During the FOURTH WEEK OF MARCH we listen to the heard of the world and hold the Sisters of St. Joseph and the people of CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR) in our prayer. This week we pray for the Sisters of St. Joseph ministering in the Central African Republic (CAR), and the people of that country. Between the Institut des Souers de Saint Joseph and the Insituto San Giuseppe there are 31 sisters serving in CAR, involved in children’s education, empowerment of women, parish work and as medical assistants. You may wish to read this article from the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/feb/19/prosthetics-hope-central-african-republic
It was a uniquely beautiful and moving experience to be in the Mosque for Friday prayers today. The Imam only found out last night that "a few people might show up for support". They were viably shocked that we probably matched them in numbers - about 30 Muslims at prayer on the prayer carpet, and us Christians and Jews on the side. They had to keep adding chairs for us and kept repeating how grateful they were that we came. They were unprepared for so many. Sisters Linda, Margie, Mary Clare, Sharon, Phyllis and I represented us CSJ's. They were glad some "nuns' came! You could see they were still sad and shocked at last Friday's events. But uplifted and surprised to receive so much support. Anthony Rota arrived late off a plane and spoke movingly. I think he too was surprised at our numbers. He spoke of how in Canada we all live together no matter what faith and his sadness at the horror in New Zealand. The Jewish rabbi spoke, the Trinity United Church minister quoted some Persian poetry; our Sharon Miller spoke and showed the peace and love banner she brought. Fr. Dave Tramontini and Chad came, Donna and Jim Sinclair, and United Church clergy, some from our activism North Bay group, some of our associates. The young imam told us we were always welcome anytime. Their prayers during the Prayer part were strong and full of confidence in Allah's love and compassion. It was a uniquely graced "God" experience for us; humbling for us all. Who would believe when we were growing up, there would ever be a moment like this.... Sad but also blessed. S. Mae Kierans
During the THIRD WEEK OF MARCH we listen to the heard of the world and hold the Sisters of St. Joseph and the people of CHILE in our prayer. We also pray for the 35 associates who are living the CSJ charism in Chile. They are involved in faith formation and parish work. An interesting article from the Santiago Times: https://santiagotimes.cl/2019/03/08/chile-president-pinera-and-first-lady-commemorate-womens-day-at-la-moneda/
A native of Chad, St. Joseph Sr. Jeannette Londadjim was forced to flee her homeland with her family in 1979 because of civil war. After living as a refugee in Cameroon and the Central African Republic, Londadjim returned to Chad and became a sister two decades ago.
It is with sadness that the Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie announce the death of Sister Irene Morrow, March 3, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse, North Bay, Ontario.