We were approximately 15 people who gathered at Paroisse St. Thomas d’Aquin, Edmonton, Canada. Our theme was “A Culture of Encounter”.

We opened with recognizing the treaty land upon which we gathered. Our gathering song was “All Are Welcome”.

This meeting was a follow up to the important meeting with Sr. Lucienne at Providence Renewal Centre on October 9, 2022, on the closing day of the Ursuline of Jesus – Missionary Reality of Canada- Assembly. It is an important link because Sr. Mary Clare presented the message from the General Chapter that called all members of the Family to Live a “Culture of Encounter” and a commitment to “Integral Ecology”.

Before we got into the heart of the meeting which was a presentation by Sr. Mary Clare, the group engaged in a most delightful “getting to know you” icebreaker where we spent a short time two by two responding to three questions about ourselves and then to the other. We then introduced our partner to the rest of the group about what we learned about the other. The entire exercise served its purpose well by generating lively conversation, introduction, laughter, and relaxation.

This prepared us to be open to receive deeply the Word of God, Matthew 6:23-25 – first, to listen in silence, second to respond with a word and third, to share what touched our heart.

Sr. Catherine gave us a very enlightening talk “Encounter with Louis-Marie Baudoun”. Again, we gathered in small groups on a particular part of the presentation. Then one spoke to the larger group on the learning of the small group sharing. It was a very spiritually uplifting encounter with all who were there.

The comments expressed from those in attendance were filled with hope, encouragement and looking forward for more of the same. It was a very good first gathering after being apart for such a long period of time. We were grateful to be back on our “Holy Ground”.

Non seulement nous avons été élevé-e-s spirituellement et nourri-e-s d’espoir, mais nous avons été Not only were we spiritually up lifted and fed with hope, we were royally nourished with treats, goodies, cake, coffee and tea as we took time to celebrate with Fred and Mary Anne, our core team members, on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary.