Housing Action Forum, Kingston, ON: The May 15, 2019 Housing Action Forum was a huge success. Arising out of it are several concrete actions that we have already begun to work to implement. The Social Planning Council of Kingston and District was so pleased that CND – Visitation Province made it possible for us to host the Forum, and I am so pleased to have done so as part of the 400th Anniversary Celebration of Marguerite's birth.
United in prayer and in the charism of Marguerite Bourgeoys,
Recently we were treated to a presentation by a local professor who specializes in narrative gerontology. Dr. Bill Randall explained how each phase of life has developmental tasks for us: we learn to walk, to speak, to read, to make decisions, to be responsible, etc. In our later years, narrative tasks are important and helpful, even essential to our wellness. He uses the term narra-care in inviting us to review our lives, to remember, rejoice, reconcile, and to recycle the wisdom stories that are uniquely our own. Reflecting on our own story is an implicitly spiritual process since it can deepen our sense of purpose and meaning, widen our sense of self and of God, stir up our gratitude and enhance our inner resilience in everyday living. We learned a lot in an hour!
On June 11, 2019 Rosemary McGhee gave a beautifully researched and delivered presentation on Marguerite Bourgeoys. She situated Marguerite historically and socially in the 1700s in France and the larger world.
She captured Marguerite's spirituality and her mission. She helped us realize and understand the many struggles which Marguerite faced in living out her dream. It was an amazing experience to hear someone tell our story. Hopefully before our 400th anniversary is over more of you will have the opportunity to hear Rosemary.
