JULY 2015
NO 2
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IN SINCERE SELF-GIVING, NEWNESS EMERGES
In every loving encounter there is an expansion of the heart, as
well as perspectives leading to a profound affirmation of who we
are, of our interconnectedness and of God-with-us.
An encounter may take place as a joyful reuniting with someone
whom we know or love; it may take place as we respond to a vulnerable person/group in need. Yet, most often encounter takes
place at an unexpected moment with someone whom we do not
know.
The Gospel contains many examples of encounter like that of a
Samaritan Woman doing her ordinary task of fetching water at
...continuation of the letter
noon from the well of Jacob. A usual day, this time a thirsty man is
at the well. She heeds the request for a drink and enters into conversation with him. Then, the encounter leads to a profound acceptance of her reality and most of all to that of Jesus: the long
awaited Messiah with whom she is speaking. The story continues to
say that the woman leaves her water jar to invite people to go
and see the Messiah (cf. John 4:1-18).
Another Gospel story is the visit of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth.
The long and uncomfortable journey of Mary paled in the excitement of being with her cousin - now pregnant. Elizabeth’s label of
barrenness was lifted. Mary was moved to visit her cousin to share
the joy of pregnancy and to be of assistance. These two pregnant
women open their hearts to welcome each other. Together, they
share the joy and excitement one for another and for the children
they bear.
The encounter of these cousins resulted in profound statements. The
first was from Elizabeth: “Blessed are you among women and
blessed is the fruit of your womb.” This was an affirmation to
Mary of her acceptance of a vital role in the fulfillment of the long
-awaited promise of God-with-us. Responding to Elizabeth’s proclamation, Mary humbly expresses her gratitude for God’s choice
and for the wondrous things that God had done among His people through all generations.
Each of us too can name stories of our loving encounters. Times
when we opened our hearts, welcomed the other, entered into
their stories or vulnerable situations through deep listening, and
affirmed each other within these profound realities. Such realities
are embedded on every page of life’s story revealing God’s loving and active presence. This is the fruit of every loving encounter.
Two or more eyes gazing at ordinary events with faith and love,
lead to an understanding and formulation of statements that bear
profound truths about oneself, God, and about the interconnectivity of relationships. In every loving encounter and sincere gift of
oneself, we fully find ourselves (cf. Gaudium et Spes #24).
There is always something NEW in us, among us and beyond us.
Every day, every moment, NEWNESS emerges. It is here that we
discover the sprouts of hope. Meister Eckhart, a Dominican mystic
wrote: “God is the newest thing there is, the youngest thing there
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is. God is the beginning and if we are united to God we become
new again.”
At the end of each day, is it possible to pause and ask ourselves:
What is the new that I discovered today of myself? Of the interconnectedness and interdependence among us? Of God-with-us?
What am I doing to expand my heart and sacred space to welcome?
Josefina (Josie) Lerios, SP
PA General Coordinator
United in prayer: let us pray for
all PAs who are sick or in need
around the world.
Did you know?
There is a lot of information and news on the web
site of the Providence Familly:
http://www.providenceintl.org The site is accessible in the three congregational languages:
French, English and Spanish. Welcome!
In this Issue:
Letter of the PA General Coordinator
News
Reflection
To contact us
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News
PROVIDENCE ASSOCIATES IN HAITI
Émilie-Gamelin Province
Artwork by Préfète Duffault, Haitian painter
The Port-au-Prince Associates
On March 22, 2015, the Associates of Port-au-Prince renewed
their commitment in the presence of General Leadership Team
members: Sisters Karin Dufault, General Superior, Rollande Malo,
General Treasurer, Mary Kaye Nealen, General Assistant, and
Josefina (Josie) Lerios, General Councillor. Sister Josie welcomed
the Providence Associates’ commitments as the liaison and person
responsible for the Associates at the general level. The local community of Haiti, Candidates, Aspirants, and the Providence Friends
were all present at the ceremony which began with the Eucharist.
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Josie Lerios, SP(1st row, 2nd from the right) and Valiette Messeroux, SP,
(2nd row, 4th from the left) with the PAs from Port-au-Prince.
The preacher emphasized our commitment to Christ as Providence
Associates, Sisters of Providence and Candidates. He said that to
follow Christ, we must die with him; that is to say, let things die in
us so we can be born again.
After this rewarding ceremony, a gathering with the Providence
Associates, some Sisters of Providence and members of the General Leadership Team was organized. The gathering was facilitated by Sister Josie; Sister Rollande was the interpreter. The Providence Associates had a chance to bear witness to their beautiful
experiences with the community and the humanitarian activities in
which they had been engaged.
Most testified that they were attracted by the Sisters of Providence lifestyle. On entering the movement, they discovered more
about Emilie: An extraordinary woman of her time; a strong, courageous and confident woman who welcomed and cared for the
needy. They said that to make their apostolate a success, they
draw strength and boldness from the life of this great woman.
They work as teachers, do pastoral work, and visit the sick, the
poor and needy. They explained: "We try to do the best within
the limits of our capabilities." The General Leadership Team members took advantage of this opportunity to congratulate and encourage the Providence Associates to continue to live as ambassadors of Christ.
The event concluded with a short bingo featuring questions about
Emilie and the Sisters of Providence Congregation.
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Continuation of the News...
The Torbeck Associates
On March 23, the General Leadership Team members and Sister
Ghislaine Landry travelled to the south. The sisters used Tuesday,
March 24 to meet with the Torbeck Providence Associates. The
Sisters received a warm welcome to the rhythm of local tunes.
Again, Sister Josie led the gathering and Sisters Rollande and
Ghislaine helped with the interpretation.
The Sisters heard several moving testimonies from the Providence
Associates about the benefits of this movement centered on Providence.
"I learned to forget myself and to be able to see others who are
poorer," an Associate said. Others said that the movement has
allowed them to become aware of different kinds of poverty that
exist in their environment, close to home. In addition, they discovered that they have within themselves and through the use of their
imaginations the ability to find and create ways to meet different
needs.
Following the example of Emilie, with limited economic and
psychological resources, they feel called to be present for the
poorest and all who suffer. They want to continue walking in the
footsteps of Emilie Gamelin. Inspired by her lifestyle, they find the
necessary energy and enthusiasm to accomplish this noble mission,
which is to be Providence to others, a legacy of Mother Emilie
Gamelin.
The apostolic initiatives of the group include: visiting the sick at
home and in hospitals, visiting the elderly who live by themselves,
pastoral work, teaching, sporadic help to children whose families
are unable to meet their needs, and many other small ways of
being attentive.
Since economic problems are varied and numerous, the Torbeck
Providence Associates think it would be useful and even necessary
to develop financial autonomy. Thus, they are working to develop
a community project; partial financial autonomy could be reached
through a bakery or the raising and selling of chickens (a chicken
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coop). Once this project is well established, it would cover certain
financial needs and solve a number of financially related issues.
The members of the General Leadership Team addressed words
of encouragement and congratulations. As well, the sisters locally
accompanying the Associates encouraged them to continue tirelessly in their endeavors.
The event concluded with a short bingo featuring questions about
Emilie and the Sisters of Providence Congregation.
Personally, I am touched by the efforts, dedication and work of
our Providence Associates, despite the lack of time and resources.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ accompany us so that we
may follow through to the end of our mission, in the footsteps of
Blessed Emilie Gamelin.
Valiette Messeroux, SP
PA Haiti Liaison
Artwork by L. A. Romieu, Haitian painter
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Continuation of the News...
A FIRST: PROVIDENCE WATER TOWER
Émilie-Gamelin Province
It is with joy and astonishment that we received an
explanatory text with photos
of the first "Providence Water Tower" built by the Providence Associates in Cameroon. Sister Marie-Rose StAmant tells us:
“I am sending you a
photo of Mother
Gamelin’s image on
the water tower, taken
by Mr. Theodore Nke,
PA. I guess it is a first:
Mother Gamelin on a water tower! This reveals to all
the gratitude and love the Providence Associates of
Cameroon have for Mother Gamelin. Unfortunately,
the pictures are not clear. Yet, the Providence Water
Tower can easily be seen from the road.”
Thus, our Providence Family is enriched with a new "work". This
gives evidence of the perseverance in simplicity that characterizes
all our Providence Family members, both lay and religious. Congratulations to our dear Providence Associates of Cameroon.
Thank you to our Sisters of Providence for their support and to
Providence, without Whom nothing would be possible.
Providence of God, we thank you for all!
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R EFLECTION G UIDE OF THE P ROVIDENCE A SSOCIATES
É MILIE -G AMELIN P ROVINCE
OF
Since 2007, the leadership of the Providence Associates of ÉmilieGamelin Province has published a Reflection Guide to be used at
each of the monthly meetings of the different Providence Associate
groups within the province. Geographically speaking, the guide is
distributed to all Associates in Quebec, as well as to those in Cameroon and Haiti. Our Sisters of Providence are also invited to con9
Continuation of the News...
sult and use it. It is both practical and profound; it allows us to
stay connected despite the distances between us.
Each year the province’s PA leadership, which includes: Sister
Louiselle Gagnon, and Providence Associates Jeannine Laurin,
Marielle Sylvestre and René Lefebvre, actively work to provide us
a most interesting guide. Each copy comes with a CD of the songs
proposed for the meetings of the year. The theme for 2015-2016
is “The Tree and Us...”.
The love of trees must be widespread, because each year
we plant them by the thousands for their shade and decorative effect and to add a touch of privacy. Montreal
Mayor, Denis Coderre, wishes to plant 375,000 trees on
the occasion of the City’s 375th Anniversary in 2017.
Sometimes....we also give trees a symbolic value because
they survive us and connect us to generations to come. The
Guide contains descriptions of some of the trees that grow
right here, in this land of America, and if we will take the
time to come to know them, they will guide us to the tree
of life that grows in each of us.
(The Reflection and Redaction Team)
Thank you to this brave team. Through the Guide, they give us the
opportunity at each meeting to deepen our spirituality and grow
by following our Provident God and our model, Emilie Tavernier
Gamelin.
Nadia Bertoluci, PA
"The believer is like a tree planted
by a stream of water….whose
leaves do not wither.” (Psalm1)
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PRESENTATION BY THE DAUGHTERS OF WISDOM - APRIL 26, 2015
PROVIDENCE CENTRE, EDMONTON, ALBERTA
Holy Angels Province
Life brought inspirational blessings as the Daughters of Wisdom
shared their spirituality and described their good works. On Sunday, April 26, 2015, Sisters Eleanora, Harriet and Margaret presented to the Providence Associates a wealth of ideas in only fifty
minutes.
Sister Eleanora focused on the spirituality of Divine
and Eternal Wisdom. She immersed us in the Old
Testament readings where Wisdom is alive and
shows Her eternal importance. We were delighted that Wisdom is referred to as feminine,
even though God does not have any gender.
In the list of quotations provided from the Bible, we learn about Wisdom and Her role. For
example, “For Wisdom is better than all the
most precious things: and whatsoever may be
desired cannot be compared to it. I, Wisdom,
dwell in counsel and am present in learned
thoughts.” (Proverbs 8: 11, 12). Wisdom describes
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Continuation of the News...
Her benefits saying, “For my fruit is better than gold and the precious stone, and my blossoms than choice silver.” (Proverbs 8:19).
Connecting Wisdom to the Holy Eucharist, She says “Come, eat my
bread, and drink the wine which I have mingled for
you.” (Proverbs 9: 5). Sister Eleanora explained that in the New
Testament, Jesus is incarnate, Divine Wisdom.
St. Louis de Montfort, the Daughters of Wisdom founder, had a
great love for Wisdom through Mary. He believed that Wisdom is
the companion and guide of our life. Devotion to Mary is the way
to follow Wisdom, revealing Her as she guides our lives. The Associates could see the connections between the Daughters of Wisdom and the Sisters of Providence: the Providence of God, devotion to Mary, and being servants of the poor.
The next presenter, Sister Harriet, focused on the good works of
the Daughters of Wisdom, including schools for the poor, health
care and retreat centres. In addition, they provide care for women with Aids, pregnant women, street women, and those who are
discarded and lack care.
Today, the Daughters of Wisdom work in seventeen countries in
the world, with the majority working in France and Canada. As of
January 1, 2014, there were 1,458 Daughters of Wisdom.
The third presenter, Sister Margaret, focused on her work for 24
years in mission at Atikimeg, in Northern Alberta. She brought to
life her love of teaching the metis and aboriginal children in this
school; the first day school opened in Alberta. We were astounded at the hardships that she and two other sisters endured, always
with a positive outlook as they delighted in their productive experiences.
This presentation was timely since the feast days of the Daughters
of Wisdom’s founders, St. Louis de Montfort and Blessed Marie
Louise, were near. We admire the expertise and accomplishments
of the Daughters of Wisdom and look forward to hearing from
them again soon.
MaryAnne Nissen, PA and Friend of Wisdom
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PRAYER FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF OUR MAIN CHURCH
SANTIAGO - CHILE
Bernarda Morin Province
It is our pleasure to tell of the fervor with which the Sisters of Providence, Providence Associates, the ladies of Nuestra Señora de
Dolores Residence, friends, and our partners gathered in prayer
on Friday, April 10, at the site of our main church destroyed by
fire in 2010. We prayed for the church’s prompt rebuilding, expressing the wish that its walls, which had witnessed so much life in
the past, might retain the same spirit and become
a welcoming space for those looking for God in
their lives today.
Many persons passing by joined the group for the
prayer. With the help of Our Mother of Sorrows,
we begged for the grace to place our trust in
Providence, as well as for the beatification of our
beloved Mother Bernarda Morin*, that she
Sister Ana Teresa Araya, SP
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Continuation of the News...
might encourage us
in our endeavors
through her example
of humility and perseverance.
We will continue to
pray between 6:00
and 7:00 p.m. every
second Friday of the
month throughout
2015. We invite you to join us, even if you are not in Santiago.
Oh, merciful Heart of Jesus who, in your infinite tenderness
for suffering humanity, chose Mother Bernarda Morin to
fulfill the designs of Providence on the Institute she founded
in Chile, and endowed her with tender compassion for all
human misery; grant us the grace we are asking through her
intercession, that she may be glorified on earth, and that we
may glorify you in heaven, by imitating her virtues. Amen.
*Foundress of the Sisters of Providence in Chile.
Reflection
GOD’S HANDS ARE ALWAYS AND WILL FOREVER BE AT WORK
We are instruments through which PROVIDENCE is expressed and
healing is enabled.” Sister Mary Horgan, SP.
Father, open my eyes to those struggling to have enough food,
enough love, enough hope; then open my heart to find ways to
help them receive love, using my hands in service to them ----- and
through them, to You. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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I am a widow with five struggling children, groping their way to
what people call a good future. However, this future is endangered
because of the absence of their father, who was called to the Creator early in our married life. My husband’s death was triggered by
his desire to provide for the needs of his children. At first, I thought
I was left all alone, numb with the hardships that were at hand. But I
was wrong; God’s hands are always and will forever be at work.
My initial encounter with the Sisters of Providence and the Providence Associates was not that remarkable, at least that is what I
thought. Why? Because during those times, I was like a walking log
focused on only one thing…my children’s future. But I could feel,
even during this time, the warmth of their love, their manner of
reaching out, their smiles, and how they looked at me when I happened to witness one of their encounters with the needy. God is really so good!
I was given a chance to read the life of the Blessed Emilie Tavernier
Gamelin when one of the Providence Associate shared her story
with my students. My faith was stirred with what I came to discover.
This experience has brought more life to my journey as a single
parent. I became more enthusiastic to listen to God’s words and
lend a hand to whoever needed me, more dedicated to impart
whatever knowledge I have in the most efficient manner that I know.
Now, my life as a Providence Associate has become more meaningful, meaningful because I’m able to influence young lives in my own
little way. It may be in a simple and unnoticeable way, yet it can
make a BIG difference in their life. I am looking forward to more
years of serving whoever is in need, whatever the need might be.
Thank you very much from the very core of my heart. Please accept my endless gratitude to the Sisters of Providence and to my
fellow Providence Associates. GOD BLESSES US ALWAYS!
Rose Cely Fernandez, PA
Mother Joseph Province
Philippines
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Sister Coordinators and/or Liaisons for the
Providence Associates
Bernarda-Morin Province (Chile, Argentina):
Cristina Urbina, s.p.: [email protected]
Émilie-Gamelin Province (Quebec):
Louiselle Gagnon, s.p.: [email protected]
Émilie-Gamelin Province (Haiti):
Valiette Messeroux, s.p.: [email protected]
Émilie-Gamelin Province(Cameroon):
Marie-Rose St-Amant, s.p.: [email protected]
Holy Angels Province (Western Canada)
Christina Wong, s.p.: [email protected]
Mother-Joseph Province (USA, El Salvador and Philippines)
Jo Ann Showalter, s.p.: [email protected]
Providence Associates Bulletin
Editor: Josie Lerios, SP
[email protected]
Translation: Richard Dumont
Proofreading: Linda Jo Reynolds, SP, Alba Letelier, SP,
Berthe-Alice Collette, SP, Mary Kaye Nealen, SP
Printing: Providence International Centre
Editing and Computer Graphics: Nadia Bertoluci, PA
To contact us: [email protected]
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12055 Grenet Street
Montreal, Quebec
Canada H4J 2J5
Tel.: (514) 334-9090
Fax: (514) 334-1620
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