Fingers in motion for the needy

“Everywhere, we are witnesses to many who bring light to dark places, and we seek to act with them, where we live.” Micheline Cormier, General Superior in her letter of November 20, 2018 following the meeting of the Council of Congregation.

In Riverview, New Brunswick, Canada, a group of Daughters of Jesus found encouragement in these words. They are called Busy Hands, and joined by lay persons they have as leader, Sister Marie Saulnier fj.

 

This group make scarves, mittens and other items of craft and sell them to the public, to raise money which is given to charitable organizations in the region.

 

Recipients

 

That is why on Thursday, November 26, a representative of six organizations from the Moncton region in New Brunswick, Canada, received each a 1000$ contribution toward their charity, at the approach of Christmas.

 

 

 

 

Testimonies of participants

 

The Sisters are very happy to have this chance to live their mission today, as some of them have stated.

 

Marie Saulnier, 79 years old

 

I always dreamt of working for the poor, and I love doing crafts. Now that I do not have any other responsibility, I can fulfill my dream. The objects that we make are sold and the money raised is shared among 6 charitable organizations before Christmas, when the needs are the greatest.

 

Amelia Deveau, 98 years old

 

I have always loved to knit, to work with yarn. At the same time, I loosen up my fingers as I help people who have less than we do.

 

 

 

 

Marie Thérèse Arseneault, 88 years old

 

I am happy to do something for the poor. Participating in Busy Hands is also an occasion to socialize. We constitute a large family.

 

Rose Mary Mombourquette, 87 years old

 

Taking part in Busy Hands is a past time. At the same time we are helping the poor in fidelity with our charism that asks us to “show special compassion for the most deprived”.(Rule of Life no 17). I am happy to help out the people in need and ease their suffering.

 

Annette Landry, 86 years old

 

It is a good cause because we are giving to the poor, while fraternizing with our Sisters from Canterbury Hall and with lay persons who participate in Busy Hands. We tell stories of the good old times and we exchange customs of different localities. It is a time of relaxation well thought of.

Jeanne Aimée Audet, 87 years old

 

I do not like to be idle, and participating in Busy Hands is an occasion for me to “honour the Sacred Humanity of the Son of God” in His poor (Rule of Life no 3). I pray for all the migrants, and displaced people everywhere. I feel in solidarity with people in need when I go to help with the meals of some of the residents in Monarch Hall, those who cannot feed themselves.

 

Virginie Poirier, 87 years old

 

I knit mittens without thumbs for small children, and I add a safety rope so that they can find them more easily. I like doing that, because I know I am helping the poor.

 

 

 

 

Viviane Fraser, 86 years old

 

The Busy Hands project gives me an occasion to strengthen bonds of friendship with certain members of my community. It allows me also to live in close proximity with lay people, to better know who the people in need are and to do my small part in helping them, in solidarity with others.

 

Helen Warren

 

It is unbelievable that such a small group can help so many people.

 

Catherine Cormier, vice province de Moncton, Canada

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