Last official mass in our Mother House

Saturday, May 24, Bishop François Lapierre celebrated the last official mass at our Mother House, in the presence of the Sisters of Canada, Associates, and representatives of the other religious congregations of St. Hyacinthe.

On this anniversary of Blessed Louis-Zephirin Moreau, Bishop Lapierre, inspired by his episcopal motto "I can do all things in him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13) stressed that his human fragility has not prevented him from achieving great things. "In these times of change, we must remain in service and continue the mission entrusted to us. Let us praise the Lord for all the beautiful and great experiences that were lived in this chapel and in this home that you will soon leave", concluded our bishop.

Sister Claudette Robert, Superior General pointed out "that times of personal and community prayer have been complemented by many events experienced in our chapel since its construction in 1929: the funeral of our sisters, religious professions and jubilees, missionary send-offs, the opening and the closing of chapters, the congregation centennial, let us not forget Elizabeth’s Wednesdays, the commitment of the Associates, and the welcoming of the youth of World Youth Day in 2002. In our new location “Les Jardins d’Aurélie”, the Risen One walks with us and the Spirit is already at work in order to surprise us ».

At the end of the celebration, Sister Nicole Pellerin, delegated superior for the Sisters of Canada, proclaimed: « At the beauty in this time of thanksgiving, at the emotion that without doubt embraces us, I add the words of the Lord: «the hour will come where it is neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem that you will worship, but the true worshippers will worship in spirit and truth" (Jn 4, 23).  Without wishing to diminish the intensity of the moment, I am sure that the Lord still reserves these privileged moments of worship in the Jerusalem of our heart, whether in «Les Jardin d’Aurélie» or elsewhere».

At the time of the offertory, we presented symbols of what was lived in the last 85 years in our chapel: the book of the Constitutions, the flowers of gratuity in prayer , the bread and wine of the Eucharist, and a clock marking many hours spent in this holy place.

 

Sr Claudette Robert concluded by:  “As mentioned in the woodwork of the colonnade in the choir with its unequal streams, the movement of water from a fountain, our prayer on this day, returns to God as its source and becomes thanksgiving”.



Text:  Sr Pauline Vertefeuille
Pictures:  Claire Du Mesnil