Sisters of Charity ic

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

On December 6^th, we gathered to commemorate the 35^th anniversary of the tragedy which took place at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal, Quebec, where 14 women were shot and killed. Twelve of these were studying engineering ~ a field long dominated by men~ one was a nursing student and the other a university employee. Thirteen other women survived. The perpetrator, Marc Lepine, also took his life on that fateful day. This act of violent misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate this day as National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Read more...

ADVOCATING FOR HUMAN & ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS

Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception, Associates, staff and friends participated in the Development and Peace-Caritas Canada fall awareness and action campaign in autumn 2024. In Saint John, N.B., they signed more than 40 postcards which Development and Peace will later give to federal legislators. Sisters also encouraged others to access fall action resources free online at www.devp.org/campaign/resources

With the theme, “Reaping Our Rights”, the campaign focuses on advocating for and with peasants and small-scale farmers in the Global South. It calls for mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation for Canadian companies operating abroad.

The campaign also highlights the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas – “a major victory for peasant movements around the world”.

Photo by Sharon Jacquard shows Associates Donna Schroeter (left) and Mary Matheson signing postcards.

Sister Maureen Anne Fowler peacefully went Home to her Loving Creator on November 12, 2024, at the Saint John Regional Hospital in Saint John, NB.

Born on January 16, 1957, in Vancouver, BC, she was the oldest daughter of Edwin Fowler and Eileen (Naylen).

Maureen entered the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception on September 8, 1975, in Edmonton, Alberta. She studied theology, philosophy and scripture at Newman Theological College, Education at the University of Alberta and Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia. Her giftedness and creativity enabled her to influence many lives, especially children. Read more...

Sister Mary McHugh, (Sister Mercia), a gentle woman of amazing faith, grace and longevity, passed away peacefully at her home, Ruth Ross Residence, in Saint John, New Brunswick on Friday, October 25, 2024.

Born June 4, 1923, in Grand Falls, Newfoundland , she was the daughter of Johannah and John McHugh. At the age of 101 years, she was the longest living member of her family. She was blessed with good health and a positive spirit all her life. She is now peacefully reunited with her parents, Johannah and John and siblings: Bridget (Jesseau), Dermott, Dorothy (Boyle), Thomas, Firmin, Jack, Edward and Eric. She has ascended to her family’s open arms and welcoming hearts and has completed God’s mission for her life. Read more...

On October 25, 2024, 35 Sisters of the Religieuses de Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur travelled by bus from Moncton to Saint John, New Brunswick to join the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception to celebrate the NDSC’S 100th Anniversary. During the dinner, Sister Roma De Robertis, SCIC Congregational Leader, invited Sister Murielle Duguay, NDSC Congregational Leader, to come forward for a special presentation. Sister Roma’s words,” We wish to offer you a gift that has rightfully belonged to you all along. They are now going to their proper home. In this box are the original letters and documents pertaining to the birth of your community…from our hearts to yours”. One document was the original letter of petition written by 31 SCIC’S to Mother Thomas on December 21, 1914. It was the request to establish an Acadian novitiate, recognizing the necessity to form sisters to meet the educational, language and cultural needs of the Acadian peoples. As the names of those sisters were read aloud, a sacred silence surrounded the gathering. As Sr. Roma noted, we give them “…avec toutes les bénédictions possibles…with every blessing.”

(Lt to rt~ Sisters Helene Allain, Murielle Duguay, and Odette Legere)

On Sunday, September 8^th in Carmel Chapel, Sisters, Associates, family and friends joyfully gathered to celebrate six Sisters of Charity ~Sisters Pat Poole (50), Alice Keegan (60), Anita Naves (65), Barbara Forestell (65), Audette Richard (75), and Elaine Henigman (80) for 390 years of faithfulness to the call of the Gospel and service among God’s people. The scripture readings highlighted the words of Isaiah to “satisfy the needs of the afflicted” and of Colossians “to be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience and love and

let the word of Christ dwell in you richly and whatever you do, in word or in deed, be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.” The closing song captured each one’s response to the question: “Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?” (The Summons).

Left to right~ Srs Pat Poole, Audette Richard, Alice Keegan, Anita Naves, Fr. Tom Fowler, Fr. Tom Fowler and Sr. Barbara Forestell, Sr. Elaine Henigman and Sr. Roma De Robertis

Dr. Elizabeth Stevenson facilitated a 3-day retreat for the Sisters in Saint John in preparation for the Season of Creation. Her theme was “Celebrating Hope Through Creation.” With sacred scripture, music, poetry, visuals, and reflection time, Elizabeth invited us to embrace the awe-filled beauty of all creation.

In her thank you, Sister Irene Buechler summarized the experience~

“You have encouraged us to be filled with wonder at the daily miracles in God’s Cathedral~learn endurance from the monarch butterfly, seaweed, snail, and the heron on its 68-hour non-stop journey. You have caused us to want to be “married to amazement!”

Sister Anna Maria Wanner (Sister M. Petronilla) peacefully went home to her loving God on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Ruth Ross Residence in Saint John, NB.

Born September 7, 1925, in Jacobsburg, Saskatchewan, she was the daughter of Matthias and Pauline (Fleck) Wanner.

Sister Anne said she was “born in Big Sky Country -South Saskatchewan-at a time when no rain fell, and the sun often disappeared behind clouds of dust or grasshoppers.” Living on a farm with her seven brothers and four sisters, the values of faith, family and commitment were instilled in her. Read More...

LOOKING AHEAD WITH THE SISTERS OF CHARITY FEDERATION

NAZARETH, Kentucky – Three Sisters of Charity, I.C. gathered here June 12-15 with other Sisters and Daughters of Charity from across the United States and Canada. Hosted by Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (SCN), they participated in the 2024 annual gathering of leadership teams belonging to the Sisters of Charity Federation of North America.

There were 66 participants from 13 member congregations, including Sisters from South Korea and India now based in the U.S. “Walking the Synodal Way” was the theme of the gathering patterned on the style of the worldwide church synod.

Representing SCIC were Sisters Pat Poole, Mary Ann Maxwell and Roma De Robertis from Saint John, N.B. Canadian participants also included members of four other religious communities: Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur Sisters (Moncton, N.B.); Sisters of St. Martha of PEI; Sisters of St. Martha of Antigonish, N.S. and Sisters of Charity of Halifax.

The gathering facilitator was Sister Elizabeth Davis, a Sister of Mercy from Newfoundland and Labrador. She also offered a well-attended evening session on the October 2023 church synod gathering in Rome where she was a voting delegate. She plans to continue in that role during the synod’s October 2024 session at the Vatican.

Throughout the gathering -- often via small group listening and conversation – participants reflected on the future of the Federation, its structures and mission.

Participants heard from Jimmy Walters, the Federation’s non-governmental organization representative at the United Nations in New York. He praised the Federation’s longtime network of NGO liaisons who participate with him from member congregations.

Dr. Walters highlighted the Federation NGO’s three key areas of global focus: homelessness, care for earth and women and girls. Noting many UN groups and organizations in which he participates, he also emphasized the importance of the worldwide Vincentian Family to which the Federation belongs.

Federation members share common roots based in the spirituality of Saints Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac in 17^th century France, as adapted by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in 19^th century North America. Their mission focuses on accompanying and advocating with those who are sick, excluded and living in poverty.

Historically this included education, health care and social service. Today it also involves advocating for social justice as well as ecological sustainability in the face of climate change.

The gathering also heard from Federation executive director Sister Grace Hartzog, a Sister of Charity of Seton Hill (Pennsylvania). She was joined by Sister Donna Dodge -- board president and president of the Sisters of Charity of New York -- to present the Federation’s ministry initiatives and commitments.

Featured virtually (online), Rob Judge offered an update about the national shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland where he is executive director. Banners from the shrine representing Federation member congregations graced the gathering in Nazareth.

Leadership team members from each congregation also met among themselves to determine how best to further Federation priorities. The Federation board of directors met June 12 and will continue working together virtually with Sister Davis on priorities highlighted by the entire gathering.

On June 14, all participants enjoyed good weather for a choice of outings in the area. Gratitude for the entire gathering and extensive advance preparations was expressed to Federation staff as well as the SCN, staff and volunteers for gracious hospitality and organization.

Participants were invited to donate to offset carbon emissions involved in travel to and from Kentucky. Donations were encouraged toward solar panels for an SCN mission in India ensuring clean, reliable energy.

Photo courtesy of SCN Communications: (L to R) Sisters Roma De Robertis, Mary Ann Maxwell & Pat Poole

Lilac Tree Planting on Mother Earth Day

On April 22, 2024, the Sisters of Charity, I.C., Associates, Elizabeth Fry Society staff and friends celebrated Mother Earth Day by planting an Ivory Silk Lilac tree on the E. Fry property in the North End of Saint John, N.B.

The ceremony, led by Sister Roma De Robertis and Judy Murphy, Executive Director, emphasized the significance of nature in providing beauty, peace, enjoyment, nurturing, a sense of belonging and empowerment. They highlighted the importance of creating communal spaces that facilitate connections and promote healing for women and gender-diverse individuals affected by victimization and criminalization.

The event included Sister Margaret MacLean and Associate Mike Campbell reading Mary Oliver’s poem “When I Am Among the Trees” and blessings were spoken as Mark Dupuis of Greenway Landscaping planted the Lilac purchased from Brunswick Nurseries. The gathering concluded with a children’s Tree Song and thanks offered by Sister Laura Hughes.

(Photo left to right: back rows) Sisters Mary Ann Maxwell, Margaret MacLean, Mary Beth McCurdy, Audette Richard, Muriel Buckley, Roma De Robertis, Gertrude Mulholland, Irene Buechler, Sandra Barrett; SCIC Associate Mike Campbell; Sister Laura Hughes (left to right: bottom front) Judy Murphy and Jennifer Howe (Elizabeth Fry Society); Associate Barb Fennell; Justice Coordinator Yolande Whalen. (Photo by Melissa Moore)

CELEBRATING & PRAYING FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
SAINT JOHN, N.B. -- During the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Sisters of Charity, I.C. welcomed Associates and ecumenical guests to prayer with conversation Jan. 23 in Carmel Chapel at Ruth Ross Residence. Together, they explored the Week’s worldwide Good Samaritan theme from Luke 10:27: “You shall love the Lord your God … and your neighbour as yourself.”

Guest presenters were a married Anglican clergy couple – and parents of two children -- who are community priests based at Stone Church in Saint John. The Revs. Jasmine and Terence Chandra responded to “interview questions” posed by Sister Roma De Robertis highlighting their vibrant outreach ministry among those living in poverty and seeking to overcome other challenges. The couple also invited and responded to questions from Sisters and Associates.

Sister Irene Buechler coordinated and introduced the Christian Unity liturgy. Rev. Tom Graham, a retired Lutheran pastor, proclaimed the gospel while Father Thomas Fowler -- who regularly presides at Mass in Carmel Chapel -- offered a blessing. Sister Mary Ann Maxwell provided music ministry.

Week of Prayer resources for Jan. 18-25 were prepared by a group of Christians in Burkina Faso in western Africa. They noted that Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan “not only challenges us to do good, but also
to widen our vision. We do not only learn what is good and holy from those like us, but often from those different from ourselves … The Good Samaritan is often the one we do not expect.”

For many years, Sisters in Saint John have celebrated Christian Unity Week annually with guests. In recent years, observing pandemic protocols, they invited messages from ecumenical friends and displayed their
pictures. This year they were thankful to once again welcome guests in person. The four clergy guests then joined Sisters for dinner at St. Vincent Residence.

Photo left to right: Srs. Roma De Robertis and Irene Buechler; Rev. Tom Graham; The Revs. Terence and Jasmine Chandra & Fr. Thomas Fowler. (Photo by Sharon Jacquard)

ADVOCATING FOR HUMAN RIGHTS & FREEDOMS

Sisters of Charity, I.C. and staff participated in Amnesty International’s 2023 Write for Rights campaign in early December in Saint John, N.B. Annually, Dec. 10 is Human Rights Day and the 2023 observance marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Sisters, Associates and staff beyond the area were encouraged to sign Amnesty letters online. The initiative was organized by Yolande Whalen (Justice Coordinator) with assistance from Sister Roma De Robertis and staff. In photo: Sister Rosemary Costley signs Amnesty letters at St. Vincent Residence calling for justice for persons in many countries who are treated unfairly, detained and even killed. (SCIC photo)

CHOOSING NEW PATHS FOR COMMUNITY LIFE & MISSION

Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception (SCIC) participated in their Chapter Oct. 23-28 in Saint John, N.B. with the theme, “Gathering the Wisdom ~ Blessing the Future”. Preparation included a 15-month process of communal discernment focusing on personal and congregational transformation.

Facilitators were Sr. Bonnie MacLellan, CSJ – a canon lawyer and General Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie – and Dr. Ted Dunn of Florida, a clinical psychologist who works with religious communities internationally.

During Chapter, SCIC elected a five-member leadership circle to begin Jan. 4, 2024 – feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Elected for the next four years are Sr. Roma De Robertis, Congregational Leader with Srs. Alice Keegan, Patricia Poole, Laura Hughes and Mary Ann Maxwell.

The Sisters thanked outgoing leaders whose terms included an extra year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sr. Mary Beth McCurdy received special thanks for serving as congregational leader since 2010.

(Photo by Patty Marshall. Left to right: Srs. Laura Hughes, Mary Ann Maxwell, Roma De Robertis, Patricia Poole and Alice Keegan)