MIC mission news, 1 janvier 2004, Janvier - Mars

Afire Afirssfow news JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH 2004 ; 47 MIC MISSION NEWS Mission Magazine published since 1923 by the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception •Directress: Louise Denis, m.i.c.•Editing Team: Edita Telan, M.ii., Céline Cauvin, m.i.c.•Translator: Edita Telan, m.i.c,; •Secretary: Milagros Gomez, m.i.c.•Promotion: Antoinette Castonguay, m.i.c., A team of M.I.C, Sisters and Lay Collaborators •Circulation : Alma Couture, m.i.c., Thi Hièn 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 •PU8LICATIONS-MAIL-REGISTRATION Number: 9645 •Convention Number: 40064029 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.V/www.soeurs-mic.qc.ca VOLUME 31, NUMBER 1.JANUARY - FEBRUARY - MARCH 2004 ontents ^Ldito’iiai Various Callings 3 Céline Cauvin, M.I.C.A Fulfilling Adventure 4 Murielle Dubé, M.I.C.Discovering Their Riches.7 in collaboration with Marie-Josèphe Simard, M.I.C.Towards a Fraternal World 11 John-Paul II Sharing Love and Joy 12 Sabrina da Silva Ten Years Later.14 Interview with Sébastien Bradet Choosing Life 17 Yvonne Ayotte, M.I.C.A Message of Délia 18 Marie-Thérèse Beaudette, M.I.C.A Spirituality that Makes the Heart Sing 19 Suzanne Labelle, M.I.C.Discovering their Riches.A Fulfilling Adventure » H® - C-1 rBsasSig t * t Ten Years Later.Alt’ws; foam and ^Usewheie Along Mission Routes.Youth, the Future is in your Hands John-Paul II 20 22 24 Cover Page : 1.Canada.Missionary Animation.Agnes Mao, M.I.C.(2nd r.).2.Bolivia.Geneviève Corbeil-St-Jacques and a representative of Aymara culture.3.Bolivia.2001.Murielle Dubé, M.I.C.(3rd I.), Madeleine Sanfaçon Tousignant (2nd r.),and the Solidarité-Jeunesse group.MISSIONARY INTENTIONS January That every mission Church may engage itself in the training of personnel for pastoral work.February That in Oceania priestly and religious vocations for evangelization in the local Churches may receive special care.March That in Africa cooperation between missionary Institutes and local Churches may grow with respect for the variety of gifts. Photo : Ulrich Schaffer - with permission, Les Éditions Anne Sigier Inc.S.dit o ti ai m £©[18 What is striking today is not only the extreme diversity of forms of commitments offered to the youth but also the richness of solidarity given them to live on the local level as well as on the more universal.Let us recall the proliferation of humanitarian associations and the increasing number of exposures to other cultures wherein more candidates can participate.How to choose?Each one should have control over his life, discover the way to realize his dreams.This issue of the magazine presents young men and women from the four corners of the world who undertake the journey to commit themselves in an adventure filled with promises.At the source of all these commitments is a call: interior call, intense desire to encounter the other different from oneself, to weave links of humanity, to participate in a development project, to witness the happiness lived out on the journey following Christ, to live one's life as a priest,as a religious missionary.The story of these calls proves to be as rich and varied as the infinity of God.It is God who still calls the youth today to give themselves, share their life.Perceived at the outset in their inner self, this call of God reveals itself more clearly through a response to live among the least fortunate, immersion in another culture or on special occasions for the mission.Describing to us what they have undertaken, these young people speak of encounters, of discoveries, of lessons in life received, of deep convictions, of happiness.This commitment has shaped their being,oriented their whole existence.Reading their testimony makes us aware of what steps were taken to bring them on to witness.values of dialogue, of sharing, of solidarity, of inwardness that they developed.Throughout these pages, an invitation is addressed to »u: take time to welcome these youths and the many others whom you may know, to share with them your friendship, and pray for them.May the light of Christ shine upon you and all those whom you love throughout the year.,1*1.i-c fJ'-SCs oung people commit themselves along the world routes to live solidarity, dialogue with I an experience of faith.To me, they are the new missionaries of this era, prophets of a time, of a Church whose love is as wide as the world.The project Solidarité-Jeunesse, an MIC ministry in Canada, allows young people to steer toward another country to live a marvelous experience of the gift of self and sharing.After 15 years of existence, Solidarité-Jeunesse is keeping well.The groups are succeeding.The missionary stages are lived with enthusiasm and seriousness.In Quebec as well as in host countries, the M.I.C.Sisters wish to continue investing their time, energy, competence for the full success of this important project.Murielle Dubé, M.I.C.has accompanied groups of Solidarité-Jeunesse in Bolivia and Peru.She relates: Mgr.François Lapierre, P.M.E.They are: Mylène, Nathalie, Mélanie, Catherine, Isabelle, Maude, Élise, Marianne, Monica, Marie-Hélène, Caroline, Marie-Ève, Karine, Michelle, Nadine, Johanne, Andréanne, Audrey, Geneviève, Marie-Noëlle, Ann-Marie and Émilie.They are young women full of energy.They have completed their college and started or even finished their university studies.Several among them are now working.One day, they heard an interior call.They felt a strong desire to go to meet others.to be useful.Thus they registered for the project Solidarité-Jeunesse.They then rolled up their sleeves and accepted to undertake a process that would ever change their outlook on life.A Preparatory Phase Year after year, from September to July, a new group of Solidarité-Jeunesse is organized.Then, the process of formation starts.It takes into account the aspirations of each youth, of the group being Bolivia 2003.Cochabamba.Murielle Dubé, M.I.C.(seated front) and participants of Solidarité-Jeunesse.TSfr W-97_ l 92 Bolivia 2001.Cochabamba.Johanne Duquette and some children of Madré de Dios Centre.formed, of the missionary project which one hopes to live out, and the culture of the people hosting the group.The animator, Jeannine Bélair, M.I.C., believes in the potential of the youth of Canada who want to embark on a journey and whose love is as wide as the world.Sister Jeannine who has seen Solidarité-Jeunesse grow, invests time and energy so that the dreams of solidarity of the youth become a reality.And with what enthusiasm and courage these young women dedicate 10 Saturdays toward the preparation of the project! Rain or shine, they gather together, reflect, express their expectations, study Spanish, and gradually discovering this Jesus who invites them to live a missionary project with Him.It is a personal investment where values of dialogue, of sharing, of solidarity, of interiorization have their place -a group investment where they learn how to live in community.An Adventure filled with Discoveries For four years I participate in the project: Solidarité-Jeunesse.I accompany the youth in the preparation of the missionary stage and in their experience in the field as did Mme.Madeleine Sanfaçon-Tousignant during a few years.From 2000- 2002 we went to Sehor de Luren, at lea, Peru, an orphanage that welcomes boys and girls aged 5 to 17.Each time it was a leap into the unknown - new country, new culture - and concrete involvement in a volunteer service.During six weeks life consisted of discoveries and surprises.The usual landmarks change.We had to adapt, seek to understand.We had to establish relationships.We entered into a Bolivia.Children of Mad re de Dios Centre.rhythm of a different life.Here is how the two groups of Solidarité-Jeunesse summarize their experi- il Bolivia 2003.Cochabamba.Geneviève, Emilie, Murielle, M.i.C.and Marie-Noëlle en route to two small villages of the Andes.ence in Peru: At the orphanage, we worked on the personal esteem of the children.We wanted that each one knows about having a value before our eyes, that they are important for us, that they are someone.This is why, whatever be the task or activity to which we give ourselves, there was always much attention given to each child.From 2001 - 2003, we landed in Cochabamba, Bolivia.We worked at the orphanage Salomon Klein that receives children aged 0 - 5 years.Some of us also served at the orphanage Madré de Dios, a service center for young girls and children as well as at the hospital of Cushier of Calqapirhua, in the suburb of Cochabamba.It was a very rich experience, l/l/e lived one intense Peru 2000.ka.At Senorde Luren Home, a working hour with Mélanie Bergeron. Photos : Solidarité - jeunesse month with the children, attentive to give them something to eat, to play with them, to awaken trust in oneself and in others.especially, again and again, to share much affection with them.Our arms were full as well as our hearts! An Adventure that Changes Life Each year, upon returning to our experience, we note how much we have acquired.Truly, we are aware that the assistance extended there is rather modest.However, a certitude remains in us: what counts is not the amount of material gifts but our presence filled with respect.The encounter with the poor people who live real difficulties but remain positive, welcoming, joyful, courageous and generous, challenges us deeply.The way we look at our small or big problem changes.In a letter addressed to us, Isabel says: / am writing you, because I owe you the delightful encounter I lived with the beautiful Peruvians.There are aspects of my life that have changed and I have grown.This trip into the depth of my being gave me the Peru.Children in traditional costume.wi Peru 2000.lea.Time for relaxation at Sehorde Luren Home.Maude and Isabelle Turcotte.Peru 2002.lea.Marianne Monday surrounded by children of Sehor de Luren Home.desire of going still further.I can never say enough to you: Thank you! And Melanie affirms:/m/ss Peru very much especially the children at the orphanage.I often think of them and I hope they are doing well.It's funny that all we have lived together is now a part of myself.In class, at the time of my exposure, I make constant reference to the life of my little friends of the orphanage and I urge my students to mutual aid and to compassion.Upon returning from the 2003 experience in Bolivia, two important projects challenged the group: the need of potable water for the villagers of San Julian and the urgency of a bridge for pedestrians at Villa Naranjo.Thus they all gave time for the project Solidarité-Bolivie.Neighbors, colleagues and friends were invited to participate in a mutual aid funding to support the work of the peasants.When we love, we stand in solidarity, we want the happiness of the people whom we love! Aren't these courageous, dedicated, generous young women the new missionaries of our time, ready to make sacrifices to extend happiness to the brothers and sisters elsewhere whom they have already learned to know and love?This is my deep conviction.* Photo : Ulrich Schaffer - with nermission./ ei Fditinns Annp Sinipr Inr Photo : Ulrich Schaffer - with permission, Les Éditions Anne Sigier Inc Discovering Their # # i .m A wide range of possibilities is available to our youth today.For a minority, religious life wields a real force of attraction and remains a privileged path to live the total gift of self, an intense love for God and for others.Here are four young women who recently opted for the missionary life in our Institute.They share with us their way of seeing the spiritual and community life.Actually there are 80 young women of 15 different nationalities initiated into the religious life in our MIC houses of formation the world over.This formation in 3 stages -postulancy, novitiate and scholasticate -are very important to ensure a fruitful religious life and a significant missionary action.Before definitely committing themselves to our Institute, these young religious live the last year of their formation in our International Scholasticate in Canada, the founding country.Created in 1990, this center has already welcomed 64 scholastics.These young Sisters have drawn from the source of the experience flowing from the heart of Délia Tétreault, our foundress, and are initiated into the life of an international community.Margarette, Charity, Jessica and Robine come from Haiti, Malawi, Peru and Madagascar, respectively.At the end of their early formation period in the missionary religious life, they came to Canada to draw from the very source of our Institute.Certainly, a year of resourcement, as well as a year of initiation to the international community life.A challenge surely! A richness! Margarette Dessous, M.I.C.of IVfaniche, Haiti.She pursues studies in Quebec before returning to her country.Margarette, how did you decide to become a religious?The story of my vocation and experience of my relationship with Jesus, is a mystery and an adventure in faith.Jesus called me and sought me where I was from a rather simple, ordinary family.I had never a Sr.Margarette as directress of our school at Dubuisson, Haiti.« it,.¦ m thought that God would call me in this way.But, one day I heard within myself like a voice inviting me to give myseif to Him and to consecrate my whole life to Him.For me, to answer this call involved me in an extraordinary adventure that I could not even imagine.This year, I have been invited to pursue this adventure at the International Scholasticate of our Institute in Canada.What does this experience consist of?The scholasticate is a time of resourcement before our life-long commitment in the Institute.During this year, we live in a small community composed of scholastics and the formation team.Our communitarian living fosters the deepening of the spirituality bequeathed by our foundress, Délia Tétreault, and helps to balance prayer life and missionary activities.This stage facilitates openness to other cultures within our group while preparing us to live the mission in another country.Various courses help us understand better our commitment as religious in the missionary Church and in the world today.Charity Zimba, M.I.C.of Rumphi, Malawi.Back to Malawi, Sr.Charity inserts herself in the life of the local Church.What was important for you.Charity, during this year in the scholasticate?/ closely looked into my sense of belonging to my religious family, the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception.The centenary celebrations of our Institute, visits to places where Délia Tétreault lived, and meetings with our elderly sisters who have known our Foundress helped me very much to develop a family spirit.We were seven Sisters of six different nationalities: Cuban, Haitian, Peruvian, Malagasy, Canadian and Malawian - to live out this experience of a multi-cultural fraternity.What united us was the same desire to live the Gospel.This international community life enabled us to discover the riches existing in our different cultures.It was an opportunity for each one of us to love her culture even more, and also to recognize, to appreciate that of the other.Such an experience opened me up to new horizons, urged me to get out of my small world to meet each of my companions with her riches, her mentality, her way of being and acting.It is a call to live the difference in harmony, in unity.What were your discoveries on this level?This intercultural experience demands a personal and communitarian conversion of which each is responsible in realizing and making fraternal iove visible that builds up the Church.The different activities of the year have had several advantages.How did you benefit from this year?It helped me find my place and role in my religious family.I was able to better situate myself in face of a life-long commitment as religious missionary and to offer myseif for the mission in another country.I have also discovered that to live my life in thanksgiving, I need to open myself to life and live it fully.all this engenders plenty of zeal and enthusiasm to pursue my journey.l am happy about this confirmation I experienced.I took my formation in my hands and all the means offered to heal me from my wounded-ness.It is with determination that I entered in the reality of my history while being aware of my human condition.Malawi.Sr.Charity during a course for the students of Mzimba.a was thinking, for fear of hurting or not be understood.Thanks to the different sessions and sharings of our actual experience, the path towards the other was opened little by little.Upon my arrival here, I felt proud of my people and of my own culture, and even proud finding it better than the one of the others.But I discovered how every people, every culture is unique.I learned to adjust myself to the rhythm of the others, to their world vision and of the Church, to their style of formation.a process that led me to respect others, to marvel at what others bring.Sisters Charity, Robine, Margarette and Jessica visit the capital of Canada.Allowing each one to know better and facilitate interpersonal relations, made us enter fully in our missionary vocation.And with what happiness I have to share my faith during visits to the parishes, schools, residences for elderly people.I also realized how much our spirituality of thanksgiving favours the integration of all that we are when we live in the light of Marian experience of God's gratuitousness.It is thus what Délia Tétreault invites us when she writes:Tbe main raison d'etre of our Society, is really thanksgiving in union with Mary.i Jéssica Arévalo, M.I.C.of Pucallpa,Peru.Sr.Jessica at present a missionary in Haiti, works in pastoral and missionary animation at Trou-du-Nord.What did the international Schoiasticate enable you to live, Jessica?/ lived a challenging experience on the level of encountering other people, not only with my companions from different countries, but also with the people of Quebec.\Ne were four in the International Schoiasticate.Vie came from four different countries and we had left all that was familiar to us.We were welcomed by those in charge of the project: one Cuban and two Canadian Sisters.The challenge was to live together as real sisters in a fraternal spirit.At the beginning no one dared to say much what she How were you led to the discovery of Quebec?To know Quebec, I took time to read its history and to acquaint myself with its culture.I observed a great deal its people and its civil and religious institutions.It is so much different from the one I know.I found among Quebecers a great capacity to welcome, to open, to respect the others in their cultural, religious, racial differences.In the Church of Quebec, I discovered that those who call themselves Christians are so by choice and not because of a cultural or social pressure.I met very committed persons who are convinced and sustained by a relationship of intimacy with Jesus, i am grateful to the people and to the Christians of Quebec for opening my horizons and teaching me to respect differences.It is wonderful! Through what they are living they have much to say to the world and to the universal Church.- Chile.In mission in Ancud, Sr.Anna Alvarado, M.I.C.and Jessica M.I.C.are involved in catechetics and missionary animation with the youth and children. Boucherville.Missionary animation (standing at center), Srs.Charity and Bobine; Sr.Jessica (2nd r.).r Robine Ranaivoarivony, M.I.C.of Mandrosohasina, Madagascar Sr.Robine takes a course on spirituality and will return to her homeland.Robine, what has been the impact of this year of resourcement on your life?/ have better understood how thanksgiving becomes the locus of integration of my whole life.When I stop to think at which point God loves me gratuitously, thanksgiving overflows more profoundly within me.an act of thanksgiving where I welcome my personal history, where I equally recall the benefits received.I also try to discover the meaning of life in difficult moments as well as in enjoyable times.As well thanksgiving calls me to live the gratuitousness in my relationship with others.I have received all from God freely and that invites me to act likewise with others.It is the way by which Mary herself lived her mission.She was ever available to respond to the call of God and those of her brothers and sisters.It is my turn to joyfully sow happiness and to witness to God's love to those whom I meet.The more I discover this value, the more I dare cross the frontiers that separate me from the others in order to live solidarity and universal fellowship.How does that help you live the mission?/ have understood at which point the spirituality of thanksgiving makes me free, responsible, capable of loving and being loved.That gives me a profound joy.I have also realized at which point this manner of living out thanksgiving enriches my relationship with the others.The way of living in a multicultural fraternity was all a challenge, but I learned not only to better know and appreciate my culture but also to marvel at the cultural riches of my companions and to perceive in them a reflection of the beauty of God.The Scholasticate fraternity.Front: m.i.c.Sisters Marie-Josèph Simard, Monette Ouellette and Margarette.Standing: m.i.c.Sisters Jessica, Charity, Robine.Inset: lleana Grau.Thank you, Margarette, Charity, Jessica, Robine.Your testimony leads us along the pathway of authentic encounters; those from which we learn to give the best of ourselves to God and to others, fully, joyfully.A happy journey to each one of you.We accompany you in your new mission with our friendship and prayers.* © A. Towards a Fraternal World Each one of us belongs to a great family, in which he has his own place and his own role to play.Selfishness makes people deaf and dumb; love opens eyes and hearts, enabling people to make that original and irreplaceable contribution which together with the thousands of deeds of so many brothers and sisters, often distant and unknown, converges to form the mosaic of charity which can change the tide of history.John-Paul II in m by Sabrina da Silva Sabrina has completed a Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry at Concordia University of real.Of Portuguese origin, she is quite lidst of groups th .\M cvO Without knowing too much what awaited me, I agreed to participate in a missionary blitz on March 11, 2003 at Boucherville, in the diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil.The missionary blitz is a new project of Missio Canada.Set up two years ago, it aims to respond to the needs of the dioceses of Canada, especially those in the distant regions, in what concerns missionary animation.In accordance with the request, a team composed of priests, of men and women religious, of lay persons of multicultural origins is sent to arouse a new missionary impetus in the local Church through their sharing of experiences and competency.When the Missionary Pastoral Service asked me to participate in this project, I did not understand the reason why very well.I told myself: / am not really a missionary.There are other persons much more experienced than I in this field.But in the course of the day, I soon realized at which point we are all missionaries since the day of our baptism.Rising early that morning, I told myself I was going on an adventure and, my only luggage, was my love for Jesus Christ and my experience of the World Youth This inukshuk reminds us that the World Youth Day is a real device of orientation for the millions of youth throughout the world.Front, Sabrina da Silva (3,d I.) during the WYD of Toronto in 2002.Day (WYD) in Rome and in Toronto.Our team was composed of a priest and of religious missionaries as well as three youths of the cultural communities of Montreal who had participated in the WYD in Toronto: Fabian Andrés Ballesteros, a Latin American, Loc Lee, a Vietnamese and myself, a Portuguese.We left Montreal to visit two residences for the elderly at Boucherville.Our first stop was at Des Berger residence.The moment we arrived, our hosts, happy to receive a delegation of young missionaries, welcomed us very warmly.Their openness and joy confirmed for me the importance of this mission that the Lord had confided to us.During an hour, we shared our varying experiences, experiences where Jesus had been with us.Because that is what it is to be missionary: to share with others the graces we receive from our best Friend.All along our exchanges on the WYD interspersed with suitable songs, the faces of our hosts lighted up.They were so pleased to see, hear, and touch the young witnesses of this marvelous experience that they could & Photo of the inukshuk: André Leduc Photo of the inukshuk: André Leduc tM I w- Js* en only see on television.They were quite interested to know how these days unfolded which they had prayed so much.Afterwards we had the opportunity to meet individually some residents of this center.For my part, I had an invitation from the most senior member of the residence.Madame Bécotte asked me to accompany her to her room.For half an hour we shared our experience of God's visits in our lives: she in her 96 years of existence; I, during my 25 years of life.This experience was the culmination of my day.This moment of intimacy and sharing with this great grandmother touched me so much that I was shedding tears and my heart was filled with tenderness.Then I had the privilege of having dinner with Madame Bécotte and her table companions.What a day suffused with emotions and exchanging of experiences! We all left recharged with an energy difficult to describe, an energy that gives strength, the will to go forward, to speak of Jesus to the whole world, to let Him act in our hearts.h ‘-4 é, V>.v :• In the afternoon, we took part in a Eucharistic celebration at the Montarville residence.There again we were able to share our experiences and to touch the Pastoral Agents, some residents and missionary team at Des Berges Residence, Sabrina da Silva (standing 3rd I.), Jacqueline Brage,M.I.C.(standing, 1st r.).heart of the residents.It was beautiful to see their faces light up with happiness.On our way back to Montreal, I recalled these marvelous memories.I thanked God for having given me the grace to participate in this magnificent missionary adventure.To speak of Jesus, to share my personal journey with Him and to sing Him thanks -this is my definition of mission.It is a mission that each one personifies a little.It is the mission of all those baptized.'¦son ! ^ Several are asking: Where are the youths who participated in the World Youth Day?What has become of them?Are they still living with this effervescence of love in their heart?Are they still filled with conviction and enthusiasm?Well, I can answer for myself.At the WYD,\saw thousands of youths who believe in Jesus.Unfortunately the hectic life of everyday makes us run too fast.These are the experiences of the mission like the WYD youth activities in the parishes or in the dioceses, in the communities, and for me the missionary blitz.These allowed us to recharge our heart with this spiritual energy that we have all witnessed during the WYD.Would it not be the mission of all Christians to recharge the heart of the youth as well as the less young Sabrina (standing6,i,r.) andthëyouth groupofJÔCÀÏM (Catholic Ibero-AmericanYouth of energizing love of Christ?I Montreal) with Jacqueline Brage, JOCAIM in charge (standing, Is' r.).Sincerely believe it.•!* *0 \ s w- J fa «mnl BIT fer ni H-s-ilL I\ \ An Interview with Sébastien Bradet V Sébastien comes from Saint-Urbain of Charlevoix Region, Quebec.He has just completed his theological studies for the priesthood.On the occasion of World Youth Day (WYD) held in Manila, Philippines in January, 1995, he spent a few days with the Mangyans, a tribal minority in the island of Mindoro.It was an unforgettable, decisive experience! 'Jfctei \ V v \ r -* V N "X- ébastien (2"d r.) and his companions with Lilia Frondoza, M.I.C., Delia Regidor, M.I.C.and Irene Bonpin in a Mangyan village.World Youth Day (WYD) of Manila in 1995.Sébastien, you have had the chance of living out the WYD in Manila.Since then what have you been doing?At the WYD, I was part of the Quebec delegation.We were warmly welcomed by the Sisters of your Community at their school in Greenhills.At that time, the Sisters organized for us a few days of visit among the Mangyans.My experience was so intense that after a year and a half, I returned to the Philippines with two other youths from Charlevoix to live out a missionary experience more in depth during eight months.For the young people in their late adolescence, such project implied a great deal of spiritual preparation much more than material.Before returning to the Philippines it was important for us to give a testimony to the people of my region.Thus, we visited the different parishes of our locality to share our experience and *0 Photos : M.I.C.Philippines involve them in our project.We visited the schools, residences for the elderly, and even the media to expose the reality of the mission that we had discovered as such.What marked you in your encounter with the Filipino people?What marked me in the course of my pilgrimage to the Philippines in 1995, is first of all, the spiritual richness of the Filipinos.I was strongly impressed to discover a Church so young and so dynamic.What a joy to exchange with several youths of my age who shared the same faith and to note the universal character of the Catholic Church! The Filipinos pleasantly surprised me by their joie de vivre and by the importance they give to mutual aid, to the fraternity.This privileged contact with another culture gave me the opportunity to widen my horizons and to see from a different angle the reality of less fortunate countries.Despite a difficult socio-economic situation, the Filipinos witness a joy of living that cannot but surprise a national from countries considered to be rich.It seems paradoxical that in spite of conditions of life that are not always ideal the people keep smiling and remain hopeful.Their good humour never ceased to impress me.In contrast with my culture where human contacts are more restricted, and where one seems to be always on guard, the Filipinos warmly greet even strangers when transacting some business.The youth delegates of Quebec sow com seeds alongside the Mangyans of Mindoro toes*; set 'f; : m : mm i&V ¦ * In the course of my two sojourns to the Philippines, I have had the feeling of being part of a great family concerned about creating and maintaining warm human relations with each and everyone.What have you discovered from the life of the Mangyans?The Mangyans, formerly a nomadic tribe, used to gather fruits and roots of certain trees for food.Because of deforestation, this traditional way of living is no longer possible.Gradually, they try to adapt to the sedentary life and start farming.But their lands present serious irrigation problems.Consequently, they can produce only one rice crop per year compared to three for the neighbouring farmers using modern technology.It goes without saying that the long dry season inevitably brings about each year a famine that adversely affects especially the small children.Most of the Mangyans live in minimal conditions: two or three families live together in the same hut, and one piece of cloth, a kettle and a machete as their only possession.Moreover, they are subject to persecution by some neighbouring low-landers who want to grab their land.At times, they are even deprived of access to public transport and to hospitals.As regards the small village school, it is often closed down because it is difficult to find teachers willing to teach in the area.How did this affect you?The Mangyans gave me great lessons in life.I never saw them feel sorry for their lot nor lose hope.Despite all their hardships they remain joyful.They have really shown me what courage and perseverance mean.Most of them know very little about Christ, and yet they live out Gospel values.What evangelized me is their extraordinary capacity to accept suffering m :/« -*] Sébastien discovers the hard life of the Mangyans.sjpfl: Ricefields of Mangyans during the rainy season.Sébastien has the joy to meet again in Montreal Srs.Delia Regidor, Asuncion Camajalan, Milagros Duque and Flora Capul.without losing hope.I have been really privileged to be able hence to live for a few months with these humble Mangyans.They are an exceptional people for whom I have the greatest respect.My two companions and myself have tried to improve their lot a bit, thanks to the generous donations of the people of Charlevoix.1/1/e installed an irrigation system that operates year-long.As well, we bought medicines and left some money for the young ones gifted to pursue their secondary course.It was very little compared to the wealth of life that we had received.The missionary experience I gained in collaboration with your Sisters in the Philippines continues to nourish me and I regularly refer to it.This experience has also nurtured my Potable water, a precious commodity.desire to become a priest since I had already thought about it before leaving for Manila.On my return to Quebec, I completed my junior college and undertook the steps to enter the seminary.In spite of a strong interest in foreign missions, I understood that the Church here has a greater need for me.After a discernment, I decided to join the military ordinariate of Canada.It is a young and dynamic field offering extraordinary possibilities of evangelization and in which I believe I could bring an interesting contribution.I have already completed my theological studies as well as the different stages on the military bases and on the civil milieux.Actually, I am undergoing training in Saint-Ambrose, Sainte-Marie Médiatrice parishes of Loretteville, as well as in Saint-Gabriel Parish of Valcartier.* At the military base of Uplands, Ontario.Sebastien (2nd r.) Sebastien (3rd I.) and his parents at his right, after the Welcome Rites, during the Welcome Rites of candidates for a diocese.At the military base of Uplands, Ontario.Sebastien (2"d r.) «0 pose, | ,7>2L by Yvonne Ayotte, M.I.C.Members of the group Youth Alive.Malawi in Central Africa is a gorgeous land with a population of 10 million.But for the past twenty years, AIDS has been decimating the population, affecting the youth in particular.Yvonne Ayotte, M.I.C.who is involved in the movement.Youth Alive, shows how the young in the face of AIDS are mobilizing and entering into a dynamic of life and commitment.The epidemic of AIDS in Malawi becomes more and more menacing and a good number of adults and youth commit themselves to contain the plague.There are numerous and various initiatives to prevent the virus and to assist the victims.AIDS stimulates a veritable change of mentality and behaviour.It is necessary to look into the practice of one's sexuality, of affectivity, freedom, solidarity.It is impossible to stop the progress of AIDS if the people do not change their behaviour, says Kay Taylor, a religious working in Uganda.To assist the youth, she puts into focus a particularly effective pedagogy: The Behaviour Change Process, (BCP) also called Education for Life.The movement Youth Alive has adapted the BCP because it makes the youth more mature, more responsible especially that which concerns sexual life.To hold the contagion of AIDS in check, the BCP proposes to the youth the cultivation of habits and ways of acting that promote a healthy life in all its aspects: spirit, body and environment.They learn to analyze their actual reality - values, experiences in life, interpersonal relations - then opt for the new behaviour that it imposes.The support group is vital: it brings to them the support of persons who have values and similar experiences.And through this process, the youth can count on a solid partner in their journey - a God who loves them.I am greatly impressed by the eagerness, determination of the young to raise the challenge of AIDS.They commit themselves fully to this process of formation and education.Moreover, they visit persons afflicted with this disease and assist them according to their means.In Malawi, Youth Alive is really a bearer of hope.• #r Malawi.Seminar on AIDS for the youth of Mzuzu.Yvonne Ayotte, M.I.C.(seated 2nd r.). A IVioSScL Greetings to all the Friends of Délia Tétreault! ( ot The Bureau of the Cause of Délia Tétreault! The term is certainly familiar to many of you.to others it may be new and unknown.It was more than twenty years ago, that the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception decided that they could not keep for themselves the rich legacy given to them by their foundress.They had to share it with the world.The message of Mother Délia is a message of the Good News of Salvation to be shared with those who do not know it.it is also a message of a life to be lived in thanksgiving in a Marian way.Numerous sisters have given their "all" to bring the Cause of Délia to where it is today.Here, we would especially like to thank them as we, the new team at the Bureau, humbly take over the vast work that they have already done.Our Mother Délia was declared Venerable on December 17, 1997 and we are now waiting for the miracle that will permit us to call her Blessed and one day Saint Délia.Many of us often ask ourselves why a person must be declared a "saint".Our postulator, Father Paul Molinari,SJ.tells us: "A saint makes it possible for Christ to live his life in them, to reveal himself in their own unique personalities, and according to the gifts and qualities bestowed on them.Everyone who puts on the mind and heart of Christ radiates his compassion and the power of his attractiveness in their particular circumstances so that they draw others to him through the qualities of his goodness flowing out of them.Furthermore, these people are as human as ourselves in their limitations, their characters, their genius, their capabilities and gifts, their learning and culture.They inhabit the same world as we do, children of the same times, the same human predicament.The difference is that they live in such close contact with him as to be wholly taken up with him, moved and directed by his Spirit.When we come into contact with such people, we experience a lively sense of presence of the God who has turned their lives upside down by the force of his love." Marguerite-Marie Legendre, M.I.C.(2nd l.j, Pauline Longtin, M.I.C.with members of the new team : Suzanne Labelle, M.I.C.(1 " I.) Marie-Thérèse Beaudette, M.I.C.(2nd r.), Gisèle Villemure, M.I.C.Mother Délia is for us such a person who God has led through hills and valleys.She is a person who is our model and inspiration.As we continue our work at the Bureau of the Cause, it is the different aspects of the life of Mother Délia that we want to share with you, dear friends, in the issues to come.Marie-Thérèse Beaudette, M.I.C.We receive at the Bureau of the Cause of Délia Tétreault some very important letters telling us of favours received through the intercession of our dear foundress.We thought you would be interested in hearing about some of these favours.Should you receive a special favour through the intercession of DéliaTétreault, we would appreciate it very much if you would share that favour with us.Our address is: Bureau de la Cause DéliaTétreault 100, Place Juge-Desnoyers Laval Qc Canada H7G 1 A4 -* » iri that fllalces th?Heart An Invitation You who are going your way in quest of happiness.in quest of God maybe.don't go by without reading this road sign: Pathway to Infinity.A pathway with no pretence at all.No pretension other than giving a few hints on how to get closer to your aim, on how to grow in friendship with that God who is attracting you and waiting for you, wishing to accompany you as far as the end of the road.This pathway, no doubt about it, is a Gospel way,following Him who first led His disciples to His Father.It is a way of joy and thanksgiving, hand in hand with Jesus filled with joy and giving thanks to God who reveals to children, to ordinary people, these things: the secrets of His Kingdom and of His own intimacy.It is also a way of the Spirit, Spirit of the Father and of the Son, which has inspired numerous pilgrims through the ages.Thus, it is an invitation to live the Christian spirituality with joy, an invitation to all persons of our time and of all times: of all ages, sex, colour, surrounding, culture, language.especially for you dreaming of encountering God in the most intimate of your daily life.A Dream Délia Tétreault, a woman of our time, dreamt as we do.One day, she perceived in a childish dream an answer to her longing.A vast field of wheat was waving its stalks while the ears were turning into heads of children of every race and colour: children who did not yet know the God of Jesus Christ.As an adult, Délia wrote: God has given us everything, even his only Son.What better way of making return than to give him children, chosen ones, who will sing his goodness throughout the centuries.An Itinerary What better way of getting closer to God than to share the mission of his Son Jesus, sowing the Good News around us! For that, first of all, we should listen to the Good News, while taking the following steps: •greet it in us as a seed of life; •let it transform us; •share it: in word, if it is suitable, or simply through our being and behaving, in our everyday life.A First Step The first step to take will be in the next issue! But until then, since you are eager to explore the pathway ahead and that you do not want to mark time, here are a few warming up exercises: •once in a while during the day, be attentive to the motives of marvelling and rejoicing within you; •write them down in a notebook, if you feel like it.•look for some occasions in the Gospel, when Jesus marvels and gives thanks.Have a good start in your journey! Suzanne Labelle, M.I.C.qjj) Photos: M.I.C.Japan AJ g au & & yy\