Summer Symposium 2024:
Reflections from the Learners
"The Well of Faith" by Teresa Nguyen Thi Thien Huong RNDM
Sister Veronica Dunne began her sharing with a quote by Thomas Berry:
“To tell the story of anything, you have to tell the story of everything”.
This profound statement set the tone for our week together as we explored and shared the rich history of the Canadian province and the steadfast, loving existence of the province over the past 125 years. The metaphor of the well vividly illustrated my experience this week, encapsulating the depth of this meaningful historical journey.
Just as water hidden in a well sustains the plants and earth above, the rich yet simple stories of RNDM’s deceased members, often remembered in our daily conversation, are crucial for uplifting the present and providing a strong foundation for the Ccongregation. Reviewing our sisters’ biographies with a respectful heart, I have drawn from “the well” the gifts of faith, hope, and love, enriching my sense of what “zeal for the Divine Missions” means. These missionaries’ ancestors’ stories and legacies are shared during our study week and have nourished the growth of our RNDM identity throughout cultural and societal history. My appreciation for and study of historical roots have deepened my understanding of how I, as a current member, can “treasure the past” to “shape the future” and fully “embrace the present” in participating in the Congregation’s Divine Missions wherever I am sent and whatever missions I undertake.
When I visited the graveyard and conversed with the deceased sisters, I felt a strong bond and profound connection to them, despite not knowing or seeing their faces. Representing the entire congregation, I thanked these remarkable sisters for their generosity, devotion, and love for God and for building up the RNDM family. It was as if I could hear the water in the well dancing joyfully, tossing with gratitude, and celebrating their contributions to the present. This experience encouraged me to continue carrying on my missions with that same great love and devotion.
Listening to more stories about our ancestors shared by Sisters Claire Himbeault, Melvina Hruska, and Marilyn LeBlanc, I realized that “to tell the story of a person, we have to tell the story of everything that has shaped them.” We are grateful for their unforgettable memorials about our ancestors. Thanks to Sisters Veronica, Carmel, and Margaret Scott, who help bring the water to the surface and refresh the Canadian RNDM earth community.
This remarkable interconnectedness weaves our past and present as we continue writing our history for the future. I felt blessed to discover the deep and valuable “water” concealed beneath the surface and grateful to be a member of the RNDM community.
Canada Province RNDM History by Nwe Ni Oo RNDM
I enjoy listening to and sharing stories about the RNDM Canadian history, particularly in admiring the first pioneer and Canadian sisters and the beginnings of their mission.
Recently, we visited the first Regina graveyard, to find the graves, and to honor our RNDM ancestors. While there, I discovered the grave of Mother Mary St. Joseph (Josephine Buckley), who passed away in 1961. The year of her death touched my heart, as it was our RNDM 100-year anniversary, prompting me to learn more about her life.
Sr. Joseph joined the congregation in her 30s. She didn’t work in schools but was dedicated to the spirit of love and service, caring for boarders and the sick, and excelling in sewing and housekeeping. She was the Portress at Sacred Heart College for many years. At a time when many sisters were teaching, Sr. Joseph took on the essential housework, supporting the sisters, boarders, and the sick. And also her good humor brought happiness to the community, and she dedicated herself fully to the congregation and the reign of God.
I was also very happy to listen to the experiences of Sr. Clare, Sr. Marilyn, and Sr. Melvina, who knew Sr. Joseph and shared stories about her. Through their sharing, I learned more about the first Canadian sisters and those from other countries, and how times have changed since then. I feel that we RNDM sisters continue to follow the signs of the times, responding to the needs of the people and ecological concerns. I feel proud to be a part of Canadian RNDM history and am pleased to be on mission in Canada.
God is Good - All the Time by Maria Truong Thi Thuong RNDM
It has been a profound privilege for me to learn and know more about our Canadian history, a journey that has enriched my understanding not only of the culture and climate but also of the resilient spirits of our ancestors, the Sisters. Reflecting on Thomas Berry’s words,
“To tell the story of anything, you have to tell the story of everything”
I embarked on this exploration with reverence and curiosity. At the beginning of the class, I invited our ancestors to accompany me and to share their stories that have since become a wellspring of inspiration. My heart is full of admiration for their enduring patience, their boundless love for people, their unwavering faith in God, and their remarkable ability to triumph over adversity. Guided by the wisdom and teachings of Sister Veronica, I have come to know the history of the Canadian province more profoundly. Her insights have illuminated paths through which I have connected with the Sisters in the past, and treasure all I have received from the Sisters at this moment.
When we went to the old cemetery to visit our Sister-Ancestors, my attention was immediately drawn to Rev. Mother Mary Imelda du Saint Sacrament. In the stillness of that sacred place, I began a silent dialogue with her spirit, listening intently as if she were there. As I sat quietly on the earth in quiet contemplation beside her gravestone, I felt her power/spirit surrounding me.
After receiving her biography from Sister Margaret Scott, I found myself having more conversations with her. She embodied the true essence of a missionary with love, energy, and a fervent zeal for the mission.
Besides that, I was surprised by how quickly Sister Margaret Scott responded and provided all the information we required. I deeply admire and thank her dedication and the quality of her work. In this case, we walk together.
In addition, we extended the invitation to the three “wise women,” (our Sisters Claire, Marilyn and Melvina) to recount their time living alongside those Sisters who came before us. Their stories were alive, becoming more vivid, with captivating and cherished memories, that deeply inspired me. I could feel the presence of our ancestors who were surrounding us, embracing us with their love and they were proud of us as well. It’s difficult for me to imagine how they managed to survive through harsh winters, lack of food and water. Of one thing I am sure – their profound faith. They placed their trust in God and dedicated everything to fulfill God’s Will. Their stories and steadfast faith encourage me to entrust myself to God’s guidance and move forward without faltering. So I will do my best and the rest God will do. Once again, I thank God for everything God provide for me. God is good- All the time!
Encouragement by Jacinta Dkhar RNDM
I am grateful for the opportunity given to learn, listen, read, reflect, and share as a group about the history of the foundations of our RNDM Sisters, especially to get to know our ancestors who sowed the seeds before they departed into eternity. One thing that touched me was visiting their graves at the cemetery in Regina.
Among the many buried there, for personal conversations I chose Sr. M. Augustine Ota. She was born in Herbert, Saskatchewan, on August 2nd, 1914. At the age of 19, she expressed her desire to meet the Sisters and joined the postulants in Regina, entering on July 29th, 1933. The following year, on February 2nd, 1934, she received her clothing and began her two-year novitiate, making her profession on February 3rd, 1936.
Sr. M. Augustine Ota showed promise of becoming a capable and zealous teacher after completing her college degree, but this promise was never realized. After spending a few years teaching in high schools, and even before her final profession, her health became impaired, and she passed away on January 10th, 1960, at the age of forty-six at Sacred Heart Academy.
As I listened to her story, I discovered the meaning of unity, the vision for the future, the passion for missions, and the joy of giving and receiving. Though she was sickly, she never gave up. For me, her story was one of encouragement to walk humbly, to carry mercy within me, and to feel it above, around, under, and beside me.
A Sense of Gratitude by Pricilla Lugun RNDM
Standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us which I feel is most grateful and a sense of pride and closeness towards the history, when I studied the history of Canadian Province with Sr Veronica. I knew very little -that is to say knew nothing – of where I was standing. But here they were – marvelous women who said yes, just like any other disciples, and set off in the boat waving on the sea. They had created stories, touched many lives and made known God’s word alive and active which will be remembered forever.
One of the most important parts during our studies that touched me, was researching about our sisters who have gone before us, those who came to Canada as missionaries, in the pioneer days of the country. I wanted to know who and how they were, how they looked. What were their desires and ambitions when they came? Did they have enough clothing or did they have good shoes to walk in this freezing cold.
Questions were popping in my head. I studied about the different sisters while learning about Foundress Euphrasie. But now I was looking to know more about the sisters who carried the legacy of Euphraise Barbier in this beautiful Canadian soil. It was not just a step of sisters but it was many steps of many sisters. Thank you to Margret Scott for providing biographies of sisters for us, which were very valuable.
Stories of the early days always sparkle me even though “the early days” has many phases. What I draw on and admire about our sisters is their courage, enthusiasm and willingness to go beyond their horizon. When I went to the grave sites to visit our sisters in Regina, all I could do was to touch the grave-stones in which the beautiful names were engraved, and say
“Thank you dear sister for everything. You have built the city of God and that has been carried through these many years. Your faces were the faces of many, your eyes were the eyes of many and your feet were the feet of many.”
I felt like I was embracing them and seeing them as one united family.
A Bond Divine by Magarita Pham Thi Thuy Giang RNDM
Yesterday…
In the hush of the graveyard’s serene repose,
I stood before RNDMs’ names engraved in rows,
Your names, Mother Mary of Saint Pierre Damien,
And Mother Mary St. Andrew, softly beckoned.
A stirring in my heart, an emotion unnamed,
I yearned to unravel the tales you proclaimed,
What did you live, what paths did you tread?
Where did you journey, what burdens were led?
Last night…
Then last night, from distant Rome’s embrace,
Your brief biographies arrived, a slender trace,
Too little, I thought, to grasp who you are,
Yet in silence, I sought to bridge the far.
Listening to whispers from ages gone,
Feeling your essence, a connection drawn,
Your stories unfolded, painting the past,
I glimpsed the trials endured, steadfast to last.
I grasped your wishes, your unspoken plea,
To cherish the spirit and Charism set free,
This morning…
This morning, gathered with sisters true,
Claire Himbeault, Veronica Dunne, Marylyn LeBlanc, and Melvina Hruska too.
We shared the stories of our pioneers’ bold stride,
Reliving their courage, with hearts open wide,
Laughter rang crisp, mingled with awe profound,
Questions echoed, sobs softened each sound.
In each tale, a flame of spiritual zeal,
Passed down through ages, a legacy real,
Thank you, dear mothers, thank you, sisters’ dear,
For nurturing the fire, years after years.
In pain and in joy, your lessons impart,
We carry your spirit deep in our hearts,
United by the journey, our souls entwine,
As we honor your legacy, a bond Divine.
Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions
393 Gaboury Place
Winnipeg, MB
Canada
R2H 0L5
Phone: (204) 786-6051
Fax: (204) 691-0640