The meeting to launch the new community year 2017 at Three Rivers, Quebec, took on a very special tone. Sr Madeleine Aylwin and Monique Savignac, a lay associate, give us some echoes.

 

The announcement of numerous changes to come

 

At the beginning of the meeting, there was an atmosphere of excitement because of all the changes to be announced. The future holds many challenges for us, sisters and associates.

Before breaking into groups, it was fitting to express our gratitude to Sr. Pâquerette Dessureault, our former provincial, who has been replaced by Sr. Monique Brûlé.

Afterwards, Sister Gisèle spoke of the latest events concerning our vice-province. We had heard that the group, Les habitations populaires du Québec (http://www.habitationsduquebec.com/) hoped to be able to transform Kermaria into a residence for those on low-incomes.

 

Each one shared her feelings …

 

During our time of sharing each Sister freely expressed her feelings: fear, apprehension… as well as hope, trust and the advantages in facing these changes. In reality this transition gives us the hope of a new path and invites to live our mission in a different manner.

Taking into account their own particular situation, the associates also expressed how the future changes affect them.

The plenary session left us with the observation that we are fortunate to be able to live out this process of change TOGETHER.

 

“Go with the strength that is yours!”

 

A surprise was in store for us at the end: thanks to modern technology, we had the great pleasure of seeing all the members of the General council and of hearing Sr. Micheline Cormier, our superior general, give us a message of hope and sending on mission :

 

‘’Go, with the strength that is yours! The Lord himself will enable prophetic fruit to grow from what we undertake in faith and hope!’’

 

And as Pope Francis reminds us, these new journeys will allow us to go out to the peripheries and to open our hearts to new life.

 

Before concluding the meeting, an earthen vessel was presented to Sr. Monique. It was filled with feedback from the different groups as a sign of support to her in her mission as Provincial.

At the end of the meeting, Sr. Gisèle presented the orientations for the coming year.

 

 

 

Sr Madeleine Aylwin, Monique Savignac lay associate, Trois Rivières, Canada