Published regularly by the Communications Office of the Sisters … 2009.pdf · 2015. 6. 3. ·...

PROVIDENCE PAGES FALL 2009 1

PPrroovviiddeennccee PPaaggeessVol. 3 No. 14 SPRING 2009

Published regularly by the Communications Office of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul

350 CLIMATE CHANGE

350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide, measured in parts permillion in our atmosphere. It’s the number humanity needs to avoid runaway climate change. Read more aboutthe involvement of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul to encourage real change. This photo wastaken at the “Fill the Hill” event in Ottawa on Oct. 25th.Story on page 14.

photo by Tara Kainer

2 PROVIDENCE PAGES FALL 2009

BY CHRISTINE ROSS

This summer marked special homecomings forfour Sisters of Providence after years ofministering outside of Kingston. Sisters

Josephine Doiron, Marilyn Kearns, Mary Benilda andElaine Jacob moved to Providence Motherhouse afterserving communities across the country.

Sr. Josephine said goodbye to Perth at a specialThanksgiving Mass in late June. Referred to as the“diminutive dynamo” Sr. Joey was greeted with asteady stream of well-wishers after the Mass. PerthMayor John Fenik thanked Sr. Joey for her hard work,generosity and spirituality.

Sister Marilyn Kearn’s departure from Montreal inJune brings another chapter of religious history to aclose, ending the 66-year presence of the Sisters ofProvidence in Montreal.

Two returning Sisters are octegenarians. After 45years of service at St. Joseph’s Hospital inEdmonton, Sister Mary Benilda retired in June.She will be greatly missed by her co-workers and theentire St. Joseph’s community but warmly welcomedby her community in Kingston.

Sister Elaine Jacob’s resume reflects a lengthy andvaried health care career. She returned to theMotherhouse with her trademark humour and highenergy.

Also in this edition, the Justice, Peace and Integrity ofCreation office has become an integral force in thecampaigns to save area Prison Farms, and the reduction of green house gases.

From the Editor

3 Fall GatheringSr. Monica Whalen’s reflections

4 Leaving with Sadness & GratitudeSr. Josephine Doiron becomes last Sister to leave Perth

5 Celebrating 66 years in MontrealSr. Marilyn Kearns reflects and looks forward

6 Furniture & Faith go hand in handSr. Nancy Wilson is on a mission to collect furniture

8 A career dedicated to nursing Sr. Elaine Jacob reflects on a remarkable life

9 Thanksgiving Celebration for Sr. BenildaSr. Mary Benilda returns to her community

10 Sister of Providence honoured Sr. Joanne Colligan receives prestigous award

11 Remembering Dominican RepublicSr. Alda Brady shares memories of her summer

12 PilgrimageChemin Du Roy: A journey of prayer & reflection

14 350 Climate ChangeSisters lend their voice for change & action

15 Save our Prison Farms National campaign heats up

16 Canadian Author visits KingstonMargaret Atwood lends voice to Kingston justice causes

17 Associate Digest20 Providence Spirituality Centre

Centre welcomes new Spiritual Directors

21 Happy BirthdayFour Sisters celebrate 90th birthdays

22 Christmas Liturgy ScheduleBe Our Light Dispel Our Darkness

23 PassingsSr. Mary Agnes Clare

November / Vol. 3 No. 14

BY SISTER MONICA WHALEN

Fall had officially arrived by September 22ndto usher in the Fall Gathering in the West.But the weather in Edmonton felt more like

summer with unseasonable temperatures reaching32 celcius. Twelve Sisters participated in theWestern Fall Gathering, including the LeadershipTeam as well as 8 Associates.

The Kingston Fall Gathering was held a month laterjust before Halloween and during the second waveof the H1N1 virus. The Associates were invited tojoin us for the evening meal and the opening session followed by asocial. In the East, 54Sisters took part, others cancelled due toillnes and 13Associates attended.

Sr. Pauline Lally’sopening address wasboth inspirational and challenging. She led an opening prayer/ritual. The theme song was “Alwayswith you” by Kathy Sherman which served as areminder that God is always present with us on ourjourney. We listened and reflected as we walkedaround our circle three times in a counterclockwisedirection. This reflection experience was a sign ofour call as Christians at times to be counter cultural.

As a reminder that we are on a journey, the gatherings took place in different areas. Our faithsharing was done in groupings in our sacred spacein the Chapel. The various presentations where heldin McKinley Hall and our socials in the auditorium.

The Leadership Team delivered its mid termAccountability Report Friday morning in front ofmirrors, which served as a reminder that Leadershipis to be a mirror for and of the congregation. As far

as I am aware, this was the first time for such acomplete report, half way through a term.

Kingston Architect Michael Ross presented a powerpoint at both East and West Gatherings presentingour reality and offering options of our Motherhouseand grounds as we vision for our future.

It was the task for our skillful facilitator Sr. BarbaraValuckas to guide us though a faith-based processusing the tools she had created to assist us in ourdialogue.

Saturday morning, the topics were viability andfuturing. We must first be able to image somethingbefore we plan for the future. Barbara offered usmany different imaging experiences by using thecreative side of our brain.

The process was rich with various images and theSisters were very willing to share. The LeadershipTeam will be compiling them and presenting the common threads to the congregation for future processing.

At the end of the day, although tired and grateful forthe experience, a sense of energy emerged andeveryone appeared to be going home satisfied.

Congregation

Fall Gathering – West and East


Sr. Monica Whalen and Sr. Pauline Lally speaking in frontof a backdrop of mirrors.

photo by Sr. Lucy Bethel

Congregation


BY CHRISTINE ROSS

The end of an era was marked withlaughter, tears and memories during aspecial Thanksgiving Mass at St. John

The Baptist Parish in Perth on Sunday, June21.

After 116 years of dedicated service, pastoralministry and teaching, the Sisters ofProvidence are leaving Perth.

Sister Josephine (Joey) Doiron, the last Sisterto serve the community, was overcome withemotions as she spoke to the congregationfollowing Sunday service on a beautiful firstday of summer. Referred to as the “diminu-tive dynamo” Sr. Joey was greeted with asteady stream of well-wishers and offeredmany gifts,including asoccer ballsigned by students at St.John elementaryschool. PerthMayor JohnFenik thankedSr. Joey forher hard work,generosity and spirituality. He gave her a picture book on Perth called This Fair Town.

18 Sisters of Providence attended the eventand were presented with a large plaqueengraved with the name of every Sister ofProvidence who ministerd in Perth since1892. It has been erected inside the mainentrance of the church.

General Superior Sister Pauline Lallyaddressed the congregation.

“Are we are entering another era where thelaity is called to take its rightful place in thechurch? Is God calling the Sisters to be small-er, to something different? Something new?What does Providence have in mind for us?And so, as in days of yore, we go forward inhope, knowing God is indeed with us as wedream religious life into its new future.”

Sister Pauline expressed disappointment atnever having the opportunity to minister inPerth, and acknowledged all 130 Sisters whomade a difference there.

“Sharing our individual giftedness we havecarried out diverse ministries in collaboration

with many ofyou and othersto bring aboutthe Reign ofGod. Now it’syour turn to dothe same. Youare called to liveout yourBaptismalpromises bysharing in our

charism, spirituality and mission in your ownlifestyle. This is one way that the “ProvidencePresence” can live on,” said Sr. Pauline.

As for the future, Sister Joey says travel andrest top her “to do” list.

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yLeaving with Sadness & Gratitude

BY CHRISTINE ROSS

Calling it the most rewarding ministryin all her years of caring for thesick, Sister Marilyn Kearns reflects

on the last five years as sole caregiver to herfriend, Sister Evelyn O’Grady.

These best friends lived together for almost50 years. The pair graduated from nursingschool in 1959 and after various appoint-ments, both were assigned to St. Mary’s inMontreal in 1967.Sr. Marilyn remained thereuntil this June when shemoved to Kingston, twomonths after the death ofher best friend. Sr. Evelyndied in Kingston in April,just eight months afterreturning to ProvidenceMotherhouse infirmary fromMontreal.

Despite Sister Evelyn’sadvancing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease,she continued to enjoy a great quality of lifethanks to Sr. Marilyn. The two travelled,shopped, vacationed and spent time withfamily in Toronto and Quebec and remainedactive members of their parish community.

“It was a gift and privilege to care forEvelyn. She was so appreciative, kind andloving,” says Sr. Marilyn. “To this day, Ireflect on a prayer given to me by Sr.Dianne McNamara, which beautifullydescribes my ministry of care for Evelyn.The last line still moves me.”

“…May abundant love lift you and gratitude

bless you as you live the mission of careentrusted to you. Amen”

Blessing: © Sisters of St. Joseph, LaGrange, IL

Sr. Marilyn’s departure from Montreal inJune brings another chapter of religious history to a close and an end to the 66-yearpresence of the Sisters of Providence ofKingston in Montreal. When asked aboutthis void, Sr. Marilyn explains that SP’s arecalled to compassionate service, in all

locations. After a rewardingand varied career in healthcare as a teacher, nursemanager and pastoral minister, this marks a newchapter in Sr. Marilyns’ life.She is living in Kingstonagain for the first timesince her novitiate yearsand her sabbatical ends inthe fall as she ponders hernext ministry.

“I will likely work with the poor in somecapacity. I’m also looking into working withthe Kingston Alzheimer Society, however,I’m not quite ready emotionally.”

Witnessing shocking domestic abuse casesduring her years as a nurse, Sr. Maryilyn feltcalled to work with abused women and chil-dren. After reading an ad for a new shelterin a Montreal newspaper, she immediatelyphoned and offered to volunteer. Soonafter, she was promoted to InterventionWorker where she remained for seven years.Sr. Marilyn also served on the congrega-tion’s Healing Violence Committee.

Celebrating 66 years in Montreal


Congregation

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yleft to right: Sisters EvelynO’Grady, Mary Mona and MarilynKearns. The trio worked together in Montreal.

Furniture and faith go hand in hand

Congregation


“Violence is cyclical and it seemed like the shelterdoors were simply revolving. Women left the shelterbut returned often to escape violent partners. Thesewomen would eventually leave the abusive relationship when they knew the time was right.”

Reprinted with permission from Ecclesia, the newsletter ofthe Catholic Archdiocese of Pembroke.

Furniture and faith go hand-in-hand in Arnprior mission. Sister Nancy Wilson knows that phys-ical requirements can present opportunities for

spiritual outreach.

As a member of the pastoral team at St. JohnChrysostom in Arnpior, she oversees a unique missionbuilt on used furniture.

For several years, the church has distributed furnitureto the needy. Fridges, stoves, chesterfields, beds anddressers are collected from parishioners and others inthe community. Sr. Nancy keeps a list of those inneed and sets up the appropriate matches.

The practice dates back to Fr. Dan Miller's service asparish priest, before Sr. Nancy joined the St. JohnChrysostom family 17 years ago.

“It has grown tremendously,” she reports. It is estimated that more than 100 pieces of furniture are provided to the poor of the area each year.

To enhance their sense of independence and empow-erment, recipients are encouraged to make their ownarrangements to pick up the items they receive.

“We keep it very simple,” she says. “We try to do itwith as much dignity as possible.”

Donors are never told where their cast-offs go, andrecipients do not know who provided the furniturethey receive.

Volunteers are available to pick up donations, and thelocal furniture stores have been avid supporters of thecharity project, encouraging their customers to donateitems they are replacing when they make a purchase.

Sr. Nancy insists that all of the donations are cleanand in good condition, and she makes good use ofthe garage that was made available for her work. Shequietly admits that, at times, her collection spills overinto a second garage.

The furniture mission blends nicely with the commu-nity food bank, which is run out of the basement ofthe church, as well as the local snowsuit fund. Sr.Nancy is closely connected with all of these intiatives

Prayer card thatdefines Sr. Marilyn’srole as caregiver. Itwas given to her bySr. Dianne McNamara.

continued from previous page

and says that one often connects with another.

“A lot of good is done and people appreciate it,” shesays. “It’s an ecumenical program and it gives me agreat opportunity to speak with people of all denominations.”

She points out that, just as hunger, shelter and poverty are connected, those needs are also oftenassociated with depression, family problems and otherpersonal challenges.

“This is an aspect of our social justice mandate,” shesays of the connections she makes through used furniture distribution. “It’s part of who we are asSisters of Providence.”


Congregation

Sr. Nancy Wilson and volunteer Emmett Ryanwith some of the furniture being redistributedin Arnprior.

Marillac Mission Fund cards are available at Providence Motherhouse. There are two versions: In Memoriam and a GiftDonation card. Contact: Sr. Anne Hudec.


Congregation

BY CHRISTINE ROSS

With her trademark wit and humourintact, Sister of Providence ElaineJacob has returned to Kingston,

ON from Edmonton, AB to live among hercommunity. During a visit to theCommunications office, the octegenarianchuckles, lifting her pant leg to reveal mismatched socks. The faux pas comes as nosurprise to her friends — she’s always in arush due to her tardiness!

Sister Elaine puts her senseof humour aside longenough to get serious abouther long and life-giving min-istry work. She was recentlynamed an HonouraryLifetime Board Member ofan organization for her workto enhance the lives of peo-ple suffering from eating disorders. TheSociety for Assisted Cooperative Recoveryfrom Eating Disorders, SACRED, is a non-profit, charitable organization based inEdmonton. Medical Director Dr. JoanJohnston writes, “Sr. Elaine’s vast experiencein the health care field and her tenaciousmethods in approaching politicians, fundingbodies and government agencies have been amajor influence allowing SACRED to open afull-scale treatment centre for people witheating disorders.”

Her work with SACRED seemed a naturalprogression after retiring from a 50 yearnursing career where those same elements —hope and healing, defined her work.

Born in Hungary in 1927, the eldest of fourmoved to Canada when she was just five.After working as a secretary for five years inMontreal, she met Sister of Providence Sr.Cabrini (Annie Josephine Cusack) whoworked in the sacristy at St. Patrick Church.This relationship introduced Elaine to theKingston-based congregation.

“Not just any congregation. I felt called tothe Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de

Paul,” recalls Sr. Elaine.

After graduating from theSchool of Nursing at St.Mary’s, Montreal in 1953, Sr.Elaine worked as the Directorof Nursing Services at St.Mary’s from 1957 until 1972.During these years, she fur-thered her education byreceiving the following

degrees; Bachelor of Science/Nursing fromOttawa University, Master of Science inNursing Administration from the CatholicUniversity of America in Washington D.C.

In the Fall of 1972, she served as NursingDirector and served on the hospital governing board at St. Mary’s of the LakeHospital in Kingston until 1990. In addition,she served on the nursing governing boardsat both Queen’s University and St. LawrenceCollege. She then enjoyed a one year sabbatical to study at the School of AppliedTheology in Berkeley, California. During the80’s, Sister was a surveyor for the CanadianCouncil on Health Service Accreditation, anda member of the Canadian College of HealthService Executives.

A career dedicated to nursing


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Sr. Elaine Jacob

Thanksgiving celebration for Sr.M.Benilda


Sister headed to Western Canada during the ‘90’s andworked for five years as an Associate ExecutiveDirector and hospital Mission Co-ordinator of St.Mary’s Hospital, Camrose. She also served on theBoard of Directors at both St. Mary’s, Camrose andSt. Joseph Auxiliary Hospital, Edmonton for over adecade. Still full of energy and enthusiasm, she dedi-cated her spare time to pastoral care with theHungarian church, in addition to what she terms“shopping mall” and “apartment building” ministrywhere she’d listen and pray for mall employees andapartment dwellers.

Asked about her return to Kingston, Sr. Elaine said “Ichose to come home. At my age, it was time.”

She wrote the following reflection for her 60th Jubileein 2007.

“These 60 years have been grace-filled. God hasengraved on my heart and soul a passion and dedica-tion for ministry in health care and has continued tobless me with enthusiasm for all the work God hasinvited me to do. I thank God and all my Sisters forthe rich feast I found in my vocation.”

With files and photos from Rev. Mark Vigrass M.A.

Sr. Mary Benilda is settling into her new surroundings in Kingston after retiring fromministry work in pastoral care and as a hospital

purchasing agent in the west.

On June 25, seventy five guests attended a very special Mass ofThanksgiving inEdmonton presided overby Archbishop JosephMacNeil. The celebrationwas part of Sister MaryBenilda’s retirement from St. Joseph’s AuxiliaryHospital after 45 years ofemployment.

As a member of St.Joseph’s founding order,the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul,Sister Benilda came to Edmonton from Winnipeg in1964. Sister’s first work at the hospital was as the pur-chasing officer; she retired as part of the spiritual and

religious care team with responsibilities for the palliative care unit.

Over her 45 years of service, she saw tremendouschange in the hospital. From the days when purchas-ing was done with a pencil and paper to today, wherea computer glitch can make everyone’s day difficult — Sister Benilda was a constant reminder of

the history and sense ofmission that the Sistersof Providence envi-sioned when theyopened St. Joseph’s. Shewas also present whenthe hospital was trans-ferred from the Sisters

to the St. Joseph’s Boardof Directors and thenagain recently toCovenant Health.

In a letter, St. Joseph’s executive Director MarilynSnow writes, “Sister, you have a quiet and gentle man-ner that is evident in your ministry to others. You arewise and prayerful in your responses to questions, in

Congregation

Thanksgiving celebration for Sr. Mary Benilda in the west.left to right: Sisters Diane Brennen, Elaine Jacob, MaryBernadette, Patricia Amyot, Mary Benilda, JeannetteFilthaut, Rita Gleason.

continued from previous pate

Congregation


presence of tears and laughter, and in the face ofanger, fear or joy. You inquire of the Lord and youwait upon Him so that you might be an instrument ofHis peace. You will be missed and always remem-bered”

Sister Mary Benilda quietly went about her work with

wisdom, grace and humility. She will be greatly missedby her co-workers and the entire St. Joseph’s community.After taking some time to visit family and pack, SisterBenilda left Edmonton and was welcomed by all atProvidence Motherhouse at the end of July.

Sister of Providence Joanne Colligan hasreceived a prestigious award for her work withthe Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in

Toronto.

On June 17, 2009, Sister Joanne Colligan was invitedto a gala celebration at the Arcadian Court in downtown Toronto by the Honourable Michael Chan,minister of the Honours and Awards Secretariat forOntario at the request of Ontario Premier DaltonMcGuinty. At this gala, Sister Joanne received anOntario Volunteer Service Award.

Sister was nominated because of her unique andinvaluable contribution in the area of addiction andmental health as witnessed by her fourteen years ofservice at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Healthin the city of Toronto.

The Honourable Margarett Best, minister of HealthPromotion and Safety was also present to congratulateSister on this remarkable achievement.

The award presentation was followed by a luncheonwith the above mentioned Ministers and fellow awardwinners. The theme for the evening was written andposted in large letters: Volunteers build Communities

“Ontario has been for me, as the song says so well:A place to Stand, a place to Grow! Ontari-ari-ario,” remarked Sr. Joanne.

Sister of Providence HonouredSr. Joanne Colliganreceives an award forher work with theToronto Centre forAddiction and MentalHealth also known asCAMH.


Remembering Dominican Republic


BY CHRISTINE ROSS

Agroup of Dominican children willalways remember Sister Alda Bradyas the ice cream lady. Back in

Kingston after her five month mission tothe Caribbean nation, Sister recalls how shetreated one young boy to ice cream after heattended Mass with her on Saturday nights.Word spread and it wasn’t long before morekids tagged along to Mass each week.

Her primary mission was teaching childrenwith special needs. Not one to shy awayfrom extra duties, she also got involved inthe following projects; taught stained glassto teens, worked in a seniors’ home, createda vegetable garden and served asEucharistic minister at Mass. Theamount of work didn’t leave muchpersonal time.

“The work was so life-giving,” saysSr. Alda. “I remember a family offive, abandoned by their mother andbeing raised by their father. I lovethem so much…they are very specialchildren.”

Never far from her stained glasstools, Sister created a beautiful piecefor her host Sisters, members of theKingston RHSJ congregation.

“We regularly visited the baseball stadium,which was transformed into a makeshifthome for families displaced by last year’shurricane,” says Sr. Alda. “It was inspiringto see how they formed such a supportivecommunity, despite their living conditions.”

During her stay, she met with visiting

University students, doctors and electricianswho offered their help in the village.

Back in Kingston since June, Sr. Alda isagain volunteering in the Heirloom Seedgardens, and works one day each week atthe St. Vincent de Paul Society. As for thefuture, she prays for another missioninvolving children. Wherever God calls her,Sr. Alda is sure to pack her stained glasstools.

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ySr. Alda spent time with this family, abandoned bytheir mother.

BY SISTER GAYLE DESARMIA

May, 2009 will hold a special placein my memory for many years tocome. From May 1-14, as part of

my sabbatical experience, I made a walkingpilgrimage between Montreal and QuebecCity. My actual pilgrimage preparation beganmonths before mysabbatical did.This preparationconsisted ofresearch, physicaltraining and spiritual preparation. Myroute along theChemin du Royalso known as theChemin desSanctuaires wasapproximately 250km in length.

It was a lovelytime of year towalk through thevillages and farms and see the spring flowersblooming and the farmers working the land.I was accompanied and supported by SarahWelsh, the Librarian at Providence Motherhouse. Sarah proved to be an excellent travelling companion.

The Chemin du Roy features three largeshrines - St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal,Notre-Dame-du-Cap in Trois-Rivières and

St. Anne de Beaupré near Quebec City - andnumerous small shrines in the villages alongthe roadside. Because I had previously visit-ed each of the large shrines I chose to focuson the small churches and shrines along theroute while walking from Montreal toQuebec City.

After breakfast each morning I began walk-ing. In the afternoon, when I had completedmy walk, Sarah and I took time to determinethe start and end points for my walk thenext day. We found that the churches wereclose enough to each other that I was oftenable to walk from church to church. BecauseI was ill as I began my pilgrimage, I had toadjust the distance I walked each day. Thischange was a gift in disguise because itallowed Sarah and me extra time to exploreby car some of the churches and shrinesnorth of the Chemin du Roy which wererecommended to us by our B&B hosts.

Walking with the mind and heart and eyes ofa pilgrim, I believe, permitted me a differentappreciation of the Quebecois culture thantravelling as a tourist would have allowed. Ilearned that while attendance at Church islow, the people appreciate and are proud oftheir religious heritage. They were eager toindicate the churches we needed to visit.When a church was open, there was alwayssomeone present who wanted to give us anhistorical tour.

The churches along this route have oneweekend Mass and a few of them also haveone Mass during the week. In spite of thechurches being locked, we were able to gain


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yPilgrimage

Sr. Gayle begins herChemin Du Roy pilgrimage

photo by Sarah Welsh


access to a good number of them becauseof a funeral, Benediction, a Baptism, clean-ing or repairs. These churches, some datingback to the French Regime, reflect an earliertime in Canadian history and often havegreat artistic value. I was especially delightedto find two churches with Emilie Gamelinrooms attached. To me this was a sign thatthe Montreal Sisters of Providence hadbeen active in the area at one time.

In addition to the churches, I encounteredother signs of the rich religious heritage ofthe province. There were many roadsidecrosses and Calvary scenes. These follow inthe tradition of Jacques Cartier whose firstact upon landing on the Gaspé Peninsulawas to plant a cross. Each area has its road-side cross which became a pilgrimage desti-nation in the past during times of trial andtrouble. Sacred Heart shrines, whether onchurch or municipal property, were erectedin gratitude for a favour granted. The smallMarian shrines on private property arise outof personal devotion of the people. Re-vis-iting Notre-Dame-du-Cap brought backmemories of my first visit to the shrine witha great-aunt when I was 8 years of age.

I was especially touched when persons alongthe route asked me about my pilgrimage.One person asked if I was one of the pil-grims from Saint-Alban; one man came outof his house and asked if I was a pilgrim; awoman opened her front door, waved to meand called out 'bon voyage'.

In July I returned to the Chemin du Roy fora week of vacation to continue to process

my pilgrimage experience. At this time Iwas able to visit churches and severalmuseums which had been closed in May.The highlight of this trip was the museumin the tiny house that was the home inLavaltrie of Rosalie Cadron, foundress ofthe Miserecordia Sisters. Needless to saythe pilgrimage and this subsequent visitproved to be a time of personal enrich-ment and transformation. I treasure in myheart many memories for future prayerfulreflection on my experience of walkingprayer, of pilgrimage.

Prayerful Reflection

Pilgrimage

A journey to a placeof devotion to prayfor grace or to petition for somefavor. It may haveother purposessuch as fulfilling avow or an act ofthanksgiving orpenance.-souce: The CatholicEncyclopedia

Chemin du Roy

Begun in 1731 andcompleted in 1737,the Chemin du Roybecame the firstroad to link QuebecCity with Montreal.It is the land-basedcounterpart of theSt. Lawrence River.It paves the way ofhistory in Quebecalong its entirelength, nestled amidbeautiful sceneryand fascinating heritage sites. Itremains a livingmemorial to NewFrance in the 21stCentury.-source: www.lecheminduroy.com/en/index.php

Chemin DuRoy

A scene along the Chemin Du Roy

photo by Sr. Gayle Desarmia

JPIC

BY CHRISTINE ROSS

Aleading expert in issues relating to energy andthe environment opened his keynote addressin Kingston by applauding the Sisters of

Providence for their forward thinking approach withsocial justice issues. Ralph Torrie, who spoke atKingston’s Climate on the Line event in mid October,said, “When you scratch the surface of all these critical issues, the Sisters are always there. Kingston isdefined by their work.”

Ralph spoke at the Kingston “350 Climate on theLine” event in mid-October. 350 is the number thatleading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbondioxide, measured in parts per million in our atmosphere. It’s the number humanity needs to getback to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climatechange. The current level is 387 ppm.

To raise awareness, Bridget Doherty of the JPICoffice organized an event called “Climate on the Line”and asked Kingstonians to bring clothes to hang on agiant clothesline that wrapped around Kingston CityHall. The event officially kicked off at 5 p.m. onOctober 20. Fifteen minutes later, the job was done –a giant clothesline encircled City Hall and the clotheswere later donated to families in need. Bridgetdreamed up the clothesline idea as a real and symbolicreminder to conserve energy. The crowd later gath-ered on market square and listented to a powerfulreading by poet Maya Thau-Eleff, and songs by theRaging Grannies. A member of the Native SistersDrumming group also performed the Water song.

Ralph Torrie’s speech was powerful, but hopeful. Hesaid Canada is no longer at the forefront of the climate change initiatives and leads the way in resistinginternational action. The world is 1 degree celcius warmer now than when we began burning

fossil fuels, and getting warmer.

“We seem to be in short supply of human imagination,” said Ralph. He believes we can achievesustainability if we follow these 3 so-called “houserules.”• keep in mind that everything goes somewhere• everything is connected (future connected to pastetc.)• nature is an independent power; it does not negotiate.

check out www.providence.ca for more photos and video.

350 Climate Change


Holy Cross Secondary students form a human logo on theschool grounds for the 350 Climate Change movement.

Sisters Gayle Desarmia and Frances O’Brien hold a section the giant clothesline around City Hall.

A large group of Kingstonians travelled by bus to theOttawa “Fill the Hill event on Saturday, Oct. 24th.

Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation

Save our Prison FarmsBY CHRISTINE ROSS

Farmers, religious and social groups haveformed a national campaign to try to preventthe closing of Canada’s prison farm program.

Over the last few months, campaign members,including the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent dePaul, have stepped up their campaign by setting up information pickets and noonhour barbecues outside theprison farms at Pittsburghand Frontenac Institutions.

Inmates involved in the century old farm program areeducated on everything con-nected to operating a farm,including modern machineryand working with dairy andbeef cattle and poultry. Thefood produced on these farmsis used in the local FederalPenitentiaries. Surplus eggs are donated to Kingston’sPartner in Mission Food Bank.

The closure will have a big impact on Kingston’s ability to purchase local beef. Pittsburgh’s abbatoir,operated by Wallace Beef, is the only abbatoir thatwholesales back into the community betweenKingston and Toronto.

“In my grocery store, I try to source as many prod-ucts locally as possible and have been successful, dueto Wallace Beef, in stocking up to 90% local meats,depending on the week,” says Gib Grant owner ofJohn’s deli. “This is what my customers want. IfWallace is closed by Corrections, I have zero optionsfor purchasing local beef.”

“This is about inmate rehabilitation and our localfood system,” says Bridget Doherty of the Justice,

Peace & Integrity of Creation office with the Sistersor Providence. “Anyone who takes the time to speakwith an inmate working on these farms, soon realizesthat the loss of these farms will have a profoundeffect on the healing process.”

The government estimates that the prison farm sys-tem is losing $4 million ayear, and is an outdatedexperiment.

But Diane Dowling, Vice-president, National FarmersUnion in the Kingston areadisagrees.

“Our government seems toknow the cost of the prisonfarm without really under-standing its value,” she said.

Sr. Pauline Lally expressed herconcerns during a meetingwith Ross Toller, Regional

Deputy Commissioner (Ontario). “Why are you stopping something that is working economically,emotionally, socially and sustainably?” questioned Sr.Pauline.

There are six prison farms across the country - two inKingston and one in New Brunswick, Manitoba,Saskatchewan and Alberta.


left to right: Bridget Doherty of the JPIC office,Sisters Susan Pye and Shirley Morris.

General Superior Sr. Pauline Lally speaks with aCorrections Canada official during a noon hour demonstration at Pittsburgh Institution.

JPIC

Canadian author visits Kingston

Fall Equinox — time to reflect

BY TARA KAINER

Margaret Atwood,arguably Canada’sbest-known writer,

appeared on September 23 at aPrivate Reception in

the Davies Lounge ofthe Grand Theatre for a local Kingstongroup, the Community Harvest WorkingGroup (CHWG).

Co-sponsored by the Sisters ofProvidence of St. Vincent de Paul, theCHWG is dedicated to making local,healthy food more accessible to resi-dents of north Kingston.

About 60 people turned out for the kick-off event to Kingston’s annualWritersfest and one of several fundrais-ing events endorsed by Atwood during her global tourto launch her latest work of fiction, The Year of the

Flood. The exclusive reception included a brief talk bythe author, who spoke in favour of green energy,organics, and food localism and against the federalgovernment’s "disturbing plan" to close Canada’sprison farms "for no good reason," including

Frontenac Institution in Kingston. TheSisters of Providence are currently activemembers of the Save our Prison FarmsCampaign.

Afterwards, the author graciously made her-self available to fans for conversation andphoto opportunities, while sampling fingerfoods sourced by local producers andinspired by her novel, including Zeb’sDevilled Eggs, Pigoon on the Moon, andSecret Burgers (because, as she says,“Everyone loves a secret!”). The event alsoincluded a signed copy of Atwood’s noveland preferential seating to the evening

performance based on her book.

Autumn officially arrived at 5:19 a.m. on Tuesday,September 22, 2009 — the autumnal equinox, or fallequinox. Technically speaking, an equinox is a daywhen the Sun will spend an equal amount of timeabove and below the horizon. This happens twice ayear, in Autumn and Spring.

The peak of the harvest season was welcomed withprayer, song and celebration at the Heirloom SeedSanctuary on the grounds of ProvidenceMotherhouse in Kingston. Guests were invited to sowwinter rye in the gardens as a cover crop for the coldweather ahead. The Autumn Equinox reminds us allabout restoring balance in our busy lives. This is thesecond big event at the Heirloom Seed Barn thismonth. On September 5th, a steady stream of visitors

sampled over thirty tomato varieties at the 10th annualHeirloom Tomato Day. The cool start to the summerdelayed the tomato crop this year but judging by theturn out, it was well worth the wait!


Guests save watermelonseeds

Heirloom Gardener CateHenderson hosts theEquinox celebration in thebarn.

Margaret Atwood —Canadian author,poet, critic, feministand social campaigner.

BY ELIZABETH COWPERTHWAITE

On Oct 2nd and 3rd, the Associates held theirAnnual General Meeting. The event beganwith a Social Hour for Associates and

Sisters. The Brockville Group, St. Vincent de Paul,began the evening with a beautiful prayer servicebased on an autumn theme. Following that, there wasa Ceremony welcoming six Inquirers into theCandidacy Phase of the Associate Process.

On Saturday morning, Sr. Marie Dundon provided an

opportunity to experience Yoga- based Movement.She later presented two more sessions, one calledGrounding for Life, the other called It’s About Time.

Also on Saturday, Sr. Kay Morrell presented a sessionof T’ai Chi Chih and later a second session on herother work, Art Therapy.

One participant summed up the experience with thefollowing words: “A wonderful day! Body, Mind andSoul were nurtured, at a gentle pace, very uplifting andcheerful. A big thank you to both Sisters.”


ASSoCIATe DIgeST

The annual Barbeque and Picnic forAssociates and Sisters was held in theGazebo on Friday July 31st. AlayneScanlon set the tone for the entertain-ment section of the evening with a fewdelightful jokes. These were followed bya few more jokes from Ann Ford and asing-song. Sr. Frances O’Brien provid-ed accompaniment on her guitar. Aswell, individuals shared stories of theirtravel plans.

Sr. Marie Dundon participates in T'aiChi Chih led by Sr. Kay Morrell. BothSisters facilitated the Associate AGEMOct. 2 and 3rd.

Regina Lannon, Dawna Cameron, SheilaLa Rush, Judy Tunbull, Joan Murray andMary Schaede became Candidates inthe Associate Process at a Ceremony atthe AGEM on Oct. 2.

BY ELIZABETH COWPERTHWAITE

Ministries of the San Franciscoel Alto, Guatemala Associates

This Associate group mademany visits to sick andneedy families bringing aid

and sometimes accompanying fam-ily members to clinics. The groupsponsored medical treatment for adiabetic patient. As well, theseAssociates continue to help inparish and community activities.During Lent they visited eighteenneedy families. The group regis-tered and paid for school suppliesfor several street children and thissituation required follow-up care.

These Guatemala Associates alsoaccompanied Associate SerefinaGomez de Quiej and her familyduring her illness and death.

The Associate Contact for thisgroup is Dona DomingoHernández de Pérez.The ContactSister is Sr. Julia Hamilton. SisterJulia had some difficulty makingcontact with her group this yearbecause flooding in some areaswreaked havoc with telephonelines. This article is based on a reportfrom Sister Julia Hamilton.

Momostenango, Guatamala

The MomostenangoAssociates send greetingsfrom Guatamala to all the

Sisters of the Congregation andthe Associates. Blanca RosaArango is their Associate Contactand Sister Judy Lee is their SisterContact. These Associates makevisits to the sick, providing themwith words of encouragement anddonations of food. Sometimeseconomic help is provided.Among those helped are personswith handicaps, single mothers andthe abandoned elderly.

Some of the themes developed bythe Momostenango Associates attheir meetings are: the urgency forre-forestation, the Conversion ofSt. Paul, the Sacramental Life ofthe Church, and Mary of SevenDolors. Another activity they take

part in is a Holy Hour of whichthe group is in charge. This istransmitted by both radio andinternet.

These Associates wish to thank Sr.Judy Lee for her interest and con-stant communication with them.We, in turn, wish to thank themfor all their work, and wish themwell in their future endeavours.

This article above is based on Sister JudyLee's translation from the Spanish ofBlanca Rosa Arango.

Associates


ASSoCIATe DIgeST

Some of the San Francisco elAlto Associates.upper right: Sr. Julia Hamilton

Sr. Judy Lee with Hilaria lxcotatas deZárate

Blanca Rosa Arango Enriquez,Associate contact in Momostenango,Guatamala


ASSoCIATe DIgeST

Mountain TopExperienceBY BARBARA BAKER

Four Canadian women flewinto Las Vegas airport onJuly 8, 2009. We were head-

ing to the Inyo Mountains inCalifornia. We met up with eightAmerican women, two guides andtwo support staff. The group, allwomen between 54 and 69 years,were taking part in Vision Quest, aRite of Passage into Elderhood.

The experience of spending 10days in the Mountain desert at7300 ft elevation with 15 women,who were elders in their communities, was a transformativetime in my life. We had each pre-pared for months before meetingat the Subway Shop inIndependence, California and driving five SUVs in tandem for1½ hours up into the mountains.Once we arrived I felt like I had“come home”. The land was drywith some Pine and Pinion treesand scrub brush. The earth washard and rocky.

We gathered in a circle to intro-duce ourselves to each other. Withsome guidance, we each chose acamp site. I had never slept in a

tent and had not camped in a trail-er for over thirty years. Afterpitching our tents we found ourway back to base camp for a lessonabout the land we would be livingon for the next week. Supper thatnight was prepared by Becky andMarie and served to a group ofwomen hungry for food for thebody and the soul. After our meal,we drummed and danced aroundan open fire.

The next three days were filledwith lessons from our guides aboutnative ceremonies, prayer, rituals,and the Medicine Wheel. Welearned that there were no snakesor bears and very little else to beafraid of on the mountain. Weshared deeply about our lives in away that drew us into relationshipwith one another.

On the morning of the fourth day,as we stepped into the ThresholdCircle — we each spoke clearly ourintention for our three days ofsolo time, then headed out with

our bedroll, water and journal to aplace we had chosen to be alonewith our God and the spirits thatinhabit the wilderness. It was atime with very little of the comforts we are accustomed to. Iwas alone and had only enoughfluids for the next three days. Iwrote in my journal, prayed to theGod of my ancestors, created circle ceremonies used by theIndigenous peoples and was healedof deep pain in my soul. I walkedthe land, soaked in the sun andslept under the stars.

On the morning of the seventhday we arrived one-by-one fromour sacred spaces to be embracedby Ann and Anne, our guides, atthe Threshold Circle. We weregiven water for bathing and nourishing food to restore ourstrength. We spent the next threedays sharing stories about ourexperience on the mountain and inthe desert where deep lessons hadbeen learned by each one of us.We became Elderquester Sistersdetermined to love the gift natureoffers us and to encourage ourcommunities to appreciate it aswell. I hope life continues to offereach of us opportunities for trans-formation.

Associate Barb Baker, far right.

Associates

Welcome new spiritual directors


Providence Spirituality Centre

BY BEVERLEY MCDONALD

As the fall unfolds here at ProvidenceSpirituality Centre, we have welcomed twonew spiritual directors to our staff —

Sr. Loretta Chafe, rsm and Dolores Hall. Loretta andDolores are stepping into the shoes of Sr. IreneWilson, sp who retired in August 2009 and Sr AnneHarvey, sc who retired in August 2008.

From her early years as Director of the Centre tothese later years as spiritual director and team memberSr Irene’s quiet, generous and compassionate spirit hasnurtured many. She has certainly left her mark and willbe sadly missed.

Loretta joins us from Newfoundland. She is a Sisterof Mercy with a background in Education and inadministration. She has ministered as a PastoralWorker and coordinated the Mercy AssociateProgram. She began her ministry as a spiritual directorand a retreat director in 2000. When she journeys withpeople in spiritual direction and retreat work she feelsher own spiritual life is enriched. “It is truly a faithjourney with many blessings,” she says.

Dolores Hall, DMin, is from the east coast and hasworked there, as well as in Ontario, for many years asa spiritual director, teacher, counselor, and facilitator.She is delighted to use her experience in the accompaniment of other individuals and groups asthey pursue their calls to deepen their spirituality, andshe feels graced and privileged to be invited into theirjourneys.

We wish both Loretta and Dolores an abundance ofgrace as they transition into their new ministry.

Dolores Hall

Sr. Loretta Chafe


Congregation

Happy Birthday !

Special Visitors

left to right:Sisters LeonaFitzgerald,Monica Laton,Mary Perpetuaand RitaDimberline.

The definition of an nonagenarian reads:“One who is between the age of 90 and 99,inclusive. One who is in his or her tenth

decade.”

In 2009, four Sisters of Providence reached this milestone and the community held a big birthdayparty on September 10 in the Sisters’ dining room.

Three of the celebrating Sisters Mary Perpetua, RitaDimberline and Monica Laton devoted their lives tohealth care, and Sister Leona Fitzgerald was a teacher.The birthday “girls” each took a turn speaking aboutthis very special occasion.

Sr. Mary Perpetua: “I thank God for the time I’ve

had. It’s not easy living to be old. I take one day at atime, and make the best of it.” November 21, 1919

Sr. Monica Laton: “I don’t believe I’m 90! This iscrazy. I feel better now than I did 20 years ago. Ithank God that I’ve been so blessed and I thank you,Sisters, who also helped to make this possible.” April6, 1919

Sr. Leona Fitzgerald: “I just don’t think about being90 very much. I’ll continue to keep busy.” February 23,1919

Sr. Rita Dimberline: “Each day is a gift. It’s all God’sgrace and His love that’s brought me to this point. I’mam so grateful to my community.” February 25, 1919

Residents and Recreation staff boarded theProvidence Care Accessible Bus to visit with theSisters at Providence Motherhouse on Tuesday,September 15. On this special Feast Day of “OurMother of Sorrows” Providence Manor Residentswere welcomed and greeted by the Sisters with joy.The residents attended Mass in the beautiful ChapelMary Mother of Compassion.

Resident’s companion, Rhonda Dunleavy, sang a songshe composed “Providence of Motion” at the closingof Mass.

Father Charles Gazeley and Sr. Alma Sutton (far right) visitwith two of the guests from Providence Manor.


Be Our Light Dispel Our Darkness Liturgy

Chapel of Mary Mother of Commpassion, Providence Motherhouse

2009- 2010

Advent — Christmas — Epiphany — Baptism of the Lord

Sunday, November 29 10:00 am 1st Sunday of Advent 6:30 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday, December 6 10:00 am 2nd Sunday of Advent

Friday, December 11 6:30 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation

Sunday, December 13 10:00 am 3rd Sunday of AdventFoundation Day 6:30 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday, December 20 10:00 am 4th Sunday of Advent

Thursday, December 24 7:00 pm Vigil of Christmas

Friday, December 25 10:00 am Nativity of the Lord

Sunday, December 27 10:00 am Holy Family Blessing of Relationships

Friday, January 1 10:00 am Mary, Mother of God

Sunday, January 3 10:00 am Epiphany of the Lord

Wednesday, January 6 10:00 am - 4:30 pm Day of Eucharistic Devotion

Sunday, January 10 10:00 am Baptism of the Lord


BY SISTER BARBARA THIFFAULT

Isobel Marie McConville was born inTrenton, Ontario on April 14, 1914 toSara Shoniker and Harry McConville,

the eldest of three Girls.

Sister M. Agnes Clarereceived her elemen-tary education (Grades1 - 10) at St. Peter'sSchool, Trenton andGrades 11 and 12 atTrenton High School.On July 6, 1932 shewent to Kingston to bepresent for the officialopening of Heathfield.On August 15, 1932 she was received as apostulant at Heathfield but had to returnhome three weeks later because of poorhealth resulting from a tooth extraction.On September 14th she had surgery atHotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston for afacial abscess. After one week in the hospi-tal she returned home and received treat-ment for the following three months. Thenon January 6, 1933, she once again enteredthe Novitiate of the Sisters of Providenceof St. Vincent de Paul. Following FirstProfession Sister was sent to MaryvaleAbbey to complete Grade 13 after whichshe attended Ottawa Normal School.

Sister taught in the Ontario SeparateSchool System in Smiths Falls, Chesterville,Tweed, King, Glen Nevis, Holy Rosary,Belleville, St. Peter’'s, Trenton and SacredHeart School in Batawa. Sister served asprincipal in many of these schools as well

as being Superior of some of the convents.During her teaching career, she also taughtat St. Malachy's School in Montreal.

Sister retired from teaching in June 1975and after the closure of the convent inBatawa in November of that same year, shereturned to Smiths Falls where she minis-tered as a Parish Worker and as sacristan inthe Rectory Chapel for Monsignor J. J.Fogarty as well as serving as secretary ofthe Northern Commission of theArchdiocesan Pastoral Council. In 1983 shewent to St. Gregory's Parish in Picton towork in the Rectory Office until ill healthnecessitated her transfer to theMotherhouse in September 2001. Duringthe time she was in Picton, Sister spent tenof those years as a weekly parish visitor tothe handicapped residents at PrinceEdward Heights where she endeared herself to both staff and residents alike.

Sister was called home to her loving Godon July 4, 2009 in the 77th year of her religious life. She is predeceased by her par-ents and her sister, Doris Defosse. She issurvived by her sister, Phyllis (Al) Cotten ofOttawa. Her prayerful life, ready wit andgreat love of family, community and allpeople gained her great respect.

The Mass of Christian Burial, held in theChapel of Mary, Mother of Compassion,Providence Motherhouse on July 7th, waspresided over by Friar Edward Debono,O.F.M.Conv., who also delivered the homi-ly. Other members of the clergy were inattendance.

Beloved educator called home to GodPassings

Sister Mary AgnesClare

(Isobel MarieMcConville )

April 14, 1914 -

July 4, 2009

In Memoriam

Sister Mary AgnesClare


Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul

We, the Sisters of Providence ofSt. Vincent de Paul, are anapostolic congregation of vowed

women religious called to be channels ofGod’s Providence in the world throughcompassionate service in response to theneeds of the times. Sharing our individualgiftedness, we carry out diverse ministries in aspirit of humility, simplicity and charity incollaboration with others to bring about thereign of God.

Our heritage is rooted in the creativity andspirituality of Vincent de Paul and Louise deMarillac, in the willingness of Emilie Gamelinto risk and trust in Providence, in theresponsiveness of the Montreal Sisters ofProvidence to the call of Bishop E.J. Horan,as well as in the courage and pioneer spirit ofMother Mary Edward McKinley and theoriginal members of the Kingston community.

Impelled by the compassionate love of Jesusand Mary, we seek to empower others,especially the poor and oppressed, to achievea quality of life in keeping with their humandignity. We strive to be prophetic leaders inour church and in society through thepromotion of structures and relationships ofequality and mutuality and through attitudesand actions for justice and peace.Strengthened by prayer, we are bonded inunity and love through our corporate mission.

Serving with compassion, trusting inProvidence, we walk in hope.

Mission StatementA regular publication of theSisters of Providenceof St. Vincent de Paul

Editor & Director ofCommunications:Christine Ross

Editorial Assistant:Mike Hammond

CommunicationsAdvisory Committee:

Sr. Gayle Desarmia Mike HammondDoreen HoekstraSr. Mary Joan LaFleurSr. Pauline LallyChristine RossSr. Barbara Thiffault

For questions,comments or addresschanges, contact:

ProvidencePages

Office of CommunicationsSisters of Providence of St. Vincent de PaulProvidence MotherhouseBox 427, 1200 Princess StreetKingston, ON, CanadaK7L 4W4613.544.4525

E-mail: [email protected] site: www.providence.ca

photo: 1911 Administrative Building,House of Providence, Foundation HouseKingston, Ontario

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