From this date to December 10, Human Rights Day, the UN is promoting 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The aim is to help people become more aware, inspire us to speak and work to bring about change See http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/end-violence-against-women.
If anyone is interested in an enriching three-week renewal program, we were fortunate to have found one in September. It takes place in Ocean Grove, New Jersey at Emmaus House and is called WOW (Women of Wisdom). We were 23 sisters coming from Canada, US and some of the foreign missions. Each day was a day of enrichment and delightful surprises. If anyone is interested, this program is held in September and April each year.
Visualize the statue of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys where she’s standing with one arm reaching behind her and another reaching forward. That image reflects the gathering of Congregation of Notre Dame sisters and associates which took place in Kamloops on November 10, 2016. The morning session was facilitated by Sr. Catherine Walker who took us back to the General Chapter of summer 2016 and engaged us in a process of hearing and responding to Congregation of Notre Dame Chapter orientations 2016 – 2021. After a wonderful potluck lunch (feast!), Sr. Shelley Grant moved us forward in a process to begin our preparation for Visitation Province Chapter, July 2017. The 15 of us who were present representing the Thompson Nicola and Okanagan areas were thoroughly engrossed in this first of several such gatherings to take place throughout the Province. We came away enriched by the experience, looking forward to carrying out our mission statement as it evolves for Visitation Province in the coming year, and embracing the challenge of being who Christ calls us to be as Congregation, ever hopeful, ever joyful in our wounded yet beautiful world.
