SNJM Associates Closing Mass to Honour Mary - SNJM Manitoba

On May 10, 2023, to mark the annual end of year SNJM associate programme, the Holy Names associates, sisters and friends gathered in the St. Mary’s Academy Holy Names Chapel to celebrate the Eucharist in honour of Mary.

The Liturgy, planned by Margaret Kingdon and Kitty Kelly, began with Kitty leading a litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary which enumerates the many attributes of Mary our Mother, the first disciple of Jesus. Next, all present recited The Memorare asking for Mary’s protection and intercession. During Mass the prayers for the faithful included those for peace in Ukraine and Sudan and prayers for the Associates and Sisters who are ill and those who have gone to their reward this past year.

Celebrant Father Mark Filips reminded us that the Mass is the highest form of prayer in Catholic worship since we come together as the Body of Christ. The dominant theme of the homily and readings illustrated the willingness of Mary to accept God’s will that she become the mother of Emmanuel. She must have been so frightened as she pondered, and with humility, trusted in God’s will. This thought brought to mind for me the words of a Holy Names Mistress of Novices, urging her charges to Soyez disponibles, – ‘be available’.

The liturgy was beautiful and meaningful as we were led, a cappella, by Sister Charlotte in singing the responses, psalms, and hymns. Thanks to all who contributed their gifts. Before the recessional hymn, announcements included congratulations to the SNJMs of the Manitoba Province who were celebrating their Jubilees this year:

70^th Vera Hoelscher and Sr. Louise Van Belleghem
60^th Johanna Jonker
50^th Charlotte Leake

The evening culminated in the parlour where we gathered for refreshments. The camaraderie was palpable! I am sure everyone felt imbued with a sense of commitment to do our best to act as God wills.

By Joy Lussier, SNJM Associate