Opening Mass by the Rev. Léon Louké
Musicians : Sr. Claire Cardinal at the organ and David Heighington on the violin
Song leader : Sr. Gisèle Lafortune
These same persons animated the liturgy for the Feast of the Assumption and for the closing mass.
Speaker : Leonard Audet, c.s.v. Theme: Branches of the same vine
The Associate receives a special calling to live a charism, that of the foundress, Mother Elisabeth Bruyère. The Associate is called to offer a lay and secular reinterpretation of the original charism. Through their Association, lay persons are called to live the Gospel in the light of a particular charism, in the line of a particular tradition, and according to a special spirit, that of a religious institute. Communion is at the heart of the Gospel message and the witness of fraternal living is one of the fundamental aspects of the mission – a compassion drawn from the heart of the Father which leads to love and service of those most in need.
Evening of sharing : One delegate from each country explains the structure of the groups, the challenges, the successes and the problems encountered. It is a moment of deep listening, of understanding, of solidarity.
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August 14 :
Morning prayer introduces the theme for the day : What are the fruits of the vine ?
Speaker : Luc Tardiff, o.m.i.
The Associate lives out an apostolic missionary life from his/her friendship with Christ according to the charism of the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa. God speaks to us in thousands of ways. To discern his Word, we have the Scriptures, the Church, the Holy Spirit. To experience being loved by God is the foundation at the source of the life of Jesus.
According to Mark : The Kingdom of God , when fully savoured, is Joy, Trust, Openness, Love.
According to Matthew : Jesus teaches us how to live the Kingdom of God , how to become disciples of the Kingdom, how to become a community of disciples.
According to Luke : He is the specialist of the mission and of the here-and-now. The mission is also a question of pilgrimage with the Spirit who gives us energy and dynamism. We are on a journey toward others and with others.
According to John : This is the Gospel of interiority, of symbols, of communion. The Word creates relationship and communion. Our mission is to accept being sent. Dialogue is the way to communion. Communion necessarily passes by way of reconciliation.
Multicultural evening: with appropriate dress • short slide show
Brazil : A Samba pot-pourri presented by the four delegates. From African roots, the samba is prominent during special cultural celebrations and has become a symbol of national identity.
Canada : A power point presentation on the beaver. The beaver is part of our life. It is the official emblem of Canada . It is presented by Johanne Béliveau from the Central Québec group.
United States : Boston Baked Beans presented by Pearl Beauchesne. These oven-baked beansare a traditional Saturday night supper in Boston . For this occasion, they are presented in the form of candy.
Japan : A song for the four seasons performed by the 4 Japanese delegates. In the springtime, the sakuras are in bloom: those who love springtime are those with a pure heart. In summertime, there are flowers: those who love summertime are those with a strong heart. In autumn, the maple leaves change colour: those who love autumn are those with a heart that feels deeply. In wintertime, the earth wears a white mantle: those who love winter are those with a generous heart.
Lesotho : A song with wishes of peace, of rain, of prosperity for the audience and the Mokhibo dance performed by the six delegates.
Malawi and Zambia : The song (Alende Ndi Mame) reminds us that a visitor is like the morning dew. The message: the visitor who knocks at the door cannot leave us with an empty stomach, but rather much happier than when he arrived.
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August 15 :
Mass for the Feast of the Assumption
Speaker : Cécile Renaud, s.c.o. Theme : Bearing fruit for the vine today • short slide show
Bearing fruit can be a challenge today. We notice that in our society what prevails is profit often at the expense of persons. Our goal is to spread life. Jesus is among us. We need to discover together what God is saying to us through this or that person. My own frailty is the only place where God can reach me. God chooses us for a single purpose: to bear fruit (Jn. 15: 9 – 17). It is love that passes from the main trunk and circulates into our hearts. Let us remain on the journey with a passion in our hearts: the compassion of our God.
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August 16 :
Closing mass celebrated by Bishop Roger Ébacher – Multicultural mass
Canada : Entrance hymn and intercessory prayers
Lesotho : Lord, have mercy
United States : Glory to God and Holy
Japan : first reading and the Psalm
Brazil : Offertory procession in Portuguese
Malawi and Zambia : Communion hymn
