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Greetings to all Providence Associates, world wide

The Providence Associates of Calgary continue to enjoy their journey of following-in the footsteps of Mother Emilie Gamelin. And despite health and age related problems afflicting a few of our members, we have kept the fire of Mother Gamelin's mission burning in our hearts and at our meetings.

Our group may be small in numbers, but our hearts are in the right place, as each of us strives to lead a good spiritual life, and practise acts of mercy and kindness in our own small way.

Our goal is to value every member in our group, bring out and use, their individual talents and strengths. Members are encouraged to facilitate meetings and be involved in all our group-inspired projects. Prayer, spiritual readings, presentations, and related discussions, are at the heart of our meetings.

In 2017 we had to search for a new location for our monthly meetings. It was a disheartening and stressful time, but we never gave up hope, because Mother Gamelin was watching over us and our Lady of Sorrows interceding for us! After several phone calls and meetings, Fr. John at Sacred Heart Parish, spoke to the Parish Council, and they very kindly and graciously gave us a more than adequate room with kitchen amenities, for our meetings! In gratitude, we gave the parish a Christmas donation, and will continue to contribute as much as we can, towards the Building fund for Sacred Heart Church.

A month after getting our new home at Sacred Heart Church, we celebrated the Renewal of our Commitments. We were blessed with the presence of friends and 5 Sisters of Providence, who made our celebration even more meaningful and special.

Then, in the summer of 2018, we organized a beautiful Spiritual Retreat, with dear Sr. Katrina, of the Divine Mercy order, conducting the Retreat. We invited some parishioners from Sacred Heart Parish, the response was positive. About 25 of us were blessed to hear Sister give us a stirring talk, followed by a question and answer period. This was followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, prayers, including the Divine Mercy rosary (which was partially sung), and Benediction, courtesy of Fr. Daniel. We began the Retreat with a wonderful spread of delicious foods and left nourished both in body and in soul!

Some of our regular yearly group projects we are involved with are, support of prison ministry, bringing joy to the homeless at Christmas with gifts of winter items or hygiene packs, putting together a surprise Christmas food hamper for our local Sisters of Providence, and giving monetary donations to the parish, and various charities e.g., the Red Cross when major disasters occur. This year we will be contributing to the Children’s Shoe Project through Life Outreach International.

Our eldest PA member is Pat Gallagher who celebrated her 95th birthday, and this year 68 years of marriage to her husband Joe Gallagher! Despite severe macular degeneration, Pat is an active member, even making calls to our members reminding them of upcoming meetings. Pat has a gift for Poetry which she composes and periodically recites for us at a meeting. She is well-spoilt, by the group!

Another long-time member who proves her devotion to the group, is Angie Webster who despite having a stroke about 2 years ago, has returned to the monthly group meetings, with the help and kindness of a friend, Ken, now a welcomed visitor at our meetings.

Last, but not least, I must make mention of Sister Evelyn who, when in need, has helped us out on several occasions.

The PAs of Calgary send love and blessings to all their fellow PAs all over the world! Let us pray and support one another, during these difficult times.

Providence of God we thank you for all!

Patricia (Pat) Nex, AP,

Calgary, Alberta (Canada)

Holy Angels Province