165th Anniversary – Sisters of Charity ic

Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception (SCIC)

For 165 years, the SCIC story of faith and mission of love have continued to unfold in eastern, western and northern Canada. 2017 also marked completion of SCIC presence in Peru after 50 years (see “About Us - Our History”). SCIC created and approved this call for their life and mission from 2018 to 2022:

“We, the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception, commit ourselves to journeying with Mary and our ancestors, by responding with justice and mercy to the cry of Mother Earth and emerging world and local needs. We embrace diversity in our living, continuing to weave a vibrant tapestry of our lives.”

SCIC Associates also created their unique focus for life and mission. For more, please see the Associate web page under “Commitment”.

Festival of Enculturation

On June 20th, with joy and gratitude, Sisters, Associates and friends welcomed Elder Imelda Perley to share her sacred teachings of the Mi”Kmaq, in anticipation of National Indigenous Peoples Day, June on 21st.

“Imelda Perley (Opolahsomuwehs) is Wolastoqew (Maliseet) from Tobique First Nation, St. Mary’s First Nation and Houlton Band of Maliseets (United States). She was appointed as Elder-in-Residence at the University of New Brunswick and retired in April,2019. Her traditional roles within the community include Sweatlodge Keeper, Medicine Wheel Teacher, Sacred Pipe Carrier and Keeper of the Women’s Ceremonies.

She is founder and coordinator of the Wolastoq Language and Culture Centers Inc., situated at Tobique and St. Mary’s First Nations.” Imelda taught Maliseet language and Wabanaki Worldview courses at University of New Brunswick and University of Maine. Along with her husband David, they have contributed many years advancing and promoting their culture and traditions.” (University of New Brunswick)

The day included a sharing on Our Lady of Guadalupe with Graydon and Beth Nicholas. It was a day to celebrate and experience the richness of many Mi’kmaq traditions.
(Photo~ David and Imelda Perley, with Beth and Graydon Nicholas)

SISTERS CELEBRATE 165^TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GRATITUDE

SAINT JOHN – Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception (SCIC) joyfully celebrated 165 years of grace and gratitude at Ruth Ross Residence Oct. 17-20 among Associates, family members, staff and friends. “May these four days of festival release within and among us a renewed sense of God’s providence, surprise and ever-unfolding presence over 165 years,”
said Sister Mary Beth McCurdy as the Festival of Thanksgiving began in Carmel Chapel. Read More...

Canadian-based Federation congregations.

One highlight of the celebration was a panel presentation which included representatives of the five federation congregations based in Canada. Panellists were asked to address key moments of both grace and challenge in the history of their religious communities. They also highlighted their experience of a June 2019 Federation Assembly of the Whole in Chicago. Before responding to questions, panellists expressed hopes and dreams for future collaboration among the Canadian-based Federation congregations.

Pictured: (Left to right~Sister Rosemary MacDonald (Sisters of St. Martha of P.E..I); Mary Beth McCurdy (Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception Saint John); Franklyn Ferguson (Sisters of St. Martha of Antigonish, N.S.), Agnès Léger (Religieuses de Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur Moncton, N.B.) and Joan O’Keefe (Sisters of Charity of Halifax).

Sisters in New Brunswick celebrate 165 years

Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception (SCIC) joyfully celebrated 165 years of grace and gratitude at Ruth Ross Residence Oct. 17-20 among associates, family members, staff and friends.

“May these four days of festival release within and among us a renewed sense of God’s providence, surprise and ever-unfolding presence over 165 years,” said Sister Mary Beth McCurdy as the Festival of Thanksgiving began in Carmel Chapel.

“Let us welcome to this sacred circle the spirit of all those who have preceded us,” added the SCIC congregational leader. “Let us live fully for the sake of the gospel ever-unfolding into the future.”

SCIC were founded Oct. 21, 1854 in Saint John by Honoria Conway and three companions at the invitation of Bishop Thomas Louis Connolly, OFM Cap. Amid many challenges, they responded to urgent needs of Irish immigrants and orphans. Read More...

Pictured: Sister Mary Beth McCurdy, SCIC congregational leader (second from left) is joined by guests during the sisters’ recent 165th anniversary celebrations. Fientje Cameron (left) and Annie Buyting (right) are (family) sisters, as are Sister McCurdy and Jane Arseneau (second from right). Photo by Sister Patricia Poole, SCIC

Celebrating 165 Years of Grace and Gratitude Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception

An historical exhibition entitled Moments of Grace was set up at Ruth Ross Residence by Assistant Archivist Lex Stephenson. It focused on four pivotal moments in the congregation’s history: Foundation in 1854 in Saint John, NB; Expansion into Western Canada with the opening of a mission in Prince Albert, SK in 1906; Separation of the Acadian members in 1924; and Revitalization following Vatican II.Read More...

Pictured: SCIC Assistant Archivist Lex Stephenson and Archivist Sr. Monica Plante