2019 Summer

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A publication for the Sisters of Providence and friends
SUMMER 2019
Sisters of Providence
175th anniversary year
Providence Associates, Companions, staff and
friends joined the Sisters of Providence, March 26-29, to mark the close of the 175th anniversary of the founding of the religious congregation.
H
closes with a flourish in Montreal
pMass opened with a procession of the flags representing the countries where Sisters of Providence are present, along with a white flag symbolizing hope for the future.
osted at the Sisters of Providence mother house in
Montreal, it was a time of joy,
reflection, history, connection, grati- tude and the generous hospitality for which the sisters are known.
More than 500 sisters and
guests traveled from the western
U.S., western Canada, Quebec, Chile, Haiti, Cameroon, Egypt, El Salvador, Argentina and the Philippines
to participate in the celebration. Events during the week included the Footsteps of Emilie, a walking tour of significant places in the life of Emilie Gamelin; tours of the archives and museum at the mother house; and
a day of reflection to deepen partici- pants’ connection with the Providence charism, mission and spirituality.
The week of festivities culminated with a Mass at the Mother House Chapel on March 29 (the anniversary of the first profession in the congrega- tion) presided by Christian Lépine, archbishop of Montreal. Liturgical processions, rich in meaning, with hymns and songs by L’Ensemble Vocal Épiphanie from Sainte-Famille de Bordeaux-Cartierville Parish, contrib- uted to an unforgettable experience. Sisters and friends unable to attend in person were able to watch the Mass via live-streaming. Mass was followed by a festive banquet luncheon in the mother house dining room for all
500 guests.
For those in attendance, the 175th anniversary closing celebration was inspirational and moving. Here several sisters and Providence leaders shared highlights from their experi- ence and what it meant to them.
Susanne Hartung, SP
My week-long experience of being in Montreal for the 175th called to mind such a spiritual awareness of all the blessings we have received over these many years. I had
the opportunity to lead
groups for two days in
the footsteps of Emilie
Gamelin. The interest
and engagement of the
pilgrims was inspirational.
I met so many people
from other provinces
that enhance the depth
of our relationship with
the laity, following the legacy of Emilie. The final liturgy proclaimed our cultural diversity and the breadth of our global involvement. It was so moving to witness this proclamation through the presentation of the flags and the multiple languages spoken. It was such a privilege to serve on
the 175th committee and experience a flawless endeavor. Thanks to the general council and to all who worked tirelessly to make it memorable.
tSister Susanne Hartung led Footsteps of Emilie walking tours for visitors, including a stop at
Place Émilie-Gamelin, a Montreal subway station graced by a bronze statue of the Sisters of Providence foundress.
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