Within the context of the three days of celebration which surrounded this event so important for the Grey Nuns of Montreal and for the entire “Grey Family”, some forty Sisters of Charity of Ottawa participated in the Eucharistic celebration at Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal.
The photos below will allow you to see what we had the privilege of witnessing and experiencing.
The arrival of the Mortal Remains of Saint Marguerite d’Youville, while the bells of the Basilica reverberate. The greeting is done in respect and with veneration.
Rev. Robert Gagné, pss, pastor of the Basilica, welcomes the Mortal Remains of St. Marguerite and incenses them.
The small casket is carried to the front, followed by the members of the extended “Grey Family” while the entire congregation sings the hymn reminding us of her canonization: “All Nations, bless and praise your Name”
After a word of welcome and a brief historical account, the congregation is invited to pray and to venerate St. Marguerite d’Youville by touching the small casket. This time of veneration lasting 45 minutes is done in silence and in prayer.
A message from three pastors is given before the beginning of the Eucharistic celebration.
The Eucharistic celebration begins with a solemn procession and the incensing of the altar.
A word of welcome from Rev. Robert Gagné, pss, pastor, and a message from Sister Jacqueline St-Yves, superior of the congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal “Grey Nuns”.
The Eucharist continues presided by His Eminence Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte, Archbishop of Montreal.
As the presentation of the gifts is integrated into the prayer of the faithful, the various works of the Grey Nuns are symbolized by objects brought forward depicting their ministry to the impoverished in the footsteps of St. Marguerite.
- L’Accueil Bonneau offers its mission logo: believe even with a barren pot; sow with a seeded pot; grow with a leafy plant.
- Marguerite House in Montreal offers a window, symbol of its openness on the community; bread, similar to the bread of life of the Eucharist, symbol of guaranteed sustenance; a vase with varied coloured flowers, symbol of the diversity in the persons it welcomes and the needs to which it responds with compassion; scarves which bind persons together as a sign of solidarity and human warmth.
- D’Youville House of Sharing offers clothing and toys to bring joy to the beneficiaries.
- Bread and wine offered by two persons from the Johannais Community Sharing Center, from St. John.
The Eucharist continues with the offertory and the consecration.
After communion, the Mayor of Montreal, Mr. Gérald Tremblay is invited to speak.
Sister Jacqueline St-Yves thanks all those who contributed to creating a celebration of prayer, veneration and homage to St. Marguerite d’Youville.
The Mortal Remains of St. Marguerite leave in solemn fashion.
The Mortal Remains of St. Marguerite are taken to their new resting place in Varennes, followed by the procession comprising the “Grey Family” and invited guests.
See their website : http://www.sgm.qc.ca/
