.org/articles/holy-fathers-message-for-2019-world-day-of-vocations/)
In his message, the Holy Father goes on to say that our vocation is God’s loving initiative whereby God encounters us and invites us to be part of a great undertaking. In this 400th anniversary of the birth of Marguerite Bourgeoys, let’s pray with the universal Church that all people will recognize God’s call in their lives and deepen their participation in God’s “great undertaking.”
Josephine Badali, CND, with members of the Vocation/Formation Committee
April 17, 2020: 400th anniversary of the birth of Marguerite Bourgeoys
Les Sœurs de la Congrégation de Notre-Dame will celebrate a very special anniversary in 2020: the 400th anniversary of the birth of Marguerite Bourgeoys, Montreal’s first teacher and foundress of the Congregation. Throughout 2020, activities organized by our museums will highlight this 400th anniversary and a mini website will feature a calendar of events and information: www.margueritebourgeoys400.org. We also invite you to visit the Musée Marguerite-Bourgeoys and Maison Saint-Gabriel websites to learn more.
News from Blessed Sacrament Province (USA)
Photo: Dominique Baroco
Statue Of St. Marguerite To Be Installed: On Sunday May 19, 2019 a statue of Marguerite Bourgeoys will be presented to St. Columba Church in recognition of the presence of the CND community in the parish's pastoral and school life since the mid-1940's. The Sisters and Associates of St. Columba’s extend an invitation to whomever would be able to attend the ceremony and reception.
The statue will be blessed by the Pastor, Rev. James Hauver at the end of the 12 NOON Mass at St. Columba Church at 343 West 25th Street, New York, NY. 10001. In addition, during this ceremony, representatives of the CND community will present thoughts and prayers to celebrate this occasion.
After this ceremony there will be a reception of light refreshments in the school auditorium. We would like to invite all the CND Sisters and Associates to this memorable occasion to celebrate this new presence of Marguerite in our community at St. Columba.
St. Columba Associate, Barbara Casmasina
