2011-2012 HIGHLIGHTS

REBUILDING COLLÈGE MARIE-ANNE

Groundbreaking ceremony
“Laying the cornerstone”

The groundbreaking ceremony for the rebuilding of Collège Marie-Anne, destroyed in Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake, took place on January 21. For the past two years, classes have been held in makeshift premises. The rebuilding of the college, located in Port-au-Prince, will be done with the assistance of the Tzu Chi Foundation, a Taiwanese Buddhist relief organization set up by the Venerable Cheng Yen in 1937. The Foundation’s name means “serving with compassion.” According to Dr. William Keh, CEO of Tzu Chi USA, some 36 donor countries have contributed so that the work can be carried out. The donation to the college is an important initiative as well as a significant financial commitment.

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SSA INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL JUSTICE CENTRE/SSA SOCIAL JUSTICE OFFICE

Participation at the UN Social Development Commission

In February 2012, as part of a delegation from UNANIMA International, Renaude Grégoire from the SSA International Social Justice Centre/SSA Social Justice Office took part in this Commission, which focused on the theme of eradicating poverty. The positions taken by numerous NGOs (non-governmental organizations) that are associated with religious orders show that religious communities are committed to challenging the advanced nations to do more for the very poor. Reminding the powerful of their responsibilities to deal with the difficult situations being lived by the poorest members of the global family, women and children, persons with disabilities and the marginalized: isn’t this exactly what Marie Anne Blondin would have done today? 

Sister Lucille Goulet at UNANIMA International

In March 2012, Sister Lucille attended the meeting of the Board of Directors of UNANIMA International as the Congregation’s representative.

The meeting was an opportunity to discuss preliminary work for the upcoming Rio+20 UN conference taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 20 to 22, which will bring countries together to discuss sustainable development, poverty eradication and green jobs.

MARIE ANNE BLONDIN CENTRE

The spring 2012 issue of the Message of Marie Anne Blondin, is now available online by clicking here. You can also get a paper version by calling the Marie Anne Blondin Centre at 514-637-3783, ext. 207.

IVANHOE CAMBRIDGE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

The Ivanhoe Cambridge Award of Excellence was presented to the Sisters of Saint Anne for having built and beautifully maintained the magnificent convent complex along Saint Joseph Boulevard in Lachine for the past 150 years. These more than century-old buildings bear witness to the Sisters’ presence and dedication in Lachine, as well as to the sacrifices these pioneers had to make. They are also a visible reminder of the commitment of the people of Lachine to the Congregation.

A tour of the Sisters of Saint Anne Historic Centre is an excellent opportunity to trace the journey and hard work of sisters who have influenced several generations as teachers, nurses and missionaries.

STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY FOR web BROADCASTING

Brother Daniel Cadrin, OP, Director of the Dominican Institut de pastorale in Montreal, was the first person invited to give a conference using webcasting technology in order to reach a wide audience in three languages: French, English and Spanish. Sisters living in the U.S., Chile, Haïti and Canada were able to take advantage of Br. Cadrin’s teaching and participate in the discussion that followed. This was a rewarding experience and one that will be repeated in the coming months.

SISTERS OF SAINT ANNE REPRESENTED AT UNANIMA INTERNATIONAL

The Congregation’s representatives, Sister Lucille Goulet and Ms. Renaude Grégoire, from the SSA Social Justice Network, were in New York in September to mark the 10th anniversary of UNANIMA INTERNATIONAL. Because of their involvement in the Social Justice Network, they will do the follow-up on the meeting. For more information, please click here or see the latest issue of the “Just News” newsletter.