Did You Know ... Gingko Tree

The Gingko tree has great significance for the Cluny Sisters. The tree pictured to the right was planted in 1848 by Blessed Anne-Marie Javouhey on the Motherhouse grounds in Paris, France. Firmly rooted in the fertile earth, exposed to sun and wind, this gingko has flourished for over 160 years.

The Ginkgo tree is seen as a phenomenon, a wonder of the world. It is an object of veneration, a sacred tree of the East, a symbol of unity of opposites. By some it is seen as a symbol of changelessness, possessing miraculous power, bearer of hope and of the immeasurable past, a symbol of love. Because of all its properties it is associated with longevity, peace, hope and healing.

Remembering Sister Rose Roffelsen

Sister Rose went peacefully to God at St. Clare Home, Newport, Rhode Island, on February 21, 2012. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, August 26, 1920, Sister Rose entered religious life on October 3, 1953 and made her first vows on August 22, 1956. Sister Rose spent the first 30 years of her religious life in Newport. Rose taught Music, Piano, Singing and History, seven of those teaching years spent at Cluny School. She also shared her musical talents at St. Augustin Parish, Newport and visited the sick and elderly at Village House. In 1986, Sister Rose was missioned to Hamilton, Ontario where for 17 years she continued her ministry to the sick and elderly at Versa Care Centre. Rose was a member of the Canadian Society for the Blind and a long time supporter of the Xavier Society for the Blind. Sister Rose spent the last seven years of her life at St. Clare Home, Newport. Rose is predeceased by her parents, William and Anna Roffelsen, and her five brothers and one sister. She is survived by many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and nieces, great-grandnephews and nieces, and cousins. She will be missed by her family, friends, and all the Cluny Sisters around the world. Special thanks to all the staff of St. Clare Home for their loving care of Sister Rose.

Lenten Resources from RENEW

RENEW INTERNATIONAL is one of our places of ministry. They too offer lenten resources. Lenten Longings for the Life of the World invites us to "make a six-week retreat by exploring the Sunday readings of Lent. Simple language and everyday metaphors steep you in the season's promptings to surrender self, work for justice, and deepen prayer life." Go to www.renewintl.org for more information.

Lenten Reflections

Partnership for Global Justice (our NGO) has sent the following Lenten resource to us. We would like to share it with you.

EcoLenten Series   www.lent45.org

The Passionist Earth and Spirit Center has developed a Lenten Series that focuses on God’s creation.  Lent 4.5 identifies Christian Simplicity as a meaningful way to experience Lent and informs and inspires communities on how to use prayer, fasting and almsgiving to care for God’s creation. The title “Lent 4.5” refers to our pattern of consumption in that from 4.5 acres each of us would have to find everything we need to support our life:  food, home, energy, transportation, clothing, appliances, cars and gadgets.  Topics such as: Compassionate Living, Food buying and consumption, Water conserving and protecting, Energy efficient and clean, and Transportation, are offered as weekly themes. Each weekly theme has five pages: 

• Introducing the Issue
• Action Steps – What You Can Do
• What the Church is Saying – Catholic Church 
• What the Churches are Saying – Christian Churches
• Steps Continued – Additional Resources

May your lenten journey be filled with grace!

February issue of STOP TRAFFICKING (co-sponsored by Cluny Sisters) now available for download at www.stopenslavement.org.  Help put an end to this modern day slavery!

Cluny Sisters close Year of Celebration

Sisters bury time capsule

Sister Julianna Alexander, Provincial greets Bishop Harris

Click on the following link to read all about the celebrations.  Archbishop at closing of Cluny Sisters’ 175th anniversary celebrations: Catholic schools for everyone - Feb 5  More Pictures HERE!

February Cluny Calendar

 

Visit the websites highlighted on our February calendar: International Justice Mission: Canada and World Vision Canada.    For a larger view of the calendar pages click on the above images.