The spirits of founders Catherine McKinley and Bishop EJ Horan were rekindled by Associate Sheila Burchart (left) and Sister Catherine Cannon.
BY SISTER IRENE WILSON
The Associates’ formation process, titled Renewal and Celebration, was held from September 2012 to September 2014. As the title indicates, it was to be a source of initial formation for new members as well as a renewal and celebration of the charism, mission and spirituality of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul for Associates and Sisters.
The themes to be prayed on were trust in Providence, compassion, service, forgiveness and prayer. We hoped to realize how these were lived out in the lives of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac, Blessed Émilie Gamelin and Bishop Bourget, Mother Catherine McKinley, Bishop Horan, the history of the Congregation and the history of the Providence Associates.
The lead person for each of the presentations was an Associate who worked with a Sister of Providence.
As an interested Associate and one of many presenters of the amazing history of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, I feel truly blessed to have been a part of our “formation process.” The experience was invigorating, enriching and spiritually motivating. Debra Wade
I found the two-year process interesting, uplifting, informative and a real pleasure. All was presented in an easily understood manner calculated to catch our attention. I have learned a great deal. Joan Murray
We explored the history of the Sisters of Providence and their founders and also that of the Providence Associates, getting acquainted with heroes and champions from the past and meeting those committed to the present. It was a time for us to realize what these founders went through. It was astounding and we feel our commitments cemented long into the future. Cathy Bryan
In this day and age with all of the hurly-burly of noise and distractions, I asked myself, when was the last time I experienced a sense of awe? When was the last time that I experienced feelings of admiration and respect for individuals who have, and still do, show such spirituality, gentleness, acceptance and joy? This is what the two-year formation process has meant to me. June Bisset