On Thanksgiving Day, 26 Sisters of the Congregation de Notre-Dame, including six from Lourdes gathered for the holiday celebration. Our “traditional” getting together had some new elements. The new venue allowed us to sit closer together in smaller groups, provided ready-to-go table settings, and most importantly allowed easy access for the Lourdes healthcare centre Sisters. In other years, we had to transport them by car! The traditional turkey and all the trimmings were cooked by our local Stop and Shop and were quite delicious! As someone from Lourdes said: It is the getting together that matters!!
Sisters, I am grateful for having been invited to coordinate the Vocation Ministry in the province. In accepting this role, I discerned that I needed to stay grounded in the Cathedral parish ministry, as well. In that discernment, it has been clear to me that we are all in this together. I depend on you, and we are interdependent on one another to use our gifts and "lights" to see how God is leading us individually and communally. I’m hoping to visit you—in person or virtually—to reflect on this with you.
In true Visitation style, I ask you to consider doing several — or all! — of the following:
contemplate the events and people surrounding your initial calling! (How did it unfold?)
be willing to openly share the story of that initial calling with each other—and later, possibly with others.
translate your initial calling into a small poster form that could be used to promote vocations.
compose a Marguerite Bourgeoys-inspired prayer for vocations.
United with you as we continuously follow the path our Advent reflections lead us to! Peace!
Marguerite Bourgeoys Relic
In early November, we received a package from the Office of Worship of the Diocese of Providence. A First Class relic of Marguerite was included with a note indicating it had been given to Father Frederick Halloran. Father Frederick’s nephew Monsignor John Halloran had saved it when going through his uncle’s things after his death. Neither Father Jeremy of the Diocese nor Monsignor John were aware of how the relic came to Father Frederick. If anyone knows anything about the history of the relic and/or knew Father Frederick, please let us know at the Province Office. I have assured Monsignor John that his uncle will continue to be remembered in our prayers.
Mary Anne Powers, CND