COVID or no COVID the Sisters at Providence Motherhouse Kingston don't miss an opportunity to celebrate. Because of restrictions only a small group from Assisted Living joined to celebrate Sr. Maureen Killoran's birthday. As we chatted memories were recalled, updates were shared, laughter and joy were evident. Of course, birthday rituals were observed--the birthday song, gift giving followed by birthday cake, ice cream and beverages. Though we missed the presence of Sisters from the Infirmary they will have their own gathering soon and we will be the "uninvited guests."
It was five years ago, on December 12, 2015, that Canada signed the Paris Agreement on climate change. That year, the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre-Dame had written to the Prime Minister. This is what they had to say then; five years later we continue the fight against climate change, and keep urging all government levels to do the same!
CLIMATE CHANGE – Taking a Stand
We are members of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame de Montréal, a congregation of over 900 women religious committed to education and present on four continents. Approximately the same number of associates also share our mission. Our presence in certain more vulnerable regions of the world, namely Africa and Central America, make us acutely aware of current global risks. The plight of women is one of our biggest concerns.
Isaiah 61:1-2A, 10-11; Psalm 126 or Luke 1:46b-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28
“The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners,” (Isaiah 61:1) Only the spirit of God can help us to teach and to be teachable in this time of global unrest due to COVID-19, chronic illnesses, climate change, natural disasters, racism, injustice, boko harram, ambazonians... Without God’s spirit, our teaching cannot bring life to the wounded world. Without humility we cannot be teachable. To be baptized is a blessing. God’s spirit is not out of me but in me. What a great love to mankind.