MIC mission news, 1 janvier 1993, Mai - Juin

Series 20, No.3 May-June 1993 3^ Mission is for All Disciple to Apostle I am the Lord of this world: — the Son, your Brother.I come now in Faith which is service.You are to be generous; my life in faith is gift to be given.1 come now in Hope which is creative waiting.You are to be patient; my life in hope is slow, soft, and gentle.1 come now in Love which is covenant.You are to be open; my life in love is bringing God together with His people.Having come as disciple, will you not go as apostle?Will you not be sent by me — which is what mission means — as the Father sent me?J.Halbert, M.M New insights and varied experiences help to enrich our understanding of mission today, but the basis remains the same.The invitation God sends is ongoing, a continuing call to reach out not only to our family members, friends and neighbours, or to the parish community, but far beyond — it is an invitation to share in the mission of Jesus.Let us give thanks for the presence and loving action of the Holy Spirit among the people and communities described in this issue .ordinary people who have made Mary’s ‘Magnificat’ their hymn, expressing their own response as disciples and apostles.Ma.Anthea Raso, M.I.C.MIC MISSION NEWS a bimonthly published by the MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Issued: June, 1993 P.O.BOX 157, Laval-des-Rapides Laval, P.Q., Canada H7N 4Z4 Tel.: (514) 663-6460 Directress Micheline Marcoux, M.I.C.Editor Ma.Anthea Raso, M.I.C.Staff Helene Labelle, M.I.C.Christine Desrochers Circulation Lucille La Salle, M.I.C and MIC team René Cournoyer Printed by “Imprimatec” Publications mail Registration No.0358 Return postage guaranteed ISSN 0315-9655 Printed in Canada Change of Address Please send your old and new addresses.When renewing subscription please include file number.Photo credits: Front: M-T.Beaudette, M.I.C.(China) Back: É.Plamondon, M.I.C.(Chile) 2 "I Celebrate with Joy" Final profession of Religious Vows — a beautiful occasion of praise and thanksgiving.On this special event, Sr.Emmanuela Vincent shares reflections about her religious missionary vocation.Today my heart rejoices as I celebrate God’s merciful love and faithfulness.My joy is all the greater for being surrounded by my parents, my M.I.C.Sisters and my friends.With Mary I can say that the Lord has done marvels for me.He called me to follow Him.His faithfulness and love never failed as I journeyed along my way.With all the confidence of a child, here I am Lord, to give you my whole life.I am not afraid for you guide me by the hand.I thank you for my father and mother who have loved me and have struggled to provide me with an education.I grew up in a climate of love and faith which they passed on to me as a precious gift.With them I learned to be grateful and to trust in you.I, too, came to love Mary, following my father’s special devotion to her.My thanks to you, dear parents, for your generous hearts, your great simplicity and your courage.It is with joy, gratitude and pride that I continue to live out your loving gifts to me with the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception.I can never forget the M.I.C.Sisters who welcomed me and taught me at Marie-Rose school and at the Normal school.They deepened my faith education and instilled in me the meaning of responsibility, particularly in my work as educator.If I am now one of their family it is because I was attracted by their joy, simplicity, openness and love of their Foundress whom I, too, have learned to know and love.Thank you, dear Sisters, for the gift of your missionary life and for having awakened other missionary vocations in Haiti.Thank you for your presence in Haiti which has given me the opportunity to be a daughter of Délia Tétreault today.Because my country is in the midst of affliction, and because of the problems of division which exist in the bosom of the Church of Haiti, some people may not understand the meaning of my commitment.I would like to assure them of my sincere love for both my country and the Church.It is for them and with them that I make this commitment as I follow Christ.I suffer 3 Sr.Emmanuela Vincent shares with her parents the joys of her final profession day.with the Haitian people and the Haitian Church.However, I also believe in the God of life who has come to free His people.So why not hope in a better tomorrow! Religious life continues to have a prophetic mission in the Church and in the world.By my commitment, I collaborate in Christ’s mission: the advent of a just and fraternal world.More than ever, the Haitian people need witnesses of love, justice and hope.With the help of the Spirit and of Mary, through my being and my apostolic work, I accompany my brothers and sisters who suffer here in Haiti and elsewhere.Délia Tétreault dreamt that her daughters would go to the most perilous and troubled places.Today, it is in my country that I live such difficult times.All the same, I have the strength to give thanks to the Lord — not for the suffering, the injustice or the non-respect which degrade its children — but for the gestures of solidarity and the signs of life which arise and for the resistance and active hope of a crushed people.Thank you, Mother Délia, for the heritage you’ve left us.By your life you help us discover the giftedness and the presence of God in our lives, in the lives of others and in the reality of our world.I am indeed proud to be your daugther.With Mary, I continue along the path which Christ opened for me in this lovely M.I.C.family with a universal heart.* Emmanuela Vincent, M.I.C.4 Partaking of Blessings in Jesus' Country Last spring, thanks to the kindness of Rev.Paul Molinari, S.J., I had the privilege to participate in a session held in Israel.Under the direction of Father Molinari and in collaboration with Sister Anne Hennessy, C.S.J., my companions and I were initiated to the geography, history and mentality of Israel and to the contemporary political Judeo-Arabic situation.Our ongoing study of Holy Scriptures was thus facilitated and enriched.Walking with Jesus The first part of the session took place in Galilee where Jesus exercised His ministry.Galilee presents a calm and splendid landscape covered with wild flowers.The artistic eye could not but be charmed by the multitude of colours varying from yellow to red and green.a scenic view stretching far into the horizon.As I followed in the footsteps of Jesus along the Via Maris and Sr.Delia Kesayo Sato (center) and Japanese students gather together to study the Bible and reflect on their faith.àiüïïàtiîifi .r 1 'ïè'vï .V y'- the slopes of the Mount of the Beatitudes, it was a joy for me to observe what Jesus had seen: the flowers of the fields, the blue of the sky, the fishermen at work; to listen to what He had heard: the songs of the birds, the lapping of the waves of the Lake of Galilee, the voice of the people disclosing their suffering, their sorrow and their joy.I experienced what He experienced: the strength of the wind, the staring of people.The remains of ancient dwellings and the ruins of synagogues still echoed the life of the past.I touched the artifacts which were in daily use in that period.the lamps, the leather jars, the pitchers, in which a mystery, a sacred savour of the life of the Lord seemed trapped within.To visit Galilee and to be flooded by Jesus’ convincing strength — as in the time when He faced the resistance of the people — touched me deeply.From this experience, I have drawn great encouragement for my apostolic work.Our session continued in Jerusalem, this time guided by Father Carulos Saltero, S.J., director of the Pontifical Biblical Institute.The visit to Bethany, the walk on the rocky steps leading from the Cenacle to the garden of Gethsemane, the moments of prayer at these sites, the journey from the Via Dolorosa to the Holy Sepulchre where the Eucharist was celebrated, were precious and intense moments spent in the Lord’s company.Contemplating with Mary The day spent at Nazareth greatly impressed me.The verses of the Annunciation in Luke 1, 26-38 helped me understand Mary’s long interior journey.She perceived her vocation as Mother of God progressively.Her fears were calmed as she faced the difficulties of her mission.She understood the meaning of God’s word and became available to accomplish the mission which He set aside for her.I, too, became conscious of God’s grace working in Mary’s heart and in mine.In Mary’s time, there was already much coming and going in this small village of Nazareth, with its population of about 120 people grouped in 15 caves hewn into mountain rock.Today, Nazareth has become a prosperous city of about 50,000 inhabitants.While visiting, I was reminded of Marieville, a small village of Quebec where Délia Tétreault was born and spent her youth.This day at Nazareth was truly for me one of contemplation on the mystery of God’s works and choices.My profound gratitude to the facilitators of this unique and enriching session and to the Italians who so generously help our small Church of Japan.It was with great joy and appreciation that I immersed myself in the country of Jesus.* Delia Kesayo Sato, M.I.C.6 CANADA and the Missionary Epic in Quebec Délia Tétreault I - rJl I ^ "lllill Excerpts of the presentation given by Fr.Gilles Chaussé, S.J., historian, during the colloquium on “Délia Tétreault and Missionary Montreal” (.) It was in the context of a Quebec society conscious of its mission of civilization and of a triumphalistic type of Church that the prophetic figure of Délia Tétreault appeared.Her missionary intuition dates back to 1883 when, as a young postulant with the Sisters of Charity of St.Hyacinthe, it seemed to her that Our Lord was telling her that she was to “found a congregation of missionary sisters and assist in the foundation of a seminary similar to the one in Paris”.Meeting a Jesuit missionary of Africa, Fr.Alphonse Daignault, in Montreal and subsequently corresponding with him for many years led her to realize her missionary project: the foundation of an Apostolic School for young women, similar to the one founded in Armagh, Ireland, by the Ladies of the Sacred Heart.“There is a need for such a school in Canada, which is so rich in vocations”, had written Fr.Daignault to her in December 1899.7 Thus began a long history of cooperation between Délia Tétreault, Fr.Daignault, Fr.Gustave Bourassa, Délia Tétreault’s confidant, Fr.Charles Lecoq, superior of the Grand Seminary of Montreal and Archbishop Bruchési of Montreal to bring to a successful outcome this project — new in Canada — of an Apostolic School to form missionary vocations for all female religious institutes everywhere, both in Canada and in other Catholic countries, that had missions “among the infidels”.In a document dated May 6th, 1901 Délia Tétreault wrote concerning this: Our desire is that the Society not be devoted in a preferential or particular way to any missionary congregation, but that it help with all its strength those working for the missions, always giving preference to the ones that are most in need.In December 1901, the Archbishop of Montreal authorized Délia Tétreault to implement her project.Then, on June 3rd, 1902, Délia Tétreault and three companions inaugurated the first Apostolic School in Canada.The first part of Délia Tétreault’s dream had come true.However, the new Foundress had not given up on her desire to be a religious one day.In 1903, she confided her plan to Fr.Daignault.From then on, Délia Tétreault had only one thing in mind: to transform her developing work into a full-fledged religious community.1904 was a decisive year in this respect.From Rome where he had gone for the festivities of the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, Archbishop Bruchési wrote Délia Tétreault the news of the long-awaited authorization of Pius X, who had not hesitated to approve the new Institute during an audience with the Archbishop of Montreal, on November 30th, 1904: “Found, found, Monseigneur, and all the blessings of heaven will descend on this new foundation.” Besides, the Holy Father had insisted on personally naming this Institute, which later prompted the Apostolic Delegate, Mgr.Ildebrando Antoniutti, to say: “If Mother Marie-du-Saint-Esprit is your Foundress, rejoice at having the Pope as your Founder.” Fr.Gustave Bourassa, who had died shortly before, on November 20th, 1904, at the age of 44, had not offered his life in vain for the young congregation.The foundation of a Foreign Missions Seminary was, indeed, the complement of the vocation of Délia Tétreault.The plan she submitted to the Bishops of Quebec in 1920, stressing the need to establish a society of missionary priests in Quebec, gained unanimous approval.“What an apostolic woman! What a plan and how clear her insights are!” exclaimed Bishop F.X.Brunet of Mont-Laurier.“This work must succeed!” On February 2nd, 1921, the Bishops of Quebec unanimously decided on the foundation of a Canadian Foreign Missions Seminary. How can we characterize the work of Délia Tétreault?First, it is totally original.Délia Tétreault did not found a community dedicated solely to the missions in response to a special appeal of the Bishops.She did so truly as a result of an inspiration which was nurtured over a long period of time.In 1904, there were no communities, either male or female, in Quebec, dedicated solely to the missions.The merit is Délia Tétreault’s for founding, first, an Apostolic School for young women, then, a Congregation of missionary sisters and, a few years later, for persuading the Bishops of Quebec to establish a Seminary for priests dedicated to the foreign missions apostolate and no longer depending on European communities.As early as 1909, the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception founded their first mission in Canton, China.It was the first of a series of 19 missions in the Far-East during the lifetime of the Foundress.“In addition to spreading the Catechism and looking after the sick and the elderly everywhere they went,” wrote the historian Nive Voisine, “they were known for the foundlings’ homes of the Holy Childhood.” Another characteristic of her action: Délia Tétreault gave an unprecedented impulse to missionary action in Quebec, both through the works of the Holy Childhood and the Propagation of the Faith to which she inspired new vigor, and through the foundation, in 1920, of a missionary review, LE PRÉCURSEUR, (and in 1923, THE PRECURSOR) which penetrated into thousands of households.Finally, to acknowledge to its full extent the missionary zeal of Délia Tétreault, we must mention the following initiatives: the foundation of a lay association, the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, the “outside Sisters” as they were called; the important work of collective closed retreats for women; the services to Chinese immigrants; participation in numerous missionary exhibitions; and, finally, the opening of a house in Rome in 1925 and of 16 others in 10 Dioceses of Canada between 1902 and 1939.When Délia Tétreault died, in 1941, there were 157 sisters working in foreign mission territories.The work was secure.Through their constant willingness and their indefatigable devotion, the daughters of Délia Tétreault have contributed, since the beginning of this century, in writing this page of missionary history which so greatly honours Catholicism in Quebec.Gilles Chaussé, S.J.Translator: Miss Antoinette Kinlough TAIWAN The 'Pilgrim Lady' Tours the Island Early last year, the Episcopal National Commission for the Laity planned an island-wide tour of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from May 25th until December 8th.This project found approval by the Taiwan Church hierarchy and was readily supported by all the Catholic faithful.In the Archdiocese of Taipei, the welcome and reception of the ‘Pilgrim Lady’ were beautifully prepared.Attractive posters and banners were placed in the churches and other conspicuous places.All parish organizations and lay movements were mobilized.Different resources were tapped from several individuals and establishments.The preparations themselves, which were both prayerful and faith-enlivening, already started reaching the goal of the pilgrimage: prayer for personal conversion, for renewal of the people’s fervor in their faith, for the country and its people, especially on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Republic.The Pilgrim Lady’s arrival in the Archdiocese was a remarkable day and something to re- member.The handing over of the statue took place in a rite at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall grounds.It was drizzling with autumn winds blowing when the procession accompanying the Pilgrim Lady arrived from Hsinchu at 1:40 in the afternoon in front of the Hall.A crowd of about 13,000 faithful with banners was already there waiting since 12:00 o’clock.While waiting, Aves and hymns to Our Lady echoed from the crowd.Among those welcoming the Pilgrim Lady were Church dignitaries, more than two hundred clergymen, representatives from other dioceses, religious and lay organizations and thousands of parishioners.Most of those present for the reception joined in the two-hour procession towards Holy Family Church — a distance of about five kilometers.It was a very touching sight, as it never happened before in Taipei.In the midst of intermittent pouring rain, young and old alike walked with the Pilgrim Lady along the busy city streets, singing their praises and prayers.This procession by the people, following the Pilgrim Lady in her walk for i! 1 10 peace, for the Church and for the government, was a testimony of the faith of Catholics and of their trust and devotion to Our Blessed Mother.This event impressed not a few non-Catholic observers.A Eucharistic celebration at Holy Family Church presided by Archbishop Ti-Kang was the highlight of the welcoming ceremonies for the Pilgrim Lady.On this occasion, Bishop Leonard Hsu gave an enlightening homily on Mary.The Pilgrim Lady stayed in this parish church for two full days.Throughout this time, people came to pray and sing praises to the Blessed Mother, individually or in groups.The Pilgrim Lady is enshrined at the Minor Basilica in Wan Chin Tsuen (Village of Ten Thousand Gold), the oldest parish established in Taiwan by the Dominican Fathers.The ‘pilgrimage’ had started from the Diocese of Tainan, accompanied by 12 male pole bearers and a couple of cantors from the original parish of Wan Chin.The entourage had hoped to visit the local churches of all seven archdiocese and dioceses of Taiwan.In every local church visited by the ‘pilgrims’, the welcome was overwhelming and heartwarming, expressed in prayers, hymns, praises and faith testimonies givei*by the parishioners themselves.Ditma Luz Trocio, M.I.C.Mass celebrated at the Holy Family Church is the highlight of the welcoming ceremonies for the 'Pilgrim Lady'.- ' . CANADA Messengers of the Good News on a Cargo Ship Fr.Guy Bouillé whose apostolate is with the seamen in the Port of Montreal, invited six Filipina M.I.C.s to join him in the celebration of the Eucharist on board a cargo vessel docked in the port.This huge Canadian ship is manned by Master Mariner Teodoro Almo and an all-Filipino crew of 25.Following are the Sisters’ impressions about their memorable meeting with the seamen.Sister Eufrosina Lee: At the start, visiting a ship, especially a cargo ship in Montreal, did not appeal to me.My imagination went wild due to what Fd seen in movies about seamen being rough, rugged and muscular.To my surprise, they turned out to be polite, gentle and hospitable.However, at the start of the Mass, an atmosphere of shyness and uneasiness prevailed.We were like the apostles on Pentecost, waiting for something and feeling anxious.In her short homily, Sister Anthea emphasized our common bond as missionaries.The seamen’s faces became brighter and alive, they smiled and nodded their heads in agreement.From then on, the captain and his crew joined in the singing and their responses became louder and livelier.We experienced a climate of friendship and of unity.the Lord called us together at His table.I found this a beautiful experience and I don’t regret having met the seamen.I also realized that I have to take every opportunity to preach the Gospel.Opportunities are there — am I aware of them or do I just let them pass by?Sister Hermelina Lapitan: When we are open to the promptings of the Spirit, He surprises us with His manifold gifts.The Eucharistic Celebration on the cargo ship reminded me of the apostles gathered in one room on Pentecost day.The Mass for Pentecost Sunday was celebrated in English by Fr.Bouillé.As we Sisters sang songs in Pilipino, we felt the solemnity of the occasion.What touched me most were the spirit of unity, the enthusiasm and joy that permeated our small group.The Sisters’ 12 M.LC.Sisters from the Philippines keep good memories of the unique meeting with their fellow-countrymen aboard a cargo ship.¦ «I I I I I *« ll openness and friendliness were evidently contagious.During the peace greeting, the seamen overcame their shyness.The homily given in Filipino by Sister Anthea was welcomed as good news! This encounter was a vitalizing experience for our Filipino brothers as well as for us M.LC.Sisters.We made friends with one another and strengthened our fraternal bonds.On their part, the seamen expressed their appreciation.They felt encouraged in their faith and most of all, awakened in their sense of mission to their family, to one another and to all the people they meet as they sail from one port to another.Sister Elvira Sibayan: It was touching to see, at first hand, the sacrifice our countrymen have to undergo to provide a better life for their families.The seamen on this cargo ship are separated from their families for at least 10 months.I realized that they are brave and disciplined men.Visiting the interior of the cargo ship made me marvel at the fruits of human skill.The “first world” countries depend on developing countries for raw materials and the latter buy back the finished products at higher prices.The “first world” could share more of its technology with developing countries.13 During supper and at the celebration of the Eucharist, we saw ecumenism at work with the presence in our midst of a Calvinist minister.Moreover, I had a glimpse of how it must have been for our first Canadian and American M.I.C.missionaries who journeyed aboard cargo ships to their mission ports in other parts of the world.Sister Vilma Masinda: To celebrate the Eucharist, praising and thanking God on board a ship with our Filipino brothers was a unique experience for me.Father Bouillé shared a short reflection about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the peace that Christ promised us and the assurance of His continued presence in us.I was most impressed by the seamen’s attention to the sharings and their happy discovery that in a way, they, too, are messengers of the Good News.They are missionaries in the sense that as Christians, (the Philip- pines being the only Catholic country in Asia) they have much to share: their faith, their Christian values, their cultural traits, and in particular, their joy and sense of humor.They soon realized that to share in the missionary activity of the Church at whichever port their ship might dock was their responsibility.This gave them a sense of pride, a sense of being important — they, too, could do something for the Lord! After the Mass, all were happy and jubilant.the seamen wanted to talk and to share with us.Captain Almo was very accommodating, inviting us to a sumptuous meal and giving us a tour of the cargo ship.This rare opportunity to take a “missionary cruise” on a stationary ship (the crew were then unloading copper from Indonesia) might not have been possible without Fr.Bouillé’s commitment to work with seafarers from different parts of the world working on ships that dock at the Port of Montreal.* Missionary Intentions 1993 // J That all women find in Mary, Mother of the Church, their 'G ( Jry mission to family, society and Church.cT* June That peace in the Middle East be founded on justice and human, social and religious solidarity. M.I.C.Missionary Press.“A Bond of Prayer, a Bond of Sharing” Dear Friends and Readers, Heartfelt thanks for participating in our project for the M.I.C.missionary publications.We deeply appreciate your solidarity with us.Thank you for your generous contribution to support our magazines, MIC MISSION NEWS and LE PRÉCURSEUR.Please be assured of our prayers for your personal intentions.This coming feast of Pentecost, may the Holy Spirit fill our hearts with audacity to carry on as partners in the mission entrusted to us by the Lord.Gratefully, on behalf of the staff and the M.I.C.Sisters, f w: .Micheline Marcoux, M.I.C.Directress MIC MISSION NEWS and LE PRÉCURSEUR are registered as charitable organizations; registration number: 0940007-47.An income tax receipt is given upon request for donations to the publications.No income tax receipt is issued for a subscription.r ?Subscription ?Renewal: MIC MISSION NEWS I wish to subscribe to MIC MISSION NEWS Subscription No:_ published by the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception P.O.Box 157, Laval-des-Rapides' Laval, P.Q.Canada H7N 4Z4 NAME .ADDRESS.POSTAL CODE.$5.00 (1 year) $10.00 (support 1 year) $14.00(3 years) $75.00 (life) L J Go now to the whole world and make disciples of all." Mark 15:16 THE MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION If you wish to contact us, here are a few addresses: The Generalate 121 Maplewood Avenue Outremont, Quebec Canada H2V 2M2 MIC Sisters 236 Glynn Avenue Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1K 1S3 MIC Sisters 2950 Prince Edward Street Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V5T 3N3 Provincial House P.O.Box 47 Mzimba, Malawi Central Africa MIC Sisters P.O.Box 510107 Chipata, Zambia Central Africa Provincial House P.O.Box 468 1502 Greenhills Metro Manila, Philippines Provincial House Tak Oi Convent 8 Tsz Wan Shan Road Kowloon, Hong Kong Provincial House 13-16 Fukazawa 8 Chôme Setagaya-ku Tokyo 158, Japan MIC Sisters 30, Lane 148 Fu-Hsing South Road, Section 2 Taipei 10641, Taiwan