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Missionary life :: Missions-Ad Gentes
A missionary life: The Church summons all baptized: God is preparing a great springtime for the Gospel….We must increase our apostolic zeal to pass on to others the light and the joy of faith and to this high ideal the whole People of God must be educated. -John Paul II The sisters from our province have given over 160 years to foreign missionary work in Peru, Japan, Senegal, Gambia, and Mozambique? The Sisters of the Presentation of Mary of Western Canada were mindful of the Lord’s last words to His followers: “Go, make disciples of all nations!” Marie Rivier's prophesy: "My daughters will cross the oceans," constantly resounded in their hearts. When some members of the Province of Prince Albert heard the call to bring the Good News of the Gospel to foreign lands, they had the blessing and the support of all the Catholic sisters to go on their behalf to bring the Gospel to mission lands. So they left, often two by two, for a country to which they felt called by the Spirit: Japan, Senegal, Gambia, Peru, Mozambique. ::more about our works |
Hearing the call for service
MISSIONARY LIFE EXPERIENCE IS A CHANCE OF A LIFETIME! Why do missionaries become so attached to their country of adoption and feel drawn to return at all costs? They love the simple lifestyle and the constant contact with the people among whom they live. They see the dire need for education and hospitals, for care of the poor, the underprivileged, and the handicapped. They hear the call of countless villages for a catechist to come and live in their midst to teach them about Jesus and his way of life! The list goes on and on. Though they are aware of their limitations to change such conditions, they hope that their loving presence can make a difference. Besides, how does one readapt in a country like Canada, knowing that elsewhere brothers and sisters experience so much deprivation and suffering? |
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Sisters services in Nursing
Our foundress had a very special place in her heart for the elderly and the sick. In response this special love for the poor we have worked in hospitals, nursing homes and in our community infirmary. Nursing according the spirit of our foundress calls us to minister both to the body and to the soul revealing the Lord’s healing presence and love. We serve in the areas of geriatric and palliative care as well as provide spiritual counseling to our patients. These are the poor and often we are called to journey with them toward their death with dignity, comfort and hope. During her last illness Marie Rivier liked to have someone praying in her room almost continually. This essence of spiritual care is being present in the face of suffering, helplessness, fear and despair. "Being present", consistently day after day, with a one who is dying is "primary spiritual care". By our compassionate presence we can convert the experience into a triumph of love and human community. Working with love, care, respect and diligence is the right way to practice with people who are ill or dying. It is here that we are called to live out Marie Rivier's charism; to make Jesus Christ known and loved. |
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Pastoral work, care, litergy and prayer
Sisters living the charism & mission of the sisters of the presentation. *One asks:“What shall I do with the training I have been given to teach the faith, to educate, to lead? What are the needs of the Church that I can address as I continue to use my gifts in the service of the Church and Community?" As the number of clergy diminishes, the need for Parish Pastoral Assistants increases rapidly.Just as our Foundress stepped in to fill a similar gap during the French Revolution at a time when the doors of the churches were being bolted and the faith communities dispersed, the Sisters of today come forward to help with the pastoral work in our local churches. Mother Rivier gathered people together to pray, giving faith instructions, inviting the people to be faithful to Jesus Christ. Our ministry is also one of hospitality and simplicity as we share our “family spirit” with one another and our many visitors. A special mission is acknowledged in the ministry of the word of God and the Eucharist to the bedridden and shut-ins in the neighbourhood. And we allow ourselves to be evangelised by the people we serve and are deeply touched by the faith of our people who accept our leadership in liturgy and prayer when there is no priest available. Together, with our parishioners, we are the Church... the Church Mother Rivier loved and served, especially by bringing Jesus Christ to the children, the youth and the adults who touched her life. With such a mother in Marie Rivier, we move into the future with hope and joy, giving to the Church that which has been given so generously to us. |
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