Photo credit: Marie-Claire Dugas
From Our Leadership Team
During the General Conference in January, all those present were inspired by this image of a spirited Marguerite, striding forward to meet the urgent needs she confronted. As we prayed for migrants and refugees and listened to the presentations from the provinces and regions, the members of the Conference sought a way to respond as a Congregation to the crisis at the Mexico-United States border. At the same time, we heard a presentation on public advocacy from the Executive Director of the Canadian Religious Conference, Timothy Scott, CSB. He suggested that public positions are most appropriately taken by those who are citizens of the government entity being addressed, with other groups declaring their solidarity and support.
Green Book is a 2018 American comedy-drama film based on a true life story. The setting is the Deep South in the 1960’s; the story follows a tour with Dr. Don Shirley, a black man, a world class pianist, who needs a driver – protector during the trip. Tony Lip, a tough-talking Italian bouncer from the Bronx is recruited. Maybe we have forgotten the degree of segregation experienced at that time, and maybe some of us never knew. The film shows the truth of the time, and shares a witty warmth and humour as the two men develop a man-man friendship, a relationship that persisted long after the tour. (The Green Book was a booklet with information of places where black travellers can expect to receive hospitality when they travel).
(Left to right: Sr. Joan Marie, Jeannette, Dorothy, Sr. Marie L.)
On January 30th the two journeying associates in Summerside, Dorothy and Jeannette, made their 1st commitment in the presence of a well-attended monthly meeting of associates and sisters. We gathered in the chapel for the celebration, facilitated by associates Louise and Aldona. They introduced the service by referring to the Sisters of the Congregation ministering in El Paso and prayed the meaningful Blessing Prayer for Sisters at the Border composed by Sr. Rosemary Sullivan of Blessed Sacrament Province. This stimulated a discussion, as well as a questioning, in particular with regards to Sister Libby who was once present and appreciated at our meetings.