PICTORIAL HISTORY
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Pilgrimage to our roots
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Forum 2009
An historical Holy Cross Congregational Event took place in July of this year. Yes, we are referring to Forum 2009 held in Cap Rouge, Quebec where 234 members of the Congregation of Holy Cross gathered. What happened there? What was the impact on the individuals who, in faith, traveled the distance to an unknown place?
We soon experienced as illustrated through the mosaic of the cross that the Sisters, Associates and Companions of Holy Cross from all corners of the earth are indeed One. Actually, our communion only became more tangible through the Forum 2009 which was the fulfillment of the dream of our Central Administration represented here by the heart at the center of the cross.
On September 12, 2009, the Sisters, Associates and Companions of the United States were invited to briefly share a highlight or two about the Forum that most deeply touched them. Thus, another mosaic of the Forum began to take shape within our hearts. This is the message we wish to convey to the entire Congregation.
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What I found most inspiring at the Forum was the enthusiasm, the energy and the focus of the older members of our community. Yes, the young were full of life, but that is part of being young! At our age, it seems we usually take things in stride and follow along at a leisurely pace. But these people were in the midst of the discussions, had fabulous ideas and participated in a most vibrant manner. During the group discussion on Identity, they were even working on the floor with crayons, paints and scissors. We may be old, but we are not dead!
- Janine Blanchard
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My experience of the Forum was one of building, of hope for the future and the greatest was the Spirit of Oneness... Un seul coeur, une même passion – One heart, one passion – Un sola Corazon, la misma passion. In my estimation, the theme of the Forum was well lived, inviting us to live it more fully. . . The cultural evening – the dance of the Haitian Region with the ribbons of different colors – a silent cry. I could see all the Holy Cross Family and the interconnections.
- Cecile Charette
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It is with hesitation that I said “yes’ to the Forum. Yet, it was indeed an experience that goes
beyond words, beyond language, beyond race and even beyond borders. We mingled freely and often spoke only the language of the heart. All in all it was the shortest, long journey I ever took. Some ask, “What difference did it make?” I can only answer , “The change lies within me...”
- Pauline Morneau
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I saw beauty in so many faces of our young sisters: their spontaneity, creativity, joy, commitment
and insight, their love and care for all. We mixed freely. The future is in the hands of the young
but the elders are not forgotten. I saw beauty everywhere.
- Joann Apicelli
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The Forum gave me a new appreciation for our Congregation as being truly involved in a work of resurrection in a very complex world where being counter-cultural is not easy. I went to the Forum hoping to find meaning beyond the camaraderie that I always enjoy at these meetings across regional boundaries. I was not disappointed. For years, I have said a weak “yes” to the future of Holy Cross knowing that in developing countries we were having some vocations to carry on our charism. I came back saying a stronger “yes” to the future inside of me because I realize how everyday, right where I am planted, I do make a difference in a society that so often strikes me as being on the wrong path. The bottom line for me was, “Yes,” we may be only a drop of water in a vast ocean, but the Spirit can do a lot with very little.
- Pauline Maurier
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Sometimes I feared . . . Sometimes I dreamed. The Forum took away fears and brought me to dream. For me the Forum was the key that opened the Garden of Holy Cross to us all over the world. Through the Forum we are invited to rediscover Holy Cross. Letting go of my fears makes me get up and go. I had said this would be may last attendance at a large meeting. That is no longer the case.
- Rachel Jette
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It is with hope that I came home from the Forum. There was much energy there. We have many vocations and much life in our Congregation. Though vocations in the U.S. Region are wanting, we are very alive and hopeful. I am working to learn Spanish to be better able to communicate with my sisters.
- Therese Auclair
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As an Associate of Holy Cross, the Forum was a tremendous experience. It gave me a chance to meet associates from all over . . . We met together and were united with the whole group. We had fun playing cribbage, too because the Forum was a composite of so many things. One has to live the experience to appreciate it. I came back with many ideas for the Associates.
- Shirley Brien, Holy Cross Associate
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The Forum has generated the energy to say clearly and genuinely, again, “Yes, to Holy Cross!” Nancy Schreck’s presence and presentation were exceptional for raising awareness regarding the 21st century world in which we live. It was very affirming that religious life would begin to embrace the very realities we are challenged by and cultivating in our Catholic Schools. Globalization, with all its implications both good and bad is a reality we must embrace.
Prayer and the cultural presentations were profoundly spiritual and moving. They touched the soul, the heart, and the mind and created an experience of the Spirit that is immeasurable.
- Elaine Poitras
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It was an extraordinary experience – wonderfully alive. I was carried along by the joy of it all. The young sisters from around the world were extraordinary. Our bus send off by the young was great, the liturgies were life-giving– the organization was flawless. We are truly all united in our diversity.
- Marguerite Gravel
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During the Forum, I realized how much we are people without borders: Sisters, Associates, Companions, men and women – we are here to support one another!
- Charlene Lavoie, Companion of Holy Cross
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The Forum was a great experience. It proved to me that we must move on. It actually gave me the impetus to move to another state and give my service to Holy Angels Parish.
- Yvette Thibault
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Thanks to modern technology, the transmission of the sessions of the Forum traveled from the computer to the television screen. It was almost like being there. I experienced “One Heart, One Passion” while viewing the presentations. I am grateful to St. George Manor for inviting us to join the group – it enhanced my sense of unity among us as well as my gratitude to God for being a member of the Holy Cross Community.
- Germaine Goyette, Off-Campus Participant
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My experience at the Forum was one of hope. I was encouraged by the energy of our young sisters and by the manner in which they blended in with all of us who have many more years behind us. I was impressed by their well-rounded thorough formation. I saw the future at the Forum – and it looks good!
- Claire LeBoeuf
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One poignant moment of the forum that I will treasure forever is the brief instance when, from the front of the hall I was able to see the entire group gathered together. In one magnificent snapshot, I witnessed the vibrant mosaic of our intercultural, intergenerational, inter-regional reality in a oneness of being, a true union of hearts. It was breathtaking!
- Carol J. Descoteaux, CSC
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I have been deeply touched by the many and varied facets of the Forum. But one aspect that especially struck a profound chord in me was the witnessing of selfless collaboration and participative leadership throughout the week. We were all in this together – each and every one of us fully invested and fully alive!
- Doris G. Gagnon
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After such a rich experience,
it seemed to be too soon to think of moving on!
So it is that
in the glow of candles lifted high,
in song, gesture and prayer,
we responded to the call to go forth
and bring new Light
to the many corners of the world
where we serve God’s people
in diverse ways!
United in Heart and Mind, we say “thank you, God, for the . . .
The Sisters, Companions and Associates of the U.S. Region
