On October 25, 1869, three sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame arrived in Newcastle, NB, to begin their work of educating young people. Their presence has lasted to this day. To acknowledge appreciation, a statue of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, has been placed in the church foyer. This statue was donated to the Sisters long ago by Mr. and Mrs. John O’Brien, parishioners and local business people. It found an honored place in the last two residences of the sisters. We are pleased it has now found a home in our parish church.
It has been a diamond studded year for me! Indeed it began in December during a celebration at school in honour of all our benefactors. At that time I was named a MaYaa by the fon (traditional leader) of Ngarum. In other words I am now Queen Noreen of Ngarum!
In January I renewed my vows with the two new finally professed sisters in Yaounde and joined with them in celebrating the event. In February we celebrated my eightieth birthday at Kumbo. In May I joined with you all in spirit as mass was celebrated for the Diamond Jubilarians at Bon Secours.
In February 2013, Pope Francis promulgated 2015 as the Year of Consecrated Life with these words: “…awaken the world with the passion of your charisms and your mission…”
The Year of Consecrated Life will begin on the First Sunday of Advent, November 29, 2014, and end on February 2, 2016. The year also marks the 50th anniversary of Perfectae Caritas, a decree on religious life, and Lumen Gentium, the second Vatican Council’s constitution on the church. The purpose of this Year is to “make grateful remembrance of the recent past” while embracing “the future with hope.”
