MIC mission news, 1 janvier 2003, Janvier - Mars

JANUARY-FEBRUARY-AAARCH 2003 i ukco & _ IWK MISSION NEWS Mission Magazine published since 1923 by the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception •Directress: Louise Denis, m.i.c.•Editor: Louise Denis, m.i.c.•Editing Team: Céline Gauvin, m.i.c., Jeannine Forcier, m.i.c., Edita Telan, m.i.c.•Translator: Antoinette Kinlough •Promotion: Antoinette Castonguay, m.i.c., A team of M.I.C.Sisters and Lay Collaborators •Circulation : Alma Couture, m.i.c., Thi Hien Duong and a team of M.I.C.Sisters •Accounting: Thérèse Déziel, m.i.c.•Layout & Design: Yves Demers Paris •Film Stripping: Film-0-Progrès •Printing: Transcontinental Inc.•Tax Receipt: Registration Number: NE 89346 9585 RR0001 -PRESSE MISSIONNAIRE M.I.C.•Legal Deposits: Bibliothèque Nationale du Québec, National Library of Canada; ISSN 0315-9655 •Associate Member: Association of Roman Catholic Communicators of Canada (ARCCC) •Subscriptions: see p.23 •PUBLICATIONS-MAIL-REGISTRATION Number: 9645 •Convention Number: 1378287 For any change of address, please send your old and new addresses.When renewing subscription, include your file number.MIC MISSION NEWS 120 Place Juge Desnoyers, Laval (Quebec) CANADA H7G 1A4 Telephone: (450) 663-6460 fax: (450) 972-1512 E-mail: micnews® colba.net Web Site: http://www.soeurs-mic.qc.ca ontents VOLUME 30, NUMBER 1-JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH 2003 SMtotiat Confident in His love 3 Louise Denis, m.i.c.New Horizons of the Mission in the 21st Century 4 Bertrand Roy, p.m.e.Church of America Live Out Your Mission! 6 AAurielle Dubé, m.i.c.The New Horizons of the Mission in the 21st Century A Long Series of Steps.8 Interview with Patsy Morency, m.i.c.novice Unforgettable Celebration 11 Young People, Your light will shine brightly! 14 Water at Stake André Beauchamp 16 A Memorable Visit 17 A Long Series of Steps.\ KJJ M.I.C.Missionary Press Honoured 17 jAtonz /Hisgi&n AJews ftom and In the Garden of God You I Offer You 18 20 22 24 Young People, Your light will Shine Brightly! 3 MISSIONARY INTENTIONS 2003 January That the Christian communities of China, docile to the Word of God, may strengthen their ties and co-operate more effectively in spreading the Good News.February That the Church in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, while remaining open to dialogue with the followers of the other religions, may be faithful to its own exacting evangelizing mission.March That the local Churches of Africa, in the midst of the difficult situations of the present moment, may feel the urgency of announcing the Gospel coherently and courageously. Our life is a journey.Each time another year greets us, we have an opportunity to pause, to see where we have been, to realize how far we have come and to reflect on how that journey has been for us.Each new year also affords us time to make our vision clearer, to take stock of our resources and to refresh our dreams.We face an urgent invitation and a formidable task.We need to strive constantly to remain confident and from day to day, to live in hope and to share that hope with others.Jesus relentlessly filled the eyes and hearts of His disciples with hope through images and parables.He talked of lilies of the field and of birds in the sky relying on Divine Providence.He referred to mustard seeds and fig trees to speak of the Kingdom of God.He led His followers to acquire a positive outlook on people and events.Among countless other examples, Gospel narratives disclose to us how He admired the faith of the Roman centurion, observed and commented on the generosity of the widow who gave all that she owned and perceived in the Samaritan woman her thirst for God.Today, Jesus'attitude toward life and people continues to inspire men and woman of all nations.Confident in His love and trusting in His word, they joyfully choose to commit themselves to proclaim His Good News.Christians everywhere are responding to the call to breathe life into the world and to speak a word of love to seekers.This they do in the way they relate with others and in giving witness to the Good News with their lives.Touched by the message of John Paul II, our young Sisters who attended the 2002 World Youth Day in Toronto, attest to the bright hope that sprang in their hearts for a world imbued with unity and fraternity.With preparations now underway for the 2nd Missionary Congress of America to be held in Guatemala in November 2003, it is remarkable to note how the Churches of the Americas are generously opening up to new forms of solidarity.They are one in keeping alive the hope that the plight of the poor may be heard and life may grow everywhere on the continent and throughout the world.God of this New Year, be love in us as we journey.Deepen our faith to see all of life through Your eyes.Fill us with hope and with an ever deepening trust that You always abide with us amidst our joys and sorrows.Louise Denis, m.i.c. The New Horizons of the Mission in the 21st Century, By Bertrand Roy, p.m.e.The vision of mission is changing at the dawn of this 21 “century.But what are its prospects for the future?Bertrand Roy, p.m.e., helps us discern the new horizons of the mission and the audacious obligations they imply.During the 20th century, the missionary imagination of Christians was put to the test.On many occasions, their ability to see far ahead, to welcome novelty, to discern what is unacceptable and to oppose it proved inadequate.The missionary imagination of Christians dropped many of its certitudes in the shifting of their dreams and in the failure of the great social, political, Do we have enough missionary imagination to meet God's view of the world and thus open up to the new horizons of the mission economic and cultural ideologies that have influenced the lives of peoples for better or for worse.Nevertheless, in spite of their ambiguities, the visions of expansion of Christianity, of implantation of the Church, of cooperation in development and of promotion of justice gave rise to creative and courageous commitments in the service of the Gospel.Missionary imagination is a vision of the world in the light of faith and love.It has led many women and men to new paths of solidarity with the poorest of the poor, paths of communion among local Churches, of ecumenical collaboration, of openness and dialogue with other religions and of concern for the integrity of creation.These are all new horizons of the mission which have become more familiar to us since the Second Vatican Council.As the Church began to expand further towards the unknown revealed by those new horizons, it discovered that the missionary purpose of spreading western Christianity is not the encompassing and final goal, but rather the passage to a new season of the mission.„ V .v ' The Source of a New Missionary Imagination By making its own the grace of Vatican II, the Church is discovering that its mission is to serve God's mission in the world in a spirit of dialogue and self-giving.God's mission is to send his Son and the Spirit into the world so that all of humanity may have life in abundance.Serving this mission calls for finding new ecclesial signs of solidarity, communion, collaboration and dialogue.Faith in this mission of God in today's world is the source of a new missionary imagination, of a new outlook of faith and love leading to daring commitments in the service of the Gospel.Hence comes the question: do we have enough missionary imagination to meet God's view of the world and thus open up to the new horizons of the mission?In other words, do we have that freedom of vision that allows one to recognize, like Jesus, the mission of God in the world beyond our familiar boundaries?The receding of geographical barriers brought about by the astounding achievements of technology in the areas of information, transport and mass communication feeds the image of globaliza- ¦mm y : •• ' h ‘AÆ : s-, ¦m». r~ ,-fe M The mission.so that all of humanity may have life in abundance Elmire Allary, m.i.c.(2"' I.) tion,that image of a world in which people, ideas and goods move about freely.This image of globalization, developed by considerable economic and political interests, shapes our outlook.We may question the quality of this view and the vision of the world which it implies.IL^ÉlÎÈliïi — i 4 Æ i f i '0'* ù>: Today our solidarity must be more creative Another Perspective This questioning leads to an important observation.We speak of new horizons of the mission not only because the vision of the mission is changing.Also, because the adopted point of view is shifting to new vistas, giving rise to those new horizons where the unknown elements of the mission are coming to light.Today, believers seeking to discern God's mission in the world, find themselves in an unprecedented context.During the 20th century, global Christianity outgrew the mission to spread western Christianity.One hundred years ago, the majority of Christians were in Europe and in North America.At present,the situation is completely different; the majority of Christians live in Latin America, Africa and Asia.At the dawn of the 21st century, global Christianity is no longer a western reality, at least demographically.The believers'way of understanding and thinking of God's mission in the world is increasingly conditioned by the encounter with other religious traditions and by the thirst for justice of the peoples paying the price of globalization.Novel ways of living the Gospel are becoming obvious and new forms of Christianity are emerging.Therefore, scrutinizing the new horizons of the mission implies on our part attentive listening to the opinions of those Christian men and women who often hold a critical view of the post-Christian West and who, in the name of the Gospel, challenge our ways of thinking and acting.Protests against globalization by the Western world, which is a trend of the 21st century, may not come primarily from Islam, but from Christianity itself now emerging in Asia, Africa and Latin America.The challenge to the Church is enormous in the 21st century.How can it build a culture of dialogue and solidarity wherein the Churches could be signs of peace and reconciliation in the service of God's mission?Let me conclude this observation of global Christianity with a conviction on the importance of missionary formation.It is imperative to promote education of the missionary imagination in the sense of developing this new image of charity referred to by Pope John Paul II at the end of the Jubilee of the year 2000 (Cf.The New Millennium, 2001, N°.50).V* Photo: A.Allary Church of America, Live Out Your Mission Guatemala 2003: A major event for all Christians of the American continent.A date to keep in mind.A mission to live out! Murielle By Murielle Dubé, aa.i.c.Dubé, M.I.C., invites us to embark on this great missionary venture.centro am erica UATEMALAl novitmbTe\2003 peso Americano Misionero 2 I Si In November 2003, the 2rd CONGRESS OF MISSIONARY AMERICA (CAM 2) will be held in Guatemala.The first congress (CAM 1) was held in Parana, Argentina, in 1999.But before the CAMS, there were the LATIN AMERICAN MISSIONARY CONGRESSES, i.e., the COMLAS.Another initiative of the Churches of the South thus gave rise to the Missionary Congresses of America.The 2003 Congress, a peak moment of reflection and celebration, will attempt to express and celebrate the life and missionary initiatives of all the local Churches of the Americas.It will be an effort to give missionary endeavours a new impetus.A missionary congress is not an isolated event.Preparations now under way and the subsequent followup of the Congress are also significant and determining phases.These activities aim to sensitize all the baptized regarding their responsibility for the mission, both in their own environments and beyond their boundaries.In preparation for the upcoming Congress, future participants are now studying various themes: •Encounter with Jesus Christ: conversion, communion and solidarity •Spirituality of the people of God, a missionary spirituality •The families, young people and children as prime agents of the mission •The mission as the life of the ecclesial community •The local Church, responsible for the universal mission •Organization of missionary animation and formation in the local Churches •New ways of proclaiming the Gospel of life •The mission facing challenges of globalization •Inter-religious dialogue and mission ad gentes.Poverty, Littleness, Martyrdom Bishop Julio Cabrera Ovalle, a bishop of Guatemala, explained that his Church took on the challenge of the Congress on the basis of what best characterized it, i.e.poverty, littleness and martyrdom.Indeed, 8 of the 12 million people of Guatemala live below the poverty line.Struck by natural disasters (the earthquake of 1976, hurricane Mitch in 1998), Guatemala also went through four decades of civil war and military repression (more than 100,000 dead, 15,000 disappeared, 1,000,000 displaced, 250,000 refugees).Numerous indigenous people died a martyr's death in witness to their faith, since they sought to bring about justice and a life of dignity for their people.Priests, Bishop Girardi, and a 0 Canadian lay missionary, Raoul Léger, also died in this manner.This is the Church and such are the people who are willing to be our hosts in November 2003.In the Footsteps of Witnesses The Missionary Congress of Guatemala 2003 reminds us of a fundamental aspect of the Gospel: the Mission.Mission implies a movement towards others to share the Good News and live it together.There are still today, people - men, women and children who give concrete expression to the Gospel in their lives by taking action for peace and justice.They are the witnesses of the Good News.Rigoberta Menchu, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992, is one of those witnesses.She is the daughter of a devoted catechist burnt to death inside the embassy of Spain in the city of Guatemala on January 31st, 1981, as he was pleading for respect of the rights of peasants.The irrational violence heaped upon the Indian people of Guatemala in the 80s drew Rigoberta out of her simple daily life and launched her across the world to denounce the horrible sufferings of her people and to demand justice and the respect of human rights.Hers is always a calm and constructive message.She does not resort to violence nor does she call for vengeance.The Nobel Peace Prize was a recognition of her struggle, a way of rewarding her before the whole world for her faithfulness, courage and perseverance.She is now a symbol of hope for the Native people of the Americas.We, too, are invited by Christ to be witnesses, for the mission can be lived out in our own country as well as elsewhere in the world: Wherever relations among human beings are based on domination, Let us strive to re-establish respect and dignity.Wherever there is hatred, violence and exploitation, Let us bring love and peace.Wherever some people are excluded, wherever children and young people are marginalized, Let us rebuild the bridges.Wherever the Earth is being destroyed and Creation is under attack, Let us restore respect and protection.Wherever there is hunger, thirst, war and suffering, Let us provide food, solace and relief.In this place, wherever we are, the Lord is asking us to be missionaries.Let us respond to His call and be salt of the earth and the light of the world.O Murielle Dubé, m.i.c.(3rd r.) with a few women of Yauri, Peru.mt -1— a.5 Guatemalan Rigoberta Menchu, Nobel Prize for Peace 1992.To continue the reflection: Pas de paix sans justice: avec audace, agissons, Dossier d'animation missionnaire 2002-2003Jeunesse du monde Photo: M.I.C.Peru Photo :E.Eismann O An interview with Patsy A/Vorency, «u.c.novice At 27, Patsy Morency, a young Canadian, made a radical choice: she opted for a missionary religious life.On February 11,2002, she began her novitiate at our formation center of Lima, Peru.She recalls how this dream first came to be, how it unfolded and how it is taking a more precise form today.Patsy, how did you develop your love of the mission and your desire to become a missionary religious?All this dates back to my childhood.I am from Saint-Joseph-de-Madawaska, a warm, small rural parish of the Diocese of Edmunston, New Brunswick.In the humble and gracious home where I was born, I received plenty of love.My parents and grandparents had deep faith.My mother has always been involved in parish activities and thanks to my family, I learned early in life to share, to help others and to develop a loving relationship with Jesus.I was six years old when I started thinking of going to Africa as a nurse to care for sick children.This dream .2 § -, e was nourished by meetings with a missionary of Sudan, a childhood friend of my father.Fr.Guy Sirois, p.m.e., a native of our diocese, came to see his family dur- Cusco.A Peruvian girl.ing his short furloughs in Canada.Every time, he would honor us with a visit and shared our family table.I relentlessly directed to him questions a child is likely to ask.And when I told him, one day, of my wish to go, as he did, to a country where material and spiritual needs are great, he answered me: Continue preparing for it, and if it is God's will, when you get older, you will be able to fulfill your dream.I took his advice seriously.Through the different stages of my quest, I was affirmed in the certain tythatl too would go to foreign missions.Little by little, my dream was unfolding through events.I 1ft* a # "'li; -mat*, m.i, %• areas beset by poverty everywhere.In the beginning, of course, there was the challenge of language.But the warm-hearted welcome from my companions soon made me forget differences of color, language and culture.Our classes at the inter-novitiate help me to get better acquainted with the people among whom I have come to live.This is the most wonderful gift I have ever received in my life! Patsy (4th I.) and Wilma (1st r.) with young students of the inter-novitiate What steps were you invited to take?In 1994, through a diocesan missionary project, I had the privilege of spending a few months in Mexico.Then, for two years, I followed a theological and missionary formation programme at the Centre Agapê of Quebec City.I went back to Mexico as part of an immersion experience with this Institution.These two experiences enabled me to better understand the level of poverty of the women and children I met.On my return, I felt that the time had come for me to take a decision on my future way of life and I opted for the missionary religious life.That year, when I read the magazine Le Précurseur, it was love at first sight! Everything fell in place.I said to myself: God willing, I shall be a Missionary Sister of the Immaculate Conception.A new stage then began for me.I embarked on a process aimed at clarifying my call to the missionary religious life, getting to know more about the M.I.C.Institute and developing a sense of belonging to it.In the year 2000,1 was offered the possibility to go and live for a few months in one of their missions in Cuba.This was an enriching and unforgettable experience that confirmed for me the Lord's call to follow Him.On my return, I undertook the period of pos-tulancy, and in October 2001,1 went to continue my religious formation in Lima, Peru.Preparing a meal for 120 people: a daily challenge.(Patsy 1st r.) Tell us about your life in Lima.Entering the novitiate was an exciting event for me.During this period that lasts two years, I am learning more about the missionary religious life.I live in a small residence with three other novices.Accompanied in our formation by three Sisters, our life in the novitiate includes moments of prayer, study periods as well as apostolic and community commitments.I attend sessions at an inter-community Centre that offers various courses such as Bible, spirituality, etc.A remarkable solidarity and mutual support prevail among us participants.All in all, 340 postulants and novices of various nationalities, different cultures and all ages, mostly between 19 and 35 years of age, are availing of the holistic formation offered by the Centre.Together we share our concerns and hopes for the future, our pastoral experiences in our respective environments and our common quest for a world with more justice and humanity, especially in Are there opportunities for you to familiarize yourself with the people's daily life?Yes, of course! In my neighbourhood, a large number of children don't go to school; they have to beg for their daily food.In order to survive, they begin quite young to learn skills of stealing and prostitution.We organize meetings for these young people with their peers.This is an attempt on our part to find out more about their needs and to seek ways of assisting them from being marginalized.I am likewise deeply affected by what happens to the elderly, particularly those who have to put up with difficult life situations.An elderly man whom I meet every week at the market sells candy to be able to buy his lunch.Besides, he takes care of a blind brother.I also worked a few months in the community kitchen where women prepare the noon meal for some 120 people of their neighbourhood.This collective project allows them to feed their own families every day.In the face of such situations, I find it unthinkable that in a country with Photos: M.I.C.Peru Pottery of Paracas, an antique civilization from Peru abundant and varied resources, such injustice and poverty exist.What are you learning from the people?In my various contacts with our neighbours and other families in the area who suffer much from poverty and violence, I feel called to make a commitment.All have an intense desire for justice and truth and they struggle incessantly to survive.Their life of faith is simple and sincere.I discover their absolute trust in God and I am impressed by their great devotion to Mary.Their gestures of faith and of gratitude for favours obtained touch me deeply.When I first came to Peru with my ideal to change the world, I thought I would bring about more justice and peace, that I would transform situa- tions of poverty so that no one might die of hunger.But I quickly realized à that this was impossible.At first I a was filled with a feeling of pow-W erlessness.However, little by lit-' tie, as I got to know the people, I journeyed with them in faith and discovered that I can be a loving, of the people and with their struggle for justice, we get involved in projects on their behalf.Moreover, I cannot help thinking of all the people of my own parish in Edmunston.It is because of their generosity that I am now fulfilling my .Mm Ml , In Cayabamba and in the surrounding villages, I met people of remarkable wisdom and kindness.Wilma (3rd I.) followed by Patsy and Margarita, m.i.c.novices.ill ^ compassionate presence, listening to them and encouraging them.Liberation theology is very much alive in the local Church of Peru.My companions and I have made our own the Church's option for the poor.In solidarity with the aspirations and hopes dream of being a missionary religious.In their name and with them, I share the Good News of the Gospel and the values that were transmitted to me with my sisters and brothers of Peru.With all my heart I say to them: Muchas gracias! © Lei us Pray for ihe Young Peopl Lor.P [y A L Centennial of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Coi mm o no Bishop Cilles Quel let, p.m.e S ate Conception, Basilica Notre-Dame-du-Cap, June 29,2002.Photo : M.Normandin f/7 i A/A Ï rj Even o small, flickering light lifts the cloak of darkness.If you act together, if you unite with one another in communion with the Church, how brightly your light will shine! This is the most precious and beautiful gift you can give the Church and the world! The young people gathered in Toronto - hundreds of thousands of them, - responded to this call of Pope John Paul II with extraordinary joy and fervour.All across Canada, the 17th World Youth Days (WYD) of July 2002 were heralded as a luminous event, courted by journalists and photographers who captured the light of those unforgettable days.A light for the world, the event was a witness to Christ, the Light of the World in a universe darkened by violence, anxiety and fear.A Universal Festival yV '** * As we heard the long list of your native countries, we travelled together all around the world, exclaimed Pope John Paul II before pilgrims from 170 countries assembled to welcome him.Never 1^ ii before had the Church of Canada received so many young people f to hear Christ's proclamation to the youth of the world and to the people of Canada.The WYD of Toronto took on an exceptional mis-sionary dimension by their very content, by the number of partici-pants and the many countries involved.In the wake of this unfor- /, gettable event, it is hoped that the newly created bonds of friend- ''wL ship among the youth will continue to expand and be reinforced.Young People Speak Out 11 Quite happily, this event made it possible for young Christians to speak ]j out and be recognized in their faith journey.Each participant experienced the richness of the sharings.Recorded testimonies remind us that the Church expresses itself through different trends and sensitivities, but also that God s love reaches out to each individual and unlocks sources of joy and confidence.The young Sisters of our International Scholasticate share with us their experience of this magnificent celebration: m fjJgkS u ¥ .;• f , / was impressed by the WYD.The whole event was a real experience of the universality of the Church, a time to look at Christ, the Light of the world, and to fix our eyes on Him.I could feel Him filling my inner emptiness and answering my search for His presence and love.And I could not hold back my tears on hearing the Pope pray in these words: Lord Jesus Christ.look lovingly upon these young hearts prepared to risk their future for you.Then at the end he said: I listened to your joyful voices, to your cries and your songs, and I perceived the deep longings of your hearts: you want to be happy.Jesus is the answer, trust Him and live by the Beatitudes.Charity Zimba, M.I.C., Malawi / savoured the happiness of seeing Pope John Paul II with my own eyes, of welcoming him along with thousands of young people and of listening to him with my own ears.I was overwhelmed with joy.His words of life gave me new courage, hope and comfort to continue my journey with confidence ever trusting in God's love.I treasure these words of the Pope: Do not be afraid to be salt of the earth and light of the world.God is with you and you are not alone in being His witness.Micheline Joseph, M.I.C., Haiti .>v These young people coming from all parts of the world made me * / feel the strength and the youthfulness of our Church, a strength and ' energy that come from God.I felt challenged as I thought that young f people must be salt of the earth and light of the world.But how are we to achieve this in our daily life?I believe that the Spirit guides the Church, that He guides each one of us.Jéssica Arévalo, M.I.C., Peru I was greatly impressed by the Pope's faith, by his vigour despite his age.Moreover, there was great openness among the young people.Wherever we were, we could share our joy, our faith, and our culture.At the end of this incredible adventure, I chose to be salt of the earth, for salt gives flavour, the flavour of life and the flavour of prayer.Robine Ranaivoarivony, M.I.C., Madagascar The 2002 World Youth Days are harbingers of the future.Today's young pilgrims are the believers of tomorrow.Indelibly marked by the strong words of Pope John Paul II, by the days of catechesis, prayer and sharing and by their meeting with other youths who have met Christ and followed Him, millions of young people will walk in His path witnessing to love, compassion, generosity and solidarity.1.Robine Ranaivoarivony, m.i.c., Madagascar 2Jéssica Arévalo, M.I.C., Péru (I1 * 3 4 5 6 7’ I.) 3.Claire Odette Rahantamalala, m.i.c., Madagascar 4.Jacqueline Brage, m.i.c., Cuba (1s,r.) 5.Adrienne Guay, m.i.c., (2nd I.) and Olivette Côté, m.i.c., Canada 6.Charity Zimba, m.i.c., Malawi (Is' I.) 7.Micheline Joseph,m.i.c., Haiti 7 1 2 3 6 5 4 A\ ater at Stake By André Beauchamp 2003 is the International Year of Fresh IVdter.Water is an indispensable commodity in life, yet unequally distributed in our planet earth.Since 1992 we had had already the World Day of Water on March 27.This year's particular theme can help us understand better the importance of fresh water.It is an inestimable treasure! Water that is beautiful, so revealing of God according to André Beauchamp, an expert in Quebec on the topic of water.When I was a little boy, we had a summer cottage in Saint-Colomban.Happily, I am still its owner.I remember that what worried the people of the area called the mountain was how to find water.In vain my father had looked for water for a couple of summers until the farmer mentioned the existence of a spring on his land.Imagine a cottage without water, and for us having to go and fetch one bucket at a time from the house of a distant neighbour! The entire household subsisted on less than thirty litres of water per family per day.It was then quite a revolution when I had a 165-foot deep well dug in 1976.This now provides me some running water, and a fully equipped bathroom.Water now seems so common, so natural, and so abundant, that we forget the limitations of the old days and the possibility of restrictions in the future.But lo and behold! We are now told of a scarcity of water, even of actual lack of water in countries of Africa and of the Middle East.According to some experts, more than a billion human beings are already, or will soon be without fresh and healthy drinking water.Thinkof the countries experiencing massive migrations, where people leave their lands to crowd into unsanitary slums where water is no longer available.Many reasons are given: the unavailability of water in places where it is rare and inefficiently managed; the population explosion; the absence of operational aqueducts and sewerage systems; the water wastage by agriculture and industry; the excessive consumption of water by the rich.The unimaginable is in the process of taking place: even water could run out.For some so-called developing countries, water management has become the first priority.It takes political courage and strict administration to put in place reasonable, well-planned and prudent decisions.These measures take into consideration the available resources and the basic needs of people, starting with the poorest.And for us, having so much water, do we believe we have every right to use it?First of all, let us appreciate the water we have.Water is so beautiful and pure and so revealing of God.Let us then exert pressure on our governments to increase international aid.And in our homes, let us conserve water.Our sister water is fragile and beautiful; it is a very inestimable treasure, which we must let the earth keep.^¦1 Photos :T.l_ortie,M.i.c.A Memorable Visit .The Honorable Lise Thibault, Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, surrounded by our sisters during her visit in Pont-Viau.As part of our Centennial celebrations, we were delighted and most privileged to receive in Pont-Viau,on October 28,2002, the visit of the Honourable Lise Thibault, Lieutenant Governor of Quebec.For this exceptional encounter, the administrative personnel of Pont-Viau, a few lay volunteers and a good number of our Sisters from the Montreal area joined us.Ouryoung Sisters of various countries, wearing their national costume, illustrated the dream of Délia Tétreault with a choreographic performance accompanying a song written for our Centennial by composer Robert Lebel.A brief visit to the tomb of our Foundress was then followed by a meeting with our retired Sisters.For the rest of her visit, MadameThibault took time to sit with the big group for a cordial exchange.The encounter gave us the opportunity to appreciate her remarkable values of faith, courage and commitment to her duty.Often, she expressed her desire to fervently serve her fellow-citizens all across Quebec, to nurture openness in relationships and to create a favourable environment for communication.Before leaving, MadameThibault offered usa magnificent autographed painting representing her seated in her garden.Invited to sign the Guest Book at the tomb of our Foundress, she left the following inspiring message for us: Like your Foundress, you bear within yourselves a music that transforms life into a dance of joy.Together may you sing a Magnificat! P) ur'ng its 2002 a i ® 1 m È uynamic character, I -1* s: ««ïSMaaBMBïÉre OHÿ ission Lord, accompany on their mission those who are leaving in your name to proclaim Your Gospel.Through their witnessing, their friendship and their presence, may those in need of comforting be comforted; may those seeking peace find it; may those wishing to give thanks be enabled to do so; and may each one return to his or her own home with the joy of having met You, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.1 Ii; Monique Cloutier, m.i.c.from Ottawa, Ontario, Diocese of Ottawa After helping with the formation of novices in the Philippines for three years, Sister Monique returned to Japan in 2002.In Koriyama, she teaches catechesis to non-Christian adults, provides spiritual animation for newly baptized Christians and visits the homes for elderly people.A long-experienced teacher, she has dedicated nearly 50 years of her life to the formation of young people in Japan.fioutes.» Marguerite Liao, m.i.c.from Nan Ao, Taiwan, Diocese of Taipei In Taiwan, her home country, Sister Marguerite served several years as directress of postulants and novices.To be better equipped for this service, she followed courses in Hong Kong and in the Philippines.In March 2002, she was sent to the Philippines and is presently a member of the Inter-Asia team in charge of the formation of our young Sisters at our Novitiate of Baguio.Ana Alvarado, m.i.c.from Lima, Peru, Diocese of Lima Having left for Japan in 2002, Sister Ana currently attends a language course in Tokyo.After the two years of study, she will engage in catechetical and pastoral work among our students and the immigrants.In her home country, Sister Ana worked with the youth.As a missionary in Ancud, Chile, she collaborated for three years in mission awareness activities and in vocation promotion Denise Baudouin, m.i.c.from Les Cayes, Haiti, Diocese of Les Cayes Having left for Peru in 2002, Sister Denise accompanies a group of 30 young girls and boys.These young Peruvians are involved at the parish level in the preparation of children for First Communion and of teenagers for Confirmation.In Haiti, she was in charge of the provincial administration and of the formation of our young Sisters ¦ -r\.Catharina Hongo, m.i.c.from Tokyo, Japan, Diocese of Tokyo Last August, Sister Catharina returned to Haiti where she has worked for more than 15 years.In Hinche, she is involved in the education of children who do not have access to the local school.She is also a member of the team in charge of finance for the Complexe Éducatif Mère Délia in Port-au-Prince.In her native country, Sister Catharina devoted fruitful years to the education of little ones.Dolorès St-Cyr, m.i.c.from Coleraine, Quebec, Diocese of Quebec On September 18, 2002, Sister Dolores gladly returned to Lima, where she has been helping for two years with the formation of novices of our Community.She is also involved in parish pastoral work.Assigned first in Peru, and then in Bolivia, Sister Dolorès has in the past worked in various sectors: teaching, ministry to the youth and parents, service of authority and missionary promotion work Thérèse Lavoie, m.i.c.from Montreal, Quebec, Diocese of Montreal Sister Thérèse returned to Pucallpa, Peru in September 2002.A dynamic member of the vocation promotion team for the past four years, Sister Thérèse animates a group of young people involved in pastoral work and accompanies them in their personal growth.She also ministers to couples preparing for marriage.Lucille Grenier, m.i.c.from Saint-Liguori, Quebec, Diocese of Joliette A missionary in Japan for 41 years, Sister Lucille joyfully returned to that country last October.Currently living in Koriyama, she works as an accountant and supervises the construction and maintenance of our schools.Having been in charge of a student residence in Tokyo for a number of years, Sister Lucille continues to keep in touch with former residents.Lydia Cabornay, m.i.c.from San Quintin, Pangasinan, Philippines, Diocese of Lingayen-Dagupan Since arriving in Quebec last May, Sister Lydia has devoted her time to the study of French.She also participated in missionary promotion in parishes.In Pont-Viau, she will collaborate in various services to our elderly Sisters.In the Philippines, Sister Lydia was involved in parish, diocesan and campus ministry as well as in missionary awareness and vocation promotion.Atsuko Sagara, m.i.c.from Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan, Diocese of Sendai Last June, Sister Atsuko arrived in Montreal to help with various missionary activities.A missionary in the Philippines for the past 20 years, she also served as coordinator of a Japanese organization called Salamat Po Kai.It provides financial aid to deserving students.A native of Japan, Sister Atsuko taught at the secondary school of Wakamatsu for more than 10 years.Elizabeth Relacion, m.i.c.from Malalag, Davao del Sur, Philippines, Diocese of Digos In June 2002, Sister Elizabeth left the Philippines for Montreal where she does pastoral work among the immigrants of the Filipino Catholic Mission of Montreal.She works with a team involved in adult education, providing follow-up on evangelization seminars.She also participates in various committees: liturgy, care of the sick, presence to families.Myriam Foley, Lay Missionary from Thetford Mines, Quebec, Diocese of Quebec In 1999, Myriam took part in a project called Solidarité Haïti.In August 2002, she returned to Haiti.She is currently in Port-au-Prince, where she takes charge of a class of around fifty young girls in the 7th grade and teaches French at the newly opened school, Complexe Éducatif Mère Délia.Myriam is also involved in local pastoral activities.1- Adapted text: J.Eyquem, O.P.MISSIONARIES WITH US Enclosed the amount of $ Name: Address: Apt: Code: Tel.: ( Your departure gifts help our missionaries Address to: ___________ Mission Procure Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception _______ 121 Maplewood Avenue Outremont, QC.Canada H2V 2M2 Tel: (514) 274-5691 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SOLIDARITY! __________ Do you want a tax receipt Yes ?NoD A3 c pv s 'Âfioy*\ c/~C e?e tin 9Vf3 fm Montréal 7IOO.3 fm Sherbrooke / François Jacques and M.I.C.sisters who took part in the programme AUTOUR DU MONDE (Around the World) A Missionary Presence in the World The media are a fascinating world and an important one for the proclamation of the Gospel.The founders of Radio Ville-Marie, the first religious radio station in Canada, understood this very well.From the very beginning they wanted a radio that would offer an open and honest dialogue, one that has a soul, that listens to life both at home and abroad, one that raises people's awareness to human values.Ever since it went on the air in 1995, Radio Ville-Marie, carved out an enviable space for itself in Montreal's media scene.Twenty-four hours a day this radio station creatively journeys with its listeners on the road of human and spiritual life thanks to the richness and variety of its programming.It draws its strength and vitality from an extraordinary, self-motivated team with a passion for life and a desire to make it grow.The programme schedule is an attempt to respond to the general concerns of the people.In the light of Christ and of his Gospel, it tries to shed relevant information on the major issues of today's world.Through its weekly broadcasts.Radio Ville-Marie, provides support and inspiration to those who doubt, search and struggle.Each programme falls under one of five categories: information, classical and religious music, spiritual and social education, meditation and prayer, community services.Around the World Every culture allows us to discover the ways of God in our history and in our world.Therefore, Radio Ville-Marie, gives a chance to be heard to those who have experience among other peoples or with other Churches.On the occasion of our Centennial, it offered our Institute the opportunity to cooperate in the production of a series of 14 presentations on our missionary commitment in the countries where we serve.From June 10 to September 9, 2002, we took part in the weekly programme called AUTOUR DU MONDE [AROUND THE WORLD].Thanks to the relevant questions of Fr.François Jacques, facilitator and interviewer on Radio Ville-Marie, for the last three years, the listeners found out more about the missionary work of our Sisters, as well as about the values and cultures of each of the peoples among whom we live.Fr.François Jacques is also pastor of the Parish of Ste-Madeleine-Sophie-Barat in Montreal.His vast experience of the mission at home and abroad contributed in making this series an interesting occasion of discovery and sharing.His input enabled our sisters to give an enthusiastic witness of their missionary experience.We were delighted to reach out to the many Christians who take a keen interest in the mission abroad and who very generously support our apostolic work.On behalf of our Institute, we wish to thank very warmly Radio Ville-Marie's general director Jean-Guy Roy, s.c., the facilitator of this series, François Jacques, as well as the entire personnel involved in this magnificent project In Collaboration. s e w h CK e rjf] Peru, Lima.A moment of relaxation during a youth congress facilitated by France Royer-Martel, m.i.c.A View on Latin America France Royer-Martel, m.i.c., was a missionary in Bolivia, Chile and Peru for nearly 20 years.Here, she describes the great mutations Latin America has undergone in our times and their impact on the Mission.Over the last twenty years, Latin America has experienced many changes.During the 80s, numerous dictatorships collapsed and a wave of democratization swept over the continent.This passage to democracy, however imperfect, has led to more stability,freedom and respect of human rights.As the 90s rolled in, we witnessed the globalization of the economy imposed by international financial organizations.NAFTA (the Free Trade Accord between the United States, Canada and Mexico) and MERCOSUR (the Common Market of the Southern Region of America: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) greatly increased commercial trade in the region.In 1996-97, Chile and Bolivia became associate states of MERCOSUR.In the northern part of the continent, Mexico, Columbia and Venezuela joined forces in 1991 to form the Group of Three (or G3).Although this change of situation has resulted in undeniable progress, enormous challenges have surfaced.Economic and social rights are endangered and inequalities are becoming more flagrant.The peasants and Indians, not benefiting from this economic growth, demand for agricultural reforms to improve their lot.The influx of peasants in the cities has increased the number of the poor and has given rise to the rate of unemployment.Impact on the Mission What is the impact of these new socio-cultural phenomena on the Church and its Mission?The Church of Latin America is convinced that the Mission must pass through realities as concrete as politics, economy, social relations and eccle-sial life.Such is the characteristic trait of this Church.Liberation theology originated in Latin America; it was here, too, where the first ecclesial basic communities came into being.Years of experience, crises and successes have resulted in the growth and maturity of the Church's option for the poor.Today, to bring about indispensable changes, the Church of Latin America opens itself up to new paths of solidarity.It is committed to work with every group of people at all levels of society: Indians and blacks who want their roots and cultures to be recognized; women who wish their rights to be respected and young people who hope to be heard within the Church.Bonds of cooperation are also developing between the Churches of the continent and the universal Church.Latin America is sending priests, men and women religious and lay people to actively take part in the mission abroad.This is the tangible and positive result of all the Latin American Missionary Congresses (COMLAS).In spite of some concerns for the future, one could only remain confident.Progress achieved to this day makes it possible to hope for better tomorrows for the Church of Latin America.France Royer-Martel, m.i.c. arden of C^od Marie-Jeanne Nantais, m.i.c.1911 - 2002 (Sister Jean-Baptiste-du-Sauveur) Montreal, Quebec Sister Marie-Jeanne spent most of her religious life in the service of the sick, first at the Montreal Chinese Hospital, then in Haiti and in Pont-Viau.A competent and devoted nurse, she was greatly appreciated by all, whether rich or poor.As she once had done by the side of her sick mother and grandmother, Sister Marie-Jeanne surrounded her patients with love and thoughtful attention.In the last years of her life, she continued her nursing mission among her own companions and shared with other caregivers her love of the sick, her concern for work well done and her professional expertise.Whether night or day, she was always available to help others, and she did so with joy! The secret of her generosity and moral fortitude: her life of union with God and her confidence in Mary.Géraldine Vaillancourt, m.i.c.1905 - 2002 (Sister Saint-Jean-du-Cénacle) Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec During a visit of missionary Sisters in her classroom, Géraldine, as a young student, felt deeply stirred: she offered one of her toys for the Chinese children, prayed and made sacrifices for them, and even planned to go one day to help the children of Africa.But Haiti is where she was a missionary for 20 years.An excellent educator, she shared with the children her many talents, her joy and her deep values.Her confidence in Mary sustained her especially during her years of missionary life.Always ready to do the will of God, Sister Géraldine accepted generously to serve wherever there was a need: in retreat houses, in school teaching or in secretarial work.All her life was marked by this availability and faithfulness to the Lord.Cécile Desmarais, m.i.c.1909 - 2002 (Sister Saint-Raymond) Sainte-Rosalie, Quebec Around the age of six, Cécile already nourished a plan for her future: When I grow up, I shall be a sister A bright and ambitious child, she spent long evenings doing schoolwork.She also enjoyed lively parties with young people of the village.And when she spoke about joining the convent, no one took her seriously.After a year of teaching, she entered the Novitiate of Pont-Viau, cheerful and serene in spite of the pain of leaving behind her beloved family.Sister Cécile was a missionary in Quebec.Generous and untiring, she spent 30 years going from door to door to promote our magazine, Le Précurseur.It was such a joy for her to proclaim the Good News in people's homes! She took time to listen and to give encouragement.Through her smile and empathy, she mirrored the kindness of the Lord.Berthe Champagne, m.i.c.1910 - 2002 (Sister Marie-Berthe) Montreal, Quebec In her early youth, Berthe was deeply impressed by the Holy Childhood visits.When came the hour of the Lord's call, she hesitated, wondered, struggled and finally, at 26, she decided to become a missionary.After her formation years, she cheerfully left for mission work in Haiti.A good horse rider, she went into the hills visiting the poorest of the poor.At the dispensary, the quality of her diagnosis attracted a large clientele.In 1949, her frail health forced her to return to Quebec.After recuperating, she left for Malawi, where a maternity clinic awaited her.Her patients were ever impressed by her great kindness.Her missionary activities intensified her spiritual life.Back in Pont-Viau, Sister Berthe took advantage of her years of retirement and illness to radiate her love to everyone and to deepen her life of union with God. TO CONTACT THE /MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, HERE ARE A FEW ADDRESSES: CANADA : GENERALATE and MISSION PROCURE 121, Maplewood Avenue Outremont (Quebec) Canada H2V 2M2TeL (514) 274-5691 MISSION ANIMATION CENTRE Mother House 314 St.Catherine Road Outremont (Quebec) Canada H2V2B4 Tel.: (514) 495-1551 OFFICE OF THE DÉLIA TÉTREAULT CAUSE 100, Place Juge-Desnoyers Pont-Viau, Laval (Quebec) Canada H7G 1A4 Tel.: (450) 663-6460 AFRICA: PROVINCIAL HOUSE P.O.Box 47, Mzimba, /Malawi, Central Africa SOUTH AMERICA: CASA PROVINCIAL Francisco de Orellana 338 Lima 5, Peru, America del Sur CUBA: CASA PROVINCIAL Calle.33, no 3409 - entre 34 y 36 Playa, Ciudad de la Habana Cuba 11300 HAITI: MAISON PROVINCIALE (Delmas) C.P.1085 Port-au-Prince, Haïti, Les Antilles HONG KONG: PROVINCIAL HOUSE Mount Good Hope 381 Jat's Incline Kowloon, Hong Kong, S.A.R., China JAPAN: PROVINCIAL HOUSE 8-13-16 Fukazawa, Setagaya-Ku Tokyo, 158-0081, Japan MADAGASCAR: MAISON PROVINCIALE Lot ll-J, 178 ter G Ambodivoanjo Antananarivo V Madagascar 101 PHILIPPINES: PROVINCIAL HOUSE P.O.Box 468,1502 Greenhills Metro Manila, Philippines TAIWAN: PROVINCIAL HOUSE 30, Lane 148 Fu Hsing South Road, Section 2 Taipei 106, Taiwan MIC MISSION NEWS Offer someone special a gift Telephone: (450) 663-6460 suoscnpiion.GIFT SUBSCRIPTION: NAME :_________________________ ADDRESS :____________________________ I ÔI _____________________________________________________________Apt.POSTAL CODE :____________________________TEL.: (______)_________ A personalized card will be sent in your name.OFFERED BY: NAME :_____________________________________________ ADDRESS :________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Apt.POSTAL CODE :____________________________TEL.: (_______)________ PRAYER INTENTIONS: TO HELP SUPPORT THE MAGAZINE: DONATION : _______Receipt : Yes ?No ?Two masses are offered each week for your intentions, for your family and for your dear departed ones.D 8$ 1 year ?10$ Support D 15$ 2 years D 20$ Support D 23$ 3 years D 30$ Support ?15$ 1 year USA D 20$ 1 year Other countries Published four (4) times a year.— N.B.Tax receipts issued for donations only, not for subscriptions.THANK YOU! MIC MISSION NEWS 120, PLACE JUGE-DESNOYERS LAVAL (QUÉBEC) CANADA H7G 1A4 VA PLANNED GIFTV A SHARE FOR THE MISSION For the benefit of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception: ?BEQUESTS IN YOUR WILL If LIFE ANNUITIES provide you with a lifelong income enable you to reduce your taxes provide you a way to help our missionaries effectively.NAME: ADDRESS: If LIFE INSURANCE allows you to help generously without prejudice to the interests of your family.It is a capital paid after your death by your insurance company.Your contribution, in the form of insurance premiums, is deductible from your taxable revenue as a charitable donation.Apt :.CODE:______ TEL: (_)___ HEARTFELT THANKS! WE WELCOME ALL REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION.Write to us: Mission Procure Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception 121 Maplewood Avenue Outremont (Quebec) Canada H2V 2M2 Telephone: (514) 274-5691 Fax: (514) 274-3298 ION OF NARY SISTERS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION MAILING ADDRESS: MIC MISSION NEWS 120 PLACE JUGE DESNOYERS LAVAL (QUEBEC) CANADA H7G 1 A4 THANK YOU FOR CHECKING YOU I Offer You My God, I offer You this year which is now beginning.In your kindness, Let it be a long ascent towards you.Let each day find me richer in faith and love.My God, I offer You ail my loved ones for whom my frail heart fears.Do not allow me to fail them But let me, instead, be for them the invisible channel of your grace.My God, I also offer you the immense sorrow of this world, the suffering of innocent children and the burden that weighs so heavily on all.My God, let a spark of your love burst into a flame enlightening our darkness and let the dawn of peace arise this year.Madeleine Danielou (Excerpt from: 366 prières pour toute l'année, éd.Beaudouin, Élisabeth T.Barbier Æi #